Wideband multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) imaging radar can achieve high-resolution imaging with a specific multi-antenna structure. However, its imaging performance is severely affected by the array errors, including the inter-channel errors and the position errors of all the transmitting and receiving elements (TEs/REs). Conventional calibration methods are suitable for the narrow-band signal model, and cannot separate the element position errors from the array errors. This paper proposes a method for estimating and compensating the array errors of wideband MIMO imaging radar based on multiple prominent targets. Firstly, a high-precision target position estimation method is proposed to acquire the prominent targets’ positions without other equipment. Secondly, the inter-channel amplitude and delay errors are estimated by solving an equation-constrained least square problem. After this, the element position errors are estimated with the genetic algorithm to eliminate the spatial-variant error phase. Finally, the feasibility and correctness of this method are validated with both simulated and experimental datasets.
Calibration Method of Array Errors for Wideband MIMO Imaging Radar Based on Multiple Prominent Targets