SSB-Based Signal Processing for Passive Radar Using a 5G Network

This article presents an alternative processing chain for the passive radar using fifth-generation (5G) standard technology for broadband cellular networks as illuminators of opportunity. The proposition is to use a 5G synchronization signal block's (SSB) periodically transmitted modulated pulse in 5G-based passive coherent location (PCL) system processing. Although the SSB periodicity limits the velocity ambiguity, the article describes a solution to tackle this problem in a single target scenario. The method is advantageous when there is a lack of transmission in the telecommunication channel, and the 5G SSB is the only existing signal. The article proposes a signal processing pipeline for a 5G-based PCL that is inspired by passive radars using noncooperative pulse radar as an illumination source. The method has been validated using simulated and real-life 5G data measurements. The results presented in the article show the possibility of detecting a moving target with a lack of data transmission in the 5G network, using only the SSB when the classical passive radar signal processing fails. The presented results prove the possibility for a significant increase of 5G network-based PCL utilization in short-range applications.