GPGPU Accelerated Fast Convolution Back-Projection for Radar Image Reconstruction

Abstract

This paper describes a parallel fast convolution back-projection algorithm design for radar image reconstruction. State-of-the-art general purpose graphic processing units (GPGPU) were utilized to accelerate the processing. The implementation achieves much better performance than conventional processing systems, with a speedup of more than 890 times on NVIDIA Tesla C1060 supercomputing cards compared to an Intel P4 2.4 GHz CPU. 256×256 pixel images could be reconstructed within 6.3 s, which makes real-time imaging possible. Six platforms were tested and compared. The results show that the GPGPU super-computing system has great potential for radar image processing.