Power-Efficient Multi-User Dual-Function Radar-Communications

Dual-function radar-communications (DFRC) systems have emerged as a promising solution for spectrum sharing problem in recent years. In this paper, we propose a novel DFRC strategy by exploiting directional power control and waveform diversity. The proposed technique ensures the highest possible magnitude of the radar main beam resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio for the radar operation. This maximization objective is achieved while considering the pre-allocated or adjustable transmit energy requirement for radar and communication operations. The secondary communication objective enabling multi-user access is realized by transmitting distinct amplitude levels and phases towards different communication receivers located in the sidelobe region of radar. As an example, power allocation for different orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarriers projected towards the radar main beam and the communication receivers is discussed by considering the frequency response of target returns. Simulation results illustrate the performance of the proposed technique.