Optimized Precoders for Massive MIMO OFDM Dual Radar-Communication Systems

This paper considers the optimization of a dual-functional radar and communication (RadCom) system with the objective is to maximize its sum-rate (SR) and energy-efficiency (EE) while satisfying certain radar target detection and data rate per user requirements. To this end, novel RadCom precoder schemes that can exploit downlink radar interference are devised for massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. First, the communication capacity and radar detection performance metrics of these schemes are analytically evaluated. Then, using the derived results, optimum beam power allocation schemes are deduced to maximize SR and EE with modest computational complexity. The validity of the analytical results is confirmed via matching computer simulations. It is also shown that, compared to benchmark techniques, the devised precoders can achieve substantial improvements in terms of both SR and EE.