Efficient Digital Implementation of Non Linear Frequency Modulation for Radar Applications

A radar waveform is generated with a set of parameters defined for a specific purpose of radar operation. Modulation is an important parameter which governs the resolution with which two or more targets can be detected by the radar. We present an efficient methodology for implementation of Non Linear Frequency Modulation (NLFM) digitally for different radar applications. This paper mainly focuses on the implementation solution provided by utilizing the hardcore hardware resources so as to meet the timings in crucial applications .The work presents a manner in which the modulation coefficients can be stored and retrieved so as to have optimum hardware resource requirement. Our work emphasizes on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based digital technique adopted for the implementation of non linear frequency modulation and the methodology employed keeping in mind the time and resource efficiency needed. The paper elaborates the methodology used and highlights the efficiency of the design with supporting results for different modes of operation.