Rule-Based Scheduling for MPARs Performing Sensing and Communications

Multifunction phased array radar (MPAR) is capable of performing sensing and communications by functionally grouping a phased array into tailored sub-apertures, each dedicated to a distinct task. Because of limited available resources, such as bandwidth, power aperture product, and time, it is important to properly allocate them to each sub-aperture. This article examines a rule-based task scheduling algorithm wherein communication (COM) looks are employed to fill the vacant time left by the radar tasks that are allocated first (namely, volume and cued search, update and confirmation tracking). The allocation of looks is carried out for each time slot based on task priorities; however, some tasks (i.e., volume, cued, and COM) are executed in parallel when the available bandwidth and power-aperture product (PAP) permit. Simulations conducted in scenarios demonstrate the validity of the proposed allocation strategy in terms of bandwidth utilization and time occupancy.