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Title: Radar transponder apparatus and signal processing technique

Patent ·
OSTI ID:187081

An active, phase-coded, time-grating transponder and a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) and signal processor means, in combination, allow the recognition and location of the transponder (tag) in the SAR image and allow communication of information messages from the transponder to the SAR. The SAR is an illuminating radar having special processing modifications in an image-formation processor to receive an echo from a remote transponder, after the transponder receives and retransmits the SAR illuminations, and to enhance the transponder`s echo relative to surrounding ground clutter by recognizing special transponder modulations from phase-shifted from the transponder retransmissions. The remote radio-frequency tag also transmits information to the SAR through a single antenna that also serves to receive the SAR illuminations. Unique tag-modulation and SAR signal processing techniques, in combination, allow the detection and precise geographical location of the tag through the reduction of interfering signals from ground clutter, and allow communication of environmental and status information from said tag to be communicated to said SAR. 4 figs.

Research Organization:
AT&T
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,486,830/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-223,799
OSTI ID:
187081
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 23 Jan 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English