Generating Waveform Families using Multi-Tone Sinusoidal Frequency Modulation

Abstract: This paper presents a method for generating a family of waveforms with low in-band Auto/Cross-Correlation Function (ACF/CCF) properties using the Multi-Tone Sinusoidal Frequency Modulated (MTSFM) waveform model. The MTSFM waveform's modulation function is represented using a Fourier series expansion. The Fourier coefficients are utilized as a set of discrete parameters that can be modified to optimize the waveform family's properties. The waveforms' ACF/CCF properties are optimized utilizing a multi-objective optimization problem. Each objective function is weighted to place emphasis on either low ACF or CCF sidelobes. The resulting optimized MTSFM waveforms each possess a thumbtack-like Ambiguity Function in addition to the specifically designed ACF/CCF properties. Most importantly, the resulting MTSFM waveform families possess both ideally low Peak-to-Average Power Ratios (PAPR) and high Spectral Efficiency (SE) making them well suited for transmission on practical radar transmitters.