X-band compact low cost multi-channel radar prototype for short range high resolution 3D-InISAR

Abstract

In this paper an X-band multi-channel radar prototype (PIRAD) for short range high resolution interferometric 3D inverse SAR imaging (3D-InISAR) is presented. The proposed radar sensor is characterized by compact dimensions, low power consumption, low electromagnetic pollution and low cost. An innovative compact, stationary, large beamwidth interferometric antenna system was designed and developed for this particular task. The LFMCW waveform is generated by a microcontrolled PLL based frequency synthesizer. A three channels Low-IF direct down conversion receiver was developed. Open source universal software radio peripherals are used to sample the beat signals and to interface with a general purpose PC through an Ethernet interface. Preliminary tests in a real scenario have been carried out in order to test the effectiveness of the PIRAD system in ISAR imaging and 3D reconstruction capabilities.