Modeling phase noise estimation in air borne pulse Doppler RF sensor using range correlation and inline flicker

Abstract In this article, a qualitative work has been carried out based on airborne pulsed Doppler (PD) RF sensor consist of its operational requirements in terms of phase noise modeling and associated contributing factors. Precise and efficient theoretical modeling of phase noise requirement for airborne-PD radar or long-range RF sensor is presented. This work also emphasis on the limitation of conventional phase noise modeling practices used for PD RF sensor. An improved equation has been derived for accurate phase noise estimation considering the range correlation effect and inline flicker contribution on residual phase noise requirement. Random vibrations causes increase in phase noise level around low frequency offsets region in local oscillator. The proposed phase noise model is efficient enough to counter phase noise degradation at lower frequency offsets. The proposed model is also experimentally validated. Improved modeling offers benefit in reducing the stringent RF sensor phase noise specifications at close-in frequency offsets using range correlation effect and precise inclusion of inline flicker contribution. Present work can be used to mitigate random vibration effects at close-in phase noise offsets, which avoids complex stabilization practices and stringent oscillator design phase noise specification.