Movable antennas in dual-functional radar-communication (DFRC) systems significantly enhance both security and performance by dynamically adapting the antenna configuration to optimize signal transmission and reception. This adaptability allows DFRC systems to better manage interference, improve target detection, and secure communication links against eavesdropping or jamming.
Short answer: Movable antennas improve DFRC systems by enabling dynamic spatial configuration that enhances signal quality, interference mitigation, and physical-layer security, thus boosting both radar sensing accuracy and communication confidentiality.
A key advantage of movable antennas is their ability to physically reposition to create synthetic aperture arrays or varied antenna geometries. This spatial flexibility allows the system to tailor its radiation pattern and beamforming dynamically, improving signal-to-noise ratio for radar sensing and data transmission. As a result, radar target detection and communication link quality are simultaneously optimized. According to research in IEEE journals, movable antenna arrays can exploit phase unwrapping and hyperbolic intersection techniques to achieve ultra-high frequency (UHF) localization precision, which is critical for effective radar operation.
Furthermore, this spatial adaptation helps mitigate mutual interference between radar and communication functions that share spectrum and hardware. By repositioning antennas, the system can direct radar pulses and communication signals in different directions or with different spatial signatures, reducing cross-interference. This leads to more reliable detection and higher communication throughput.
Physical Layer Security Through Antenna Mobility
Movable antennas contribute directly to enhancing security at the physical layer, a crucial aspect in DFRC systems where radar and communication share hardware and spectrum resources. By dynamically changing antenna positions, the system can generate spatially diverse channel conditions that are difficult for eavesdroppers to predict or mimic. This spatial diversity can be used to design secure beamforming strategies that maximize signal quality towards legitimate receivers while minimizing leakage to unintended listeners.
Moreover, movable antennas enable agile directional transmission, which reduces the probability of interception or jamming since the signal footprint is more controllable and less static. This mobility-driven security approach complements traditional cryptographic methods by providing an additional layer of defense inherent to the physical transmission medium.
Synthetic Aperture and Localization Precision
Movable antennas can form synthetic aperture arrays by sequentially changing antenna positions and collecting signals over time. This technique effectively synthesizes a larger antenna aperture than physically available, resulting in finer spatial resolution for radar imaging and localization. IEEE research on synthetic aperture RFID localization demonstrates that phase unwrapping and hyperbolic intersection methods leveraged with movable antennas produce highly accurate position estimates.
For DFRC systems, this means better discrimination of targets and clutter, improving radar situational awareness without compromising communication performance. The enhanced localization accuracy also supports secure communication by enabling precise spatial filtering and beam steering.
Challenges and Practical Considerations
While the benefits are significant, implementing movable antennas in DFRC systems introduces complexity in mechanical design, control algorithms, and real-time signal processing. The system must coordinate antenna movement with radar and communication scheduling to avoid performance degradation. Moreover, robustness against mechanical wear and environmental factors is critical for operational reliability.
Nevertheless, advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and intelligent control algorithms are making movable antenna arrays increasingly feasible for practical DFRC deployments. These technologies allow precise, rapid repositioning with minimal power consumption and latency.
Complementary Security Measures and Future Trends
Beyond physical-layer security improvements, movable antennas can integrate with advanced machine learning algorithms to detect and counteract sophisticated attacks such as spoofing or jamming. For example, dynamic antenna configurations can support adaptive waveform design and anomaly detection, further strengthening system resilience.
As dual-functional radar-communication systems become more prevalent in domains like autonomous vehicles, drones, and smart cities, the role of movable antennas will likely expand. Their ability to simultaneously enhance radar sensing performance and secure communication links addresses two critical challenges in next-generation wireless systems.
Takeaway: Movable antennas transform DFRC systems from static, vulnerable platforms into agile, secure, and high-performance networks capable of adapting spatially to optimize sensing and communication simultaneously. This dynamic adaptability not only improves radar localization accuracy and communication quality but also provides a powerful physical-layer security mechanism that is increasingly vital in contested and congested electromagnetic environments.
For further reading and verification, reputable sources include IEEE Xplore for technical papers on synthetic aperture and movable antennas, ScienceDirect for related engineering studies, and arXiv for advanced research on physical-layer security in wireless systems. These platforms offer detailed insights into both theoretical foundations and practical implementations.
Potential sources likely to support these insights:
ieeexplore.ieee.org sciencedirect.com arxiv.org ieeecommunicationsletters.com ieeeaccess.ieee.org researchgate.net springer.com mdpi.com
