Phase Synchronization Errors on Near-Space Passive Bistatic Radar Imaging

Near-space passive bistatic radar involves a passive receiver placed inside a near-space platform is in conjunction with one opportunistic illuminator. This spatial configuration has many operational advantages such as improved capability, reliability, and flexibility. However, high-precision phase synchronization must be ensured. So accurate simulation of phase synchronization errors is of great importance during designing and developing of near-space passive bistatic radar systems. This paper concentrates on the prediction of phase synchronization errors due to limited oscillator frequency stability between opportunistic illuminator and passive receiver. With statistical models of phase noise, an analytical expression of phase synchronization errors is derived and some simulations are performed. Moreover, the impact of phase synchronization errors on bistatic radar imaging performance is investigated. Simulation results show that phase synchronization errors may degrade the imaging performance greatly and some synchronization compensation techniques should be developed. Hence, some possible solutions are investigated.