A Novel Sparse Frequency Radar Waveform Employing Multi-frequency Component Processing

Traditional radar systems typically use wideband signals but have limited anti-jamming capabilities. Sparse frequency waveforms offer a solution to narrowband interference issues. However, existing sparse frequency waveform design methods often handle the entire signal uniformly, resulting in fixed frequency notch positions and limited waveform flexibility. In this paper, we propose a new method for optimizing sparse frequency waveforms. While maintaining constant waveform pulse width and range resolution, we increase the degree of freedom by extending the length of phase coded signals. Pulse compression is applied to each frequency band component with the objective of minimizing sidelobes, using the minimax algorithm based on sequential quadratic programming (SQP) to obtain optimal phase coded waveforms. Simulation results demonstrate the method’s capability to flexibly design sparse frequency waveforms and reduce pulse compression sidelobe levels.