Model-based technique for super resolution and enhanced target characterization using a step-frequency radar: a simulation study

In this investigation, the signal reflected by a target to the step-frequency radar is processed using both non-parametric and parametric approaches. An autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model of the reflected signal is first used to estimate the location of the targets. Then, an extended Prony's method is used to estimate the magnitude of the reflection coefficients of the targets. These model-based approaches are found to provide super resolution and improvement in target characterization as compared to a conventional non-parametric approach. Several simulations are made to compare the performances of these methods.