Analysis of imaging resolution characteristic for bistatic SAR with general configuration

Resolution is an important parameter that reflects the imaging quality of bistatic synthetic aperture radar（SAR）. The calculation of general configuration bistatic SAR resolution is researched in this paper. Firstly, formula of ground resolution is derived based on the special gradient method and formula of azimuth resolution is derived according to the change of Doppler frequencies from transmit and receive platform. Then the real factors that affect the bistatic SAR resolution are pointed out based on theory derivation and simulation. Finally, analysis of ground resolution and azimuth resolution for imaging area under three different kinds of configuration is presented, which can provide reference for bistatic SAR system design.