C-band FMCW radar analog-front-end for SAR/ISAR applications

This paper presents the design and implementation of a C-band Analog-Front-End (AFE) for Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radar. This AFE is based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) radio frequency components. The system was designed to be used in various radar applications, including short range mode, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR). The AFE system was designed as a homodyne system, so final applications are based on FMCW radar. Experiments carried out in the laboratory and in the open air environments included moving target detection, ISAR imaging of boats and SAR trails using an airborne platform are presented. The results are discussed keeping in mind a perspective of future work and further improvements.