Minimum Cost First Algorithms for Multi-Function Phased Array Radar Scheduling

Earliest Start Time (EST) and Earliest Deadline (ED) are two classical radar task scheduling algorithms, where task priorities are not considered at all. In this paper, we propose the Minimum Cost First (MCF) algorithm which considers both the task priority and start time, choosing the lowest individual cost. As a result, the scheduling performance is significantly improved. Furthermore, we expand the MCF algorithm to be based on the minimum overall sequence cost, i.e., the Enhanced MCF (EMCF). Computer simulation confirmed the performance of the two new algorithms, showing that the costs of MCF and EMCF are 3 times and 6 times respectively, better than that of EST. Their computation times are only 0.2 ms and 3 ms respectively, both suitable for real radar scheduling.