Techniques and Modes for Multi-Channel SAR Instruments

Abstract

SAR instruments with multiple-receive and multiple-transmit channels offer a variety of operation modes. The trade-space includes the instrument and antenna parameters designed to enable various techniques (operation mode). Both are utilized to achieve a required SAR performance satisfying the mission and user requirements. Finding a solution in this multi-dimensional trade space of inter-dependent parameters is not trivial and often involves compromise of parameters. This paper addresses the topic of conceptual SAR instrument design tailored to a set of operation modes. It explains SAR techniques utilizable to achieve a required performance, shows the consequences for the conceptual multi-channel instrument design, and details possible compromises between performance and complexity.