An Advanced Real-Time Internal Calibration Scheme for the DBF-SCORE Spaceborne SAR Systems

Based on Digital Beamforming (DBF) technology, spaceborne SAR systems can achieve high-resolution and wide-swath (HRWS) imaging. When combined with reflector antennas, the DBF-SCORE (Digital Beamforming-SCan On REceive) system also features light weight and low cost, making it an important choice for spaceborne HRWS SAR. This paper firstly proposes an advanced Full-chain Real-time Internal Calibration (FRIC) scheme, where the calibration path covers the entire receive chain from the antenna feed port to the input port of the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and achieves high-precision internal calibration concurrently with data acquisition. Secondly, based on the L-band reflector antenna DBF-SCORE system architecture, the design of radio frequency (RF) front end, namely the Transmit-Receive-Calibration Module (TRCM), is carried out. We propose the implementation of azimuth encoding modulation of the calibration signal through periodic switch control within the TRCM. Subsequently, the calibration signal is extracted using waveform diversity technology and its Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is improved through azimuth coherent integration technology. In addition, a ground verification system is established using the TRCM to evaluate the comprehensive performance of transmitting, receiving, and real-time internal calibration. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the FRIC scheme and provide valuable insights for future spaceborne DBF SAR systems.