Performance analysis of a multi-frequency FM based passive bistatic radar

In this paper we evaluate the target detection performance improvement of a multi-frequency approach for FM radio based Passive Bistatic Radar. Specifically, we consider the high diversity of the FM radio signals received over different carrier frequencies spanning the 88÷108MHz band since it represents the basis for the request of a multi-frequency operation. The joint exploitation of the waveforms of opportunity received on multiple FM radio channels is shown to yield better performance in terms of detection capability. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach two experimental prototypes of FM radio based passive radar receivers have been developed and fielded at the INFOCOM Dept. of the University of Rome "La Sapienza". The two prototypes are based on two different design approaches: direct RF sampling and signal down-conversion & baseband sampling. The acquisition campaigns that have been carried out with the two prototypes are described together with the collected data analysis and processing. Finally, the results obtained over the collected data set for the single FM channels and after the proposed multifrequency integration procedure are reported and compared with live air traffic control registrations. © 2008 IEEE.