Fractional Fourier Transform Based Co-Radar Waveform: Experimental Validation

A Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) based waveform design for joint radar-communication systems (Co-Radar) that embeds data into chirp sub-carriers with different time-frequency rates has been recently presented. Simulations demonstrated the possibility to reach data rates as high as 3.660 Mb/s while maintaining good radar performance compared to a Linear Frequency Modulated (LFM) pulse that occupies the same bandwidth. In this paper the experimental validation of the concept is presented. The system is considered in its basic configuration, with a mono-static radar that generates the waveforms and performs basic radar tasks, and a communication receiver in charge of the pulse demodulation. The entire network is implemented on a Software Defined Radio (SDR) device. The system is then used to acquire data and assess radar and communication capabilities.