Passive Coherent Location as Cognitive Radar

Abstract

Cognitive Radar describes a generic radar system that is capable of adapting its transmission waveforms and cooperation with other sensors[1] in order to achieve superior detection, recognition and tracking of targets. For example, the sensors of a cognitive radar system might use the illumination signals to carry broadcast data, allowing the sharing of target information. In this paper we postulate that it would be possible to implement a cognitive version of Passive Coherent Location (PCL) which has much in common with the broad cognitive radar concept, but adapts only to the waveforms it senses in the environment, and exploits those that are most useful to it for target detection. In addition, it would model the terrain to improve coverage and provide countermeasures against direct signal saturation. By its name, PCL does not transmit, but relies on emissions from other radiating systems, such as broadcast services, other radars, cellular radio, WiFi, and so on. It is clear that such a system, consisting of multiple, cooperating receivers, can achieve excellent performance in the presence of deliberate jamming, difficult terrain and attempts at target stealth. In the civilian radar domain, the technology offers opportunities for bandwidth conservation[2].