SNR and Resolution Improvement Algorithm with the Concatenation of Multiple Chirps for FMCW Radar

Abstract

This letter proposes an algorithm that improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and resolution of frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar systems by using concatenation among multiple chirp signals. In FMCW radar systems, increasing the bandwidth is necessary to improve the range resolution. The proposed algorithm enhances the frequency estimation resolution without the use of additional bandwidth by concatenating short chirp signals to create longer signals while also improving the SNR by combining multiple chirps with different noise components. To prevent discontinuities during the concatenation process, the proposed algorithm uses cross-correlation between the end of one chirp and the beginning of another. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in improving both the SNR and resolution. © 2023 IEEE.