Target Identification Capability of Swept Frequency Automobile Radar 780261

Theoretical and experimental results of an initial study of X-band swept frequency radar as a means of target discrimination for automotive radar are presented. A simple analytical model is used to demonstrate that the frequency dependence of radar returns from an object is related to the number and position of its scattering centers. Experimental measurements show that obstacles such as oil drums and road signs are simple targets comprised of a single scattering center while automobiles are very complex targets having a large number of interacting scattering centers. Analysis of the data indicates that X-band swept frequency radar has the ability to distinguish between simple and complex targets; however, targets posing potentially serious hazards cannot be distinguished from those which do not.