Design and sea-clutter modeling for Ku-band FMCW based proximity sensor in high-speed target detection

Abstract

The use of proximity fuze has been increasing especially in the domain of defense applications. Its main ability is to accurately detonate a munition when a certain distance or received power threshold is reached. For military applications, RF/mmWave based proximity fuzes are used. FMCW Radar is one of the best technologies to determine the distance/velocity etc. of the target. In order to perform the best possible detonation in military applications, the parameter to accurately determine is distance/range. Therefore, in this thesis, FMCW Radar technology is being pursued. This study includes the system design of an FMCW based Ku-Band(13.7GHz) Proximity Fuze for high-speed target detection. The speed being incorporated here is close to Mach 1. Calculations for the processing parameters such as timing diagram and budget calculations for our specifications are part of this thesis. This work is being focused on sea-skimming munition, therefore, sea-clutter modeling has also been done. Lastly, the mathematical parameters along with the clutter model are tested on a height-estimation algorithm to check the feasibility of our mathematical design processes. The results of the test showed that our clutter model is accurately determined, since, no ambiguous or inaccurate results were obtained.