Embedding communications information into radar backscatter on an intra-pulse basis may provide a substantial increase in data-rate relative to previous inter-pulse approaches that necessitate possibly hundreds of pulses. A mathematical framework has been developed to model the reception of anintra-pulse modulated signal in the presence of ambient backscatter and noise. Three approaches to design the set of embedded communications waveforms have been devised that provide different degrees of communication error performance and intercept probability. Coupling with appropriate cancellation of the backscatter interference on receive facilitates a communication paradigm that can be made very difficult to intercept while providing data rates on the order of bits-per-pulse.

Inspec keywords: electromagnetic interference; radar signal processing; backscatter

Other keywords: intrapulse modulated signal; interpulse approach; embedded communications waveforms; intrapulse radar-embedded communication; backscatter interference; communication error performance; radar backscatter

Subjects: Electromagnetic wave propagation; Signal processing and detection; Radar equipment, systems and applications; Electromagnetic compatibility and interference