Radar Target Simulation using Calibration Lines of Active Phased Array Antennas

Radar target simulators are essential for calibration of the radar as well as testing of various performance parameters relevant to radar subsystems. Conventional target simulators include external systems which are positioned at the far field of radar antenna. A target simulation technique is presented in this work which can simulate multiple targets with variations in range, doppler, echo strength, azimuth etc and act as an effective means for testing radar performance using the existing antenna calibration lines of the modern phased array radar. It thus forgoes the need of additional hardware for target simulation. Target waveform modulation is maintained same as that of the radar transmit waveform. The proposed target simulator is reconfigurable to simulate multiple targets with varying range, azimuth and doppler effects. Targets can be simulated for different trajectories. This feature can be extended to test the signal and data processor and other subsystems of the radar in the laboratory, extensively.