Alow-cost mmwave radar test platform for UAV applications: SNR and NRCS analysis at 77 GHz

The use of millimeter-wave (mmWave) Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) System-on-Chip (SoC) technology significantly reduces R&D and verification costs in the product development process. This technology is widely used in various fields, including automotive, telecommunications, and defense. SoCsdevelopedbydifferentcompaniesforspecificapplicationareashavebeenutilized in diverse applications beyond their original production purposes in the literature. However, there is generally a lack of comprehensive competency analysis in the literature directly based on application requirements. In this study, the capabilities and performance requirements of subcomponents of FMCW sensors were analyzed based on application requirements and compared with FMCW SoC products developed for specific use cases. Additionally, a roadmap has been presented to evaluate the usability of mmWave FMCWSoCsinother fields. The increasing adoption of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in diverse urban applications necessitates reliable and precise altimetry solutions for situational awareness and landing safety. Despite significant advancements in the realm of waveform design and signal processing, empirical validation of mmWave FMCW waveforms for altimetry use cases remains a critical gap in the literature. This study argues the necessity of empirical validation of candidate FMCW waveforms by proposing an inexpensive and practical outdoor test bench. The multipath propagation model for the said test bench is presented along with a simplified testing methodology suitable for implementation on contemporary mmWave automotive radars. The specifics of the test bench are deliberated, where a flat concrete wall with a sufficiently large surface area is employed as a static target. The underpinnings established by this body of work will serve dynamic testing on a drone platform against various terrain types inthenextphaseofresearch.Theexperimentalresultsdemonstrate the potential for practical use of mmWave radar altimetry (RA) on UAS in urban deployments. These findings provide a significant foundation for future research and contribute to the widespread adoption of mmWave technology for altimetry solutions in UAS applications. The study highlights the importance of empirical validation in bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and real-world implementation, paving the way for more robust and cost-effective altimetry systems in the rapidly evolving field of UAS technology. Furthermore, this work emphasizes the need for further exploration of mmWave FMCW SoCs in non-traditional applications, offering a comprehensive framework for future studies. In this study, SNR and NRCS measurements in the 77 GHz band were conducted on a test setup capable of statically simulating UAV usage scenarios on the ground. A low cost and functional test bench design is presented, enabling the empirical validation of the minimum measurement requirements defined in light of previous studies.