Synchronization Performance of L-Band Staring Radar with Different GPSDOs

Synchronization has been one of the key challenges towards achieving coherent networked radar. In this paper, we are using an L-band staring radar testbed of two sensors operating in the urban environment to assess the impact of global positioning system (GPS) Disciplined Oscillators (GPSDOs) on network synchronization. The testbed was set up to operate with identical pairs of GPSDOs and bistatic data was collected for static clutter and controlled drone flights. GPSDOs that were experimentally tested were the Leo Bodnar, Thunderbolt-E and LNRCLOK. It is demonstrated that the different qualities of oscillators can give various levels of radar performance. The performance is analyzed with respect to phase error for static targets, background noise floor in urban regions and target detection performance. It is shown that the choice of GPSDO can provide up to 20 dB improvement in SNR for slowmoving drones in high clutter.