Quantifying Performance Benefit of Adaptive Active-Passive Mode-Switching Using Experimental Data

In this paper we investigate the potential benefits of implementing an adaptive active-passive mode-switching algorithm to a multi-function radio frequency (RF) system for sensing. This research was performed using experimental radar data captured during a trial of a hybrid active-passive capable software defined radio (SDR) based radar. An outline of the system used during the experiment is included within the paper, as well as an overview of the experiment itself. Details of the post-processing performed on the data and results produced from running the algorithm on the experimental data are shown. The performance benefits of a real-time application of the algorithm are quantified and verified in the form of figures and tables. In some cases a 60% reduction in active transmission time is realised, as well as a 20% increase in mean SNR over time when compared with data not implementing the algorithm. The strengths and limitations of the algorithm in its current form are discussed as well as directions for future work.