Hardware and software front-end based on the USRP for experimental X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar

Abstract

This article is focused on the design of low cost electronics and software solution for the radar front-end electronics based on the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) for short range FMCW (Frequency Modulated - Continuous Wave) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system. We developed the radar front-end electronics with USRP type N210 from Ettus Research. As first, we describe requirements for SAR front-end, as second we in the detail describe the system process synchronization, the primary raw signal processing and necessary USRP FPGA program modification. Also we describe by us developed PC control program for system synchronization and raw data transfer control between SAR system high frequency part, USRP radar front-end and measurement PC. Finally, the measurement arrangement of the SAR system testing, real photo of all system and several results from the tests we show.