Signal Accumulation and Parameter Estimation for Target Detection on Dual-Function Radar and Communication System

Spectrum competition and hardware complexity inherent in communication and radar systems can be alleviated by a dual-function radar communication (DFRC) systems. However, enhancing detection capabilities for maneuvering or weak targets remains a significant challenge, as traditional radar signal accumulation algorithms are not directly applicable to DFRC systems. This article proposes a novel method that integrates signal accumulation and parameter estimation for target detection in DFRC systems. The approach employs an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform within a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) framework, enabling the detection of high-speed or weak targets through a computationally efficient signal accumulation process. The proposed method comprises three key steps: first, the designed signals combined with the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm for target angle estimation in the spatial domain. Second, a two-step signal accumulation process is introduced, which separately extracts range and velocity information for weak or high-speed targets. Third, acceleration is derived based on velocity information and accumulation time. We present explicit expressions and detailed analyses of various performance metrics, including accumulation output response for high-speed targets, multiple target scenarios, and cases with low-signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Additionally, Cramér-Rao bounds (CRBs) for azimuth, range cell, and velocity cell estimation in DFRC MIMO-OFDM systems are derived. Simulation results validate the proposed method, demonstrating its superior target detection performance compared to existing techniques.