Date of Award
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Committee Chair
Laurie L. Joiner
Committee Member
W. David Pan
Committee Member
Merv C. Budge
Subject(s)
Tracking radar, Air defenses, Radar defense networks, Image processing--Digital techniques, Radar in aeronautics
Abstract
This thesis investigates multipath interference effects in low-elevation angle tracking. At low elevations, multipath interference causes angle tracking errors and loss of track in the worst cases. For this study, a detailed angle tracker model uses a linear phased array antenna, monopulse processor, and servo track filter to produce an angle track on a constant speed, low-elevation target. Using this model, the angle tracking error is analyzed for multiple radar frequencies. As the frequency is increased, the error fluctuations become more rapid and degrade the angle track. Also, a combined range and angle tracker model was simulated that uses alpha-beta filters instead of a servo filter. The range track is not significantly affected by the multipath. However, the angle tracker becomes unstable and begins tracking the reflections from the earth's surface instead of the target.
Recommended Citation
NeSmith, Dena, "Multipath interference in a target track radar" (2014). Theses. 79.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/79
