Steady-State Performance Analysis of Tracking Filter Using LFM Waveforms and Range-Rate Measurement

Abstract

The steady-state performance of a moving-object tracking filter is theoretically analyzed, assuming the simultaneous measurement of the range and range-rate (RRM system), and the use of linear frequency modulated (LFM) waveforms (RRM-LFM filter). An efficient analytical steady-state performance index, called an RMS index, is derived for the RRM-LFM filter to clarify the steady-state range prediction errors, theoretically. Using the derived RMS index, the optimal performance of the RRM-LFM filter is analyzed. The performance variation due to the use of LFM waveforms is clarified for the RRM tracking system. The theoretical performance analysis verifies that the measured range-rate significantly improves the tracking accuracy, compared to the conventional range-only measuring LFM tracking filter. Furthermore, the quantitative relationships among the measurement accuracy, degree of target maneuvering, and steady-state range prediction errors are clarified to validate the effectiveness of the RRM-LFM filter.