Optimization-Based Behavioral Modeling of Mixers for Frequency Comb OFDM Radar Processing

TL;DR

This paper introduces an optimization-based behavioral model for mixers with multi-tone LO signals, enabling efficient radar system performance estimation and waveform optimization for frequency comb OFDM radar applications.

Contribution

It develops a novel polynomial nonlinear model for mixers driven by multi-tone LO signals, validated by simulations and measurements, facilitating rapid system-level analysis.

Findings

Model accurately replicates distortive effects in simulations.

Supports rapid performance estimation and waveform optimization.

Validated through circuit simulations and measurements.

Abstract

This paper presents an optimization-based behavioral model for mixers driven by multi-tone local oscillator (LO) signals, considered specifically for frequency comb orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing radar applications. Unlike traditional models, the proposed approach is designed and tested for multi-tone LO excitations. The model uses polynomial nonlinearities for both intermediate frequency and LO ports, supported by spectrum-domain fitting that selectively emphasizes strong intermodulation products. In addition, a polynomial block is introduced to capture input power-dependent phase nonlinearity. The approach is validated using circuit-level simulations and supported by measurements. Radar processing results show the model replicates distortive effects in simulations. The proposed model enables rapid system-level performance estimations and waveform optimization, replacing computationally expensive circuit-level simulations.