Multistatic Modular Real‐Time MIMO‐SONAR Systems

ABSTRACT Mulitstatic SONAR networks (MSNs) have the potential to improve the imaging quality of underwater areas due to the increased degree of freedom. The additional signal processing required for such a network of distributed SONAR nodes compared to monostatic SONAR systems is presented. An equalisation technique for bistatic processing of coherent and incoherent setups as well as elliptical linear interpolation techniques are described to provide adequate imaging. Methods to merge the gathered data before detection and tracking algorithms are listed. A real‐time modular SONAR imaging system is equipped with the presented algorithms. Simulations as well as measurements in a real harbour environment are performed, and the results show the capabilities as well as the advantages and drawbacks of such MSNs in contrast to conventional SONAR systems.