Optimal Detection and Ambiguity Function of Hybrid Distributed MIMO Radar

This paper proposes a notional radar concept, named hybrid distributed multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radar, which brings together the distributed MIMO radar concept and the phased-array (PA) radar one. In particular, the hybrid distributed MIMO radar is composed of K sub-arrays which are randomly distributed with wide separations. Each sub-array consists of Q all-digital colocated antenna elements with T/R modules separated by half-wavelength inter-element spacing. In the transmitting end, each sub-array operating as a PA radar, is driven by an independent waveform that is orthogonal with waveforms transmitted by other sub-arrays. In the receiving end, the reflected signals are received by all elements in the whole array and jointly processed. The hybrid distributed MIMO radar is a promising technique, due to its capability of providing spatial diversity gains and high resolutions. In this paper, as the first stage of studying the target detection and localization problem for hybrid distributed MIMO radar, we present its signal model, and then develop the optimal detection theory and ambiguity function. Finally, sufficient numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed radar system.