1. •This is my masters thesis at the Michigan State University Electromagnetics Research Group
   

2. •An unusual approach to FMCW radar
   

3. •Utilizing two Gunnplexer, Gunn diode based transmit/receive modules
   

4. •Shown to be useful for ranging and doppler
   

5. •Shown to be capable of SAR imaging
   

6. •Developed as part of a low-cost proof-of-concept radar system
   

7. •Applications might include automotive radar, motion detection, etc.
   

8. •The following information is provided:
   

9. •Abstract
   

10. •Pictures of the hardware
    

11. •Range profile data
    

12. •SAR imagery
    

13. •Publications
    

14. •Masters Thesis resulting from this research
    

15. •Misc. ppt slide shows
    

16. •Engineering notes
    

Abstract

Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) Radar has traditionally been used in short range applications.  Conventional FMCW radar requires the use of expensive microwave mixers and low noise amplifiers.  A uniquely inexpensive solution was created, using inexpensive Gunn oscillator based microwave transceiver modules that consist of 3 diodes inside of a resonant cavity.  However these transceiver modules have stability problems which cause them to be unsuitable for use in precise FMCW radar applications, when just one module is used.  In order to overcome this problem, a unique radar solution was developed which uses a combination of 2 transceiver modules to create a precise FMCW radar system.  This unique solution to FMCW radar is proven to be capable of determining range to target, and creating Synthetic Aperture Radar images.

Publications

G. L. Charvat, L. C. Kempel.  “Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Using a Unique Approach to Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave Radar Design.”  IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, February 2006.

   

    (draft of this article, AMTA corner Feb. 2006)

G. L. Charvat, L. C. Kempel.  “Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Using a Unique Approach to Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave Radar Design.”  Newport Rhode Island :  Antennas Measurement Techniques

Association conference, October 2005.

    (PPT slides from AMTA ’05, Newport RI)

G. L. Charvat, L. C. Kempel.  “A Unique Approach to Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave Radar Design.” Atlanta Georgia:  Antennas Measurement Techniques Association conference, October 2004.

    (PPT slides from AMTA ’04, Atlanta Georgia)

G. L. Charvat, “A Unique Approach to Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave Radar Design.”  East Lansing MI:  A thesis, submitted to Michigan State University, 2003, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.

    MS Thesis 1 of 3

    MS Thesis 2 of 3

    MS Thesis 3 of 3

    MS Thesis defense ppt slides: A Unique Approach to FMCW Radar Thesis Defense

Misc. PPT Slide Shows

MSU Electromagnetics Research Group Seminar (2005’ish)

MSU ECE day poster 2006

Engineering Notes and Schematics

Schematics, block diagram, and notes 1 of 2.

Schematics, block diagram, and notes 2 of 2.

Converting real data to I and Q