Hardware architecture design and implementation for FMCW radar signal processing algorithm

Chirp-sequence-based Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar is effective at detecting range and velocity of a target. However, the target detection algorithm is based on two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform, which uses a great deal of data over several PRIs (Pulse Repetition Intervals). In particular, if the multiple-receive channel is employed to estimate the angle position of a target; even more computational complexity is required. In this paper, we report on how a newly developed signal processing module is implemented in the FPGA, and on its performance measured under test conditions. Moreover, we have presented results from analysis of the use of hardware resources and processing times.