Reconfigurable digitally scanned polarimetric L-Band radar

We present the design and initial results from a digitally steered, polarimetric, phased array L-band radar utilizing a novel, high performance architecture. The instrument leverages recent advances in radio frequency and digital signal processing components in order to enable collocated measurements of emission and backscatter in a compact aircraft instrument with no moving parts. The driving methodologies are the minimization of costly and inflexible analog circuitry, adoption of standardized manufacturing processes, and inclusion of reconfigurable firmware and software architectures to facilitate fulfillment of varied sensing requirements.