Pointer to data wanted please -- looking for a primer on phased array radar

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around seeking a primer on phased array radar (PAR), specifically focusing on the practical physical requirements for operating in the 800MHz and 5GHz bands, as well as the circuitry involved in phase adjustment for transmitter antennas. The context includes both theoretical and practical aspects, with an emphasis on DIY applications and educational resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests information on the physical requirements for a PAR system operating in the specified frequency bands and the type of circuit used for phase adjustment.
  • Another participant recommends the book "Introduction to Radar Systems" by Skolnik as a valuable resource.
  • A question is posed regarding whether the participant intends to implement both transmission and reception with the PAR system or just reception with angular sensing.
  • The original poster expresses a preference for both transmission and reception from small surfaces, while also acknowledging potential mechanical limitations due to wavelength.
  • Concerns are raised about the legality of transmitting radar signals, with a reminder to consider the ISM band for operation.
  • The original poster clarifies uncertainty about the frequency band used by Arduino radar sensors and emphasizes a commitment to avoiding illegal transmissions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specific requirements or legality of operating a PAR system in the discussed frequency bands. Multiple viewpoints regarding the technical aspects and legal considerations remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific frequency bands applicable to the proposed radar system and the implications of using them legally. The discussion also reflects a lack of clarity on the mechanical feasibility of the proposed antenna sizes.

JeffEvarts
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Fair warning: I can handle basic physics stuff, but probably nothing post-collegiate. :)

Specifically, I'm looking for a primer on phased array radar that will tell me two things: 1) what are the practical physical (antenna) requirements for running a PAR system in the 800MHz/5GHz bands, and 2) What kind of circuit is used to do the phase-adjustment work for the various transmitter antennae?

I know this sounds outlandish, but with the recent explosion of cheap DIY/Arduino radar sensor boards, it seems like this RF territory must have been pretty thoroughly thrashed out - somewhere there is a textbook or batch of papers that will talk about this with some authority, right?

Alternatively, are there any colleges in southern California with RF labs/departments that specialize in this kind of stuff?

-Jeff Evarts, armchair polymath
 
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Skolnik - Introduction to Radar Systems - Irwin . Most excellent book .
 
JeffEvarts said:
1) what are the practical physical (antenna) requirements for running a PAR system in the 800MHz/5GHz bands, and 2) What kind of circuit is used to do the phase-adjustment work for the various transmitter antennae?

I know this sounds outlandish, but with the recent explosion of cheap DIY/Arduino radar sensor boards, it seems like this RF territory must have been pretty thoroughly thrashed out
Are you looking to do both TX and RX with the PAR, or just RX with angular sensing of the source direction?
 
ideally I would do both tx and rx from either one or two relatively small surfaces (2cm radius-ish) but if that's mechanically prohibited due to wavelength, other solutions (like a separate transmitting antenna) can be used. This would be test/prototype gear, lovingly produced. :)

-Jeff
 
Would this be in the ISM band? You need to be careful where you to transmitting radar signals... :smile:
 
I really don't know what band would be used... there was some speculation in the reviews of the arduino radar sensors that they operated in the shorter wavelengths, so that's what I was basing my questions on. I have NO intention of producing, using, or proselytizing illegal radio transmissions! My life is complicated enough without legal issues. :)

-Jeff
 
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