Hello all,
My current project is focused on building an active radar system using a digital antenna array (DAA) in the 10–10.5 GHz band. The primary applications are short-range radar and experiments with ultra-weak reflected signals.
What has already been built and is working:
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A transmitter with an output power of approximately 100 mW has been assembled.
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In single-channel mode (using a modified LNB), reliable detection of a reflected signal from a hovering drone (with unknown RCS) has been achieved at a range of 200 meters.
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A mechanical scanning platform has been developed for recording digitized signals at array grid points (up to 128×32 elements with practically arbitrary step size), which allows calibration of digital beamforming algorithms.
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Software simulation confirms the viability of digital processing methods that provide high energy potential even at low output power. Where cooperation is needed: I am currently moving to the most challenging stage — modifying the hardware to achieve: increased dynamic range of the transmitted signal (suppression of carrier leakage during the pause);
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reduction of the phase jitter RMS of the received signal at the IF2 frequency to below 1 degree;
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and then — building a 16-channel (4×4) receive digital antenna array using modified LNB converters. The theoretical part (signal processing algorithms that provide high SNR) has already been developed and verified in simulation, and I am willing to share this material in private correspondence with those who are genuinely interested in the hardware side of the project.
If you have worked on similar projects or are simply interested in building a low-cost digital antenna array from satellite converters — please reply in this thread or send me a private message. I am primarily interested in exchanging practical experience in hardware development, rather than general theoretical discussions.
I am also very interested in exchanging components. Specifically, I am looking for:
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clock distribution amplifiers (100 MHz, 4–5 outputs, 10 dBm);
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linear power amplifiers, 2W or more (9–12 GHz);
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microwave filters.
On my side, I can offer AD/Hittite synthesizer boards, FPGAs, and many other components — specific exchange options can be discussed in private messages.
Best regards,
Viktor
pulsarvictor2003@gmail.com