Path-loss compensation in through-the-wall radar imaging

Abstract

In through-the-wall radar imaging (TWRI), path-loss can result in misleading targets. The fact that distant targets experience more path-loss than near targets is an essential feature of propagating signals. This paper proposes a path-loss compensator, which reverts the unavoidable loss in power by using different path-loss models. This will be effectively done by developing and incorporating the path-loss compensator matrix. The signal model is generalized so that it includes the front wall reflections. Many research papers in the field do not account for the differences in the propagation losses of the paths due to its complexity and mutable behavior, which can bring great difficulties to establish distance path-loss model. Simulation and experimental results are presented to show how the proposed approach can efficiently compensate for far targets and thus enhancing the signal-to-clutter ratio and reducing the normalized mean square error.