Integrating Secure Communications Into Frequency Hopping MIMO Radar With Improved Data Rate

Dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) based on frequency hopping (FH) MIMO radar (FH-MIMO DFRC) achieves symbol rate much higher than radar pulse repetition frequency. Such DFRC, however, is prone to eavesdropping due to the spatially uniform illumination of an FH-MIMO radar. In this paper, we reveal the potential of using permutations of hopping frequencies to achieve secure and high-speed FH-MIMO DFRC. Specifically, we identify the angle-dependent issue in detecting permutations and develop an element-wise phase compensation (EPC) to solve the issue for a legitimate user (Bob). EPC makes the demodulation at an eavesdropper (Eve) conditioned on knowing the angle-of-departure (AoD) of Bob. We also propose the random sign reversal (RSR) technique which randomly selects several antennas over hops and reverses their signs. Owing to EPC, there is a sign rule available for Bob. We employ the rule and develop a low-complexity algorithm for Bob to remove RSR. We further prove that, given the same signal-to-noise ratio, RSR plus EPC make the demodulation performance of Eve inferior to that of Bob in most angular regions. Confirmed by simulation, our design achieves substantially high physical layer security for FH-MIMO DFRC, improves demodulation performance compared with existing designs, and reduces mutual interference among radar targets.

Automated summary

This paper reveals the potential of using permutations of hopping frequencies for secure and high-speed dual-function radar-communication. Techniques such as element-wise phase compensation and random sign reversal are proposed to enhance security and performance.