PLFM_RADAR

Product Introduction

1. Definition: The PLFM_RADAR, also known as AERIS-10, is an open-source, low-cost, 10.5 GHz phased array radar system utilizing Pulse Linear Frequency Modulated (PLFM) waveform technology. It is a modular hardware and software platform for advanced radar development.
2. Core Value Proposition: It exists to democratize access to sophisticated phased array radar technology by solving the prohibitive cost and complexity barrier. This open-source radar system makes professional-grade electronic beamforming, pulse compression, and Doppler processing accessible to researchers, engineers, and hobbyists.

Main Features

1. Open-Source Hardware & Software: The project provides complete documentation for replication, including schematics (Eagle/Altium), PCB layouts, Gerber files, bill of materials (BOM), FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog), microcontroller code (STM32), and a Python GUI. This full-stack openness enables deep customization and academic study of radar systems.
2. Dual-Range Phased Array Architecture: It offers two distinct hardware variants. The AERIS-10N (Nexus) uses an 8x16 patch antenna array for a 3 km range. The high-power AERIS-10E (Extended) variant employs a 32x16 dielectric-filled slotted waveguide array and 16x 10W GaN power amplifiers (QPA2962) to achieve a 20 km range. Both feature full electronic beam steering (±45°) using Analog Devices ADAR1000 4-channel phase shifters.
3. Integrated On-Board Signal Processing: The system performs real-time radar signal processing on a Xilinx XC7A50T FPGA. This includes PLFM chirp generation via a DAC, raw ADC data capture, I/Q down-conversion, decimation filtering (CIC/FIR), pulse compression, Doppler FFT processing, Moving Target Indication (MTI), and Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) detection, significantly reducing the data load on the host computer.
4. Comprehensive System Management & Sensing: An STM32F746xx microcontroller handles critical system functions: power sequencing for safe startup/shutdown, configuring the AD9523-1 clock generator and ADF4382 frequency synthesizers, controlling the ADAR1000 beamformers, and interfacing with a UM982 GPS module, GY-85 IMU, BMP180 barometer, and a 360° stepper motor for mechanical scanning. It also implements a hybrid Automatic Gain Control (AGC) loop and monitors PA health via INA241A3 current-sense amplifiers.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: The extreme cost and proprietary nature of commercial phased array radar systems, which can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, lock out universities, small research teams, startups, and independent developers from hands-on experimentation and innovation in radar sensing.
2. Target Audience: The primary users are electronics researchers at universities, RF and embedded systems engineers in drone and autonomy startups, serious software-defined radio (SDR) enthusiasts, and advanced makers working on projects involving remote sensing, drone detection, perimeter security, or atmospheric monitoring.
3. Use Cases: Essential for academic research in radar signal processing and beamforming algorithms, prototyping drone detection and collision avoidance systems, developing low-cost coastal or border surveillance solutions, and as an educational platform for teaching radar engineering principles.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike expensive, closed-box commercial radars or simplistic single-board radar sensors, the PLFM_RADAR offers a complete, modular, and hackable system at a fraction of the cost. It provides professional features like electronic beam steering and pulse compression, which are typically absent from hobbyist-grade radar kits.
2. Key Innovation: Its system-level integration of a high-performance FPGA for real-time processing with a dedicated microcontroller for robust system management, all within a fully documented open-source framework. The dual-variant approach (Nexus/Extended) allows users to choose the appropriate performance level for their application and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum range of the PLFM_RADAR AERIS-10? The maximum detection range is configuration-dependent: the AERIS-10N (Nexus) variant has a 3 km range, while the high-power AERIS-10E (Extended) variant with GaN amplifiers can detect targets up to 20 km away.
2. Is the PLFM_RADAR suitable for drone detection? Yes, the PLFM_RADAR is explicitly designed for applications like drone detection, offering pulse-Doppler processing and MTI to distinguish small moving targets like drones from ground clutter.
3. What skills are needed to build and operate the AERIS-10 radar system? Building the hardware requires advanced skills in PCB assembly, SMD soldering (including QFN packages), and RF circuit handling. Operating and modifying it requires knowledge of radar fundamentals, FPGA development (Vivado), embedded C (STM32), and Python for the GUI.
4. How does the electronic beam steering work in this phased array radar? Beam steering is achieved using Analog Devices ADAR1000 X/Ku-Band beamformer core chips. The system controller (STM32) digitally sets the phase shift for each of the 16 antenna channels, allowing the radar beam to be electronically pointed in different directions without moving the antenna physically.
5. Where can I find the build files and documentation for the open-source radar? All hardware design files (schematics, PCB layouts, BOM), firmware source code, and comprehensive documentation are available in the project's GitHub repository. Detailed assembly and theory of operation are provided in the /docs folder, which is also published via GitHub Pages.