Phase Noise and Dynamic Range in Radar Arrays

In this work, the phase noise-induced sidelobes that limit radar dynamic range are analyzed. An analytical framework that maps circuit-level parameters to a stochastic model of local oscillator phase noise in a radar array is developed. The model is used to analytically predict phase noise-induced sidelobes for a variety of radar configurations. The effects of range-Doppler-spatial processing are quantified and related to code-dependent parameters for FMCW and PMCW radars. Analytical expressions are verified with time-domain stochastic simulations, rigorously defined using the theory of stochastic differential equations. A link budget example for an automotive MIMO radar is provided, demonstrating the utility of the analytical framework in determining the required local oscillator phase noise for a desired radar dynamic range.