Simulation studies of 77-GHz optoelectronic-oscillator-based microwave photonic radar

Abstract

Photonic radar is found to be a promising technology as compared to conventional electrical radar, with respect to its property and limitations. Because of photonics incredible features, it is possible to upgrade the radar potential, mainly for ground-based transport tracking. Hence enhancing traffic safety and driverless automobile movement. There has been always a major requirement of low phase noise sources for various applications in radar as well as any other electronic devices ranging at higher frequencies. In this paper, Optoelectronic Oscillator (OEO) at 77 GHz has been designed and simulated with respective specifications. The OEO signal has been generated using only one single wavelength of 1550nm as input, which is fed to the modulator along with the noise source signal. The OEO and its integration with the Frequency Modulated Continuous wave (FMCW) based Photonic Radar has been performed. The designed photonic Radar has been simulated with different target scenarios with a different range, range rate, Radar Cross Section (RCS), and Angle of arrival (AOA). The target scenario has been shown in the Opti wave system using MATLAB block, where a script is written for target parameters. Also, the transmitted echo signal has been created using the time function block in the Optiwave system. The resulting beat frequency waveform for 30, 60m, and 90m has also been included. The design of OEO in this paper is having a noise floor of -110dBc/Hz. It could be further improved with the modification of sub-blocks of the system.