The purpose of this chapter is to provide a contextual setting for the waveform diversity (WD) activities of the past several years (2002-2009), as well as to provide a summary of the history of WD and its evolution over this short period. Also, the authors wish to apologize in advance for the radar-centricity of the ensuing discussion, as radar is our source of inspiration and the sensor of choice in our research communities. This bias notwithstanding, we hope the reader will bear with us, because the discussion and underlying mathematics cuts across all scientific and engineering disciplines where information is conveyed by waves.

Inspec keywords: waveform analysis; diversity reception; chaotic communication; remote sensing

Other keywords: waveform design; waveform diversity paradigms

Subjects: Mathematical analysis; Communication system theory; Radio links and equipment