Analysis of a POD-based approach for phase and time synchronization of bistatic and multistatic SAR systems

Abstract

The feasibility of multistatic SAR mission concepts largely relies on the ability to achieve the matching of the carrier phase of the different elements of the constellations to a few degrees. This paper analyses the accuracy of phase synchronization schemes based on precise orbit determination (POD) and GNSS raw data, in which the GNSS receiver and the radar payload share the same oscillator. Performance expressions are contrasted with results from the simulations. The results suggest the proposed approach is capable of delivering reliable estimates of carrier frequency and phase errors in the absence of strong baseline velocity deviations.