Experimental Validation of a Labview-Based SFCW Software-Defined Radar System

Nor Hazima Ardzemi; Farah Nadia Mohd Isa; Norun Farihah Abdul Malek; Huda Adibah  Mohd Ramli; Ahmad Fadzil Ismail

doi:10.31436/iiumej.v27i2.3988

Authors

Nor Hazima Ardzemi International Islamic University Malaysia
Farah Nadia Mohd Isa International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4305-4151
Norun Farihah Abdul Malek International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9234-4139
Huda Adibah Mohd Ramli International Islamic University Malaysia
Ahmad Fadzil Ismail International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3321-8546

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/iiumej.v27i2.3988

Keywords:

Software-Defined Radar (SDR), Stepped Frequency Continuous Wave (SFCW), USRP, LabVIEW, Range Detection

Abstract

Software-defined radar (SDR) provides a flexible and cost-effective platform for implementing and testing diverse radar techniques without hardware redesign. Among these techniques, Stepped-Frequency Continuous Wave (SFCW) radar has shown promise in addressing some of the limitations of Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW). This paper presents the experimental validation of an SDR system based on the SFCW technique. The radar system was developed using a USRP N210 with a WBX daughterboard, fully controlled through LabVIEW for waveform generation, data acquisition, and signal processing. Experimental validation was conducted in a controlled indoor environment using a 30 × 30 cm metal target placed at distances from 0.7 m to 1.25 m. According to the data, this research has shown accurate detection at longer ranges, with error rates below 0.5%. However, the increasing inaccuracy at lower ranges highlighted issues in near-field measurements. The findings have confirmed the feasibility of SFCW-based SDR for compact, reconfigurable radar platforms and suggest opportunities for enhancing near-field accuracy through advanced signal processing and calibration.

ABSTRAK: Perisian takrifan radar (SDR) menyediakan platform fleksibel dan kos efektif bagi melaksana dan menguji pelbagai teknik radar tanpa reka bentuk semula perkakas. Antara teknik ini, radar gelombang berterusan frekuensi lanjutan (SFCW) telah menunjukkan kebolehan dalam menangani beberapa batasan gelombang berterusan modul berfrekuensi (FMCW). Kajian ini membentangkan pengesahan eksperimen sistem SDR berdasarkan teknik SFCW. Sistem radar dibangunkan menggunakan USRP N210 bersama papan WBX. Ia dikawal sepenuhnya melalui LabVIEW bagi penjanaan bentuk gelombang, perolehan data dan prosesan isyarat. Pengesahan eksperimen dijalankan dalam persekitaran dalaman terkawal menggunakan sasaran logam 30 × 30 cm yang diletakkan pada jarak 0.7 m hingga 1.25 m. Dapatan penyelidikan ini menunjukkan pengesanan tepat pada julat lebih panjang, dengan kadar ralat di bawah 0.5%. Walau bagaimanapun, ketidaktepatan semakin meningkat pada julat lebih rendah, menyerlahkan isu pengukuran medan. Penemuan ini mengesahkan kebolehlaksanaan SDR berasaskan SFCW pada platform radar yang padat dan boleh dikonfigurasikan semula. Cadangan bagi meningkatkan ketepatan medan adalah melalui pemprosesan dan penentu ukuran isyarat lanjutan.

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