Experimental Test of a Frequency Diverse Array Radar Target Detection System Using SDRs: Preliminary Results

Frequency diverse arrays (FDA) can be configured to simultaneously scan in both range and angle using small frequency offsets across radiating elements. The theoretical abilities of these systems have been explored in the literature, yet we know of only two FDA prototypes built since 2009. This work describes the hardware implementation of a fully coherent and highly flexible FDA radar at 2 GHz that uses software defined radios. Data collected using far-field probes and target return echoes confirm expected theoretical properties of the far-field pattern and demonstrate the utility of the designed system for use as a beacon or for volume scanning.