An Overview of Frequency Diverse Array Radar Technology

Abstract

The carrier frequencies of array elements in a Frequency Diverse Array (FDA) radar are slightly distinguished, leading to a range-angle-time-dependent transmit beampattern. Thus, an FDA radar carries additional information in a certain range and provides more flexibility in signal processing and new technical issues. FDA is covered by scope of the general waveform diversity concept. This paper overviews the state-ofthe-art FDA technology and its radar applications. From the viewpoint of the general radar system theory, we mainly introduce the coherent FDA and orthogonal FDA frameworks. The orthogonal FDA is also referred to as Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar using FDA or FDA-MIMO radar. Key applications in antijamming and issues related with range ambiguity are addressed. We also outline the challenges in FDA radar applications and several interesting research topics.