Design and implementation of a multi-purpose radar controller using open-source tools

The radar controller is a crucial, often over-looked, component of a radar system; allowing the transmitter to operate within a safe range and providing the flexibility to generate a variety of complex pulse schemes. Additionally, the radar controller provides precision timing to gate the radar systempsilas receiver(s) at regions of interest. Specifications for the design were chosen to match or exceed requirements for the 430 MHz transmitter at the Arecibo Observatory. Robustness, flexibility, and ease of use were the primary factors concerning software design, and open-source tools were used to promote re-use, sharing, and cost minimization within the community. We report an overview of system development, capabilities, and future plans and uses for the instrument.