Abstract
The increase in hostile electronic devices in theaters of operation and urban environments calls for a system capable of detecting them. In this study, we propose a third-order intermodulation radar (IM3 radar) for the detection of multiple RF targets. This non-linear radar exploits the non-linear properties of a target via front-door coupling. We are testing IM3 target re-emission using different detection protocols. A symmetrical dual-frequency test (f1 and f2) recovers the IM3 signature of a target. An asymmetrical test, modifying the amplitude of the excitation tones, increases the IM3 level re-emitted by a target. This IM3 radar generates spurious signals at the same frequency as the targets' useful signals, known as residuals IM3. To reduce these, we use isolator and cavity filter linearization techniques to optimize the radar's performance. We are proposing a "multi-band" architecture for the IM3 radar, with a bandwidth of [300 MHz - 6 GHz], to address all communicating systems. With a view to miniaturizing the radar, a compact model using SDR solutions has been developed. Comparisons with the historical model have validated its use. Finally, a behavioral model of the IM3 radar is presented, with the aim of predicting IM3 radar performance (detection range, identification, etc.). The aim of this study is to converge on the design of an industrial demonstrator of the IM3 radar, to detect and identify all communicating electronics.