At the heart of the system, an miniaturized S-band radar transmits and receives radar signals in a distance of 10 -50 m. The radar includes the typical components such as Local Oscillator, Driver, Modulator and Power Amplifier and Parabolic Antenna on the transmitter side. On the receiver side it includes the Sensitive Time Constant STC and filters, the Low Noise Amplifier LNA, the Receiver Rx and the Mixer, providing the I and Q signals. 

The transmitter can emit very short pulses through the antenna and monitor the reflected pulses. The pulses are reflected of fixed objects (buildings, trees…) and moving objects (cars, people…) which pass the antenna beam. Emission Power, Pulse Width, Filters, as well as the Frequency can be varied.

The IQ signals are AD-converted and digitally processed using a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), data is visualized through the analysis and visualization software by SkyRadar. 

General Features

• Active radar, designed for perfectly save outside operation (e.g. through an open window).
• Modes
  • Pulse
  • FMCW
  • Doppler
  • CW
• The system allows for
  • Antenna measurements, gain, beampointing
  • Reflection measurements, recordings and analysis
  • Vector measurements I/Q
  • Moving Target Indicator
  • Clutter processing
  • Doppler filters
  • Pulse compression

• Antenna

• 100+ concurrent students can work on it
  
  • CloudServer reads the IQ data and passes it via LAN or WIFI to the computers
  • FreeScopes provides A-Scopes, B-Scopes, PPI-Scopes, filters and amplifiers as well as more complex signal treatment.

• Optional: Programmable S-Band Signal Generator to simulate echos, targets, and clutter. 

Didactic Possibilities

The modular design allows for unprecedented didactic possibilities. The students can assemble their own radar system - choosing between pulse and FMCW radar. All along the signal conversion chain, the student can measure. Having assembled the system, students can visualize, manipulate and do experiments on the IQ signals. These include the application of filters (STC, threshold limiter), amplification, etc. 

All students have the possibility to access their individual radar interface (FreeScopes), where they can enhance and manipulate the data. 

For academic or research purposes, SkyRadar in addition provides a Matlab-based user interface, allowing to develop own filters and to develop additional possibilities of signal manipulation. The system can be extended, e.g., by a programmable s-band signal generator, allowing to create artificial targets and to test the system response in the various GUIs.

System Features

The signal conversion chain of the Pulse Radar Module is like in a real operational radar.
Many measurement sockets allow for profound analysis of the signals throughout their conversion with an oscilloscope
(not part of the deliverables).

Figure: The signal conversion chain of the Pulse Radar Module.

Peak Output Power	Approx. + 36 dBm
Pulse Width	20 ns to 500 ns in 10 ns steps
Maximum Range with parabolic reflector	more than 300 m
Operating Frequency	S-Band, 2.25 GHz to 2.73 GHz
PRF	10.04 Hz to 101.73 Hz in 7 discrete steps
Burst mode	8 pulses per cycle
Dimensions	without antenna: 502 mm x 400 mm x 188 mm
Net Weight	15 kg
Power Supply	Universal, 100 V to 240 V, 110 W max

 

Antenna Features

Table: General operative characteristics of the Antenna