Comparison between Sparse Array and Compressive Sensing for designing a 4 X 4 MIMO radar

Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radar allows to reduce the number of antennas maintaining performances comparable to a phased array radar. Sparse array (SA) and Compressive Sensing (CS) are two different approaches that promise to reduce further the number of antennas. The aim of this paper is to compare the two different approaches for designing a 4×4 MIMO. The simulated results showed that side lobe level (SLL) for CS is lower than that of SA by at least 15 dB. Nevertheless, the authors note that SA pattern could be more properly optimized with a simulated annealing that could lower a little the side lobes. Moreover, all the simulations have been conducted with a single point target, but a comprehensive evaluation with more complex scenarios, such as multiple targets and/or spread targets, should be conducted as well.