Design and evaluation of a low-cost multistatic netted radar system

This paper reports on the design and initial evaluation of a low-cost multistatic radar system that exploits digital components. The system is based on a commercial-off-the-shelf and open architecture approach, using a direct digital synthesiser, a field programmable gate array and a digital signal processor as core components. Instrument function testing, calibration and the results of the initial field tests are reported. Some of the first multistatic experimental results are reported and demonstrate a number of aspects of the performance of such a configuration. The advantages and limitations of a low-cost digital radar design are discussed and further system development possibilities outlined. This system will enable the collection of a wide range of novel multistatic data and has the potential to demonstrate a number of new radar applications.