24GHz Software-Defined Radar System for Automotive Applications

Abstract

A software-defined measurement system is proposed and described in this work. The system makes use of a hybrid radar scheme of frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) and pseudorandom (PN) code pulse techniques. In this system, the FMCW measurement technique is deployed in obtaining the range value of a target while the PN code pulse radar technique is used to determine the inter-vehicle radar information for communication purpose. Different waveforms are generated in direct digital synthesizers (DDSs) and processed by different algorithms in a single digital signal processor (DSP). The switching between the PN code pulse and FMCW functions is controlled by software to improve the parametric resolution and ensure the communication function. Measurement results of our designed and fabricated K-band (24 GHz) prototype radar validate the proposed software defined radar system. The results of the radar compared with those of a reference laser meter suggest an accuracy of range value around 15 centimeters. The PN code information reflected from target is well collected and recovered. The work has demonstrated unique and reliable combined functions of the FMCW and PN code pulse platforms for automotive applications.