Target Detection Using Space Time Adaptive Processing

The radar system uses space time adaptive processing as a type of signal processing technique. STAP uses antenna array with multiple channels to obtain two dimensional filtering. In ground moving target indicator system(GMTI),the echo is received by the radar from the target, these signals received not only contains the reflected echo from the target but also contains the ground returned signals, the ground returns are called as clutter. The total returned clutter is stronger in amplitude than the returned echo from the target, this poses a challenge for target detection in the presence of clutter and jammer interference, as this clutter signal's energy fills all range bins, clutter filtering is a critical part of ground moving target indicator (GMTI) system. Jamming signal is also a significant interference source to radar. STAP, filter the signal received in angular and Doppler domains to suppress both the clutter and jammer returns. The main goal of STAP is to reduce clutter and null the jammer interference.