The FlexSAR radar system was designed to be a high quality, low-cost, flexible prototype instrument. Many radar researchers and practitioners desire the ability to efficiently prototype novel configurations. However, the cost and time required to modify existing radar systems is a challenging hurdle that can be prohibitive. The FlexSAR system couples an RF design that leverages connectorized components with digital commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) cards. This design allows for a scalable system that supports software defined radio (SDR) capabilities. This paper focuses on the RF and digital system design, discussing the advantages and disadvantages. The FlexSAR system design objective was to support diverse configurations with minimal non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs. Multiple diverse applications are examined, demonstrating the flexible system nature. The configurations discussed utilize different system parameters (e.g., number of phase-centers, transmit configurations, etc.). The resultant products are examined, illustrating that high-quality data products are still attained.

Date Published: 21 May 2015
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 9461, Radar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI, 94610K (21 May 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2177594

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9461:
Radar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI
G. Charmaine Gilbreath; Kenneth I. Ranney; Armin Doerry; Chadwick Todd Hawley, Editor(s)