This software controls the behavior of a miniaturized microwave radar module. It controls the hardware, digitizes raw samples from the analog output of the module, and applies DSP (digital signal processing) algorithms to the data stream to reduce the bandwidth and data rate. It also implements an automatic calibration algorithm to adjust the I/Q (in-phase and quadrature) values in the cancellation path to remove a large unchanging signal. The software implements a variety of commands to control the behavior of the system, and provides for synchronization of multiple modules. It encodes the digital data in a format suitable for serial ports.
This innovation is for control of the hardware for a CWFM (continuous-wave frequency-modulated) radar, data formatting, automatic calibration, and adjustment of a signal cancellation path. The software runs in the microcontroller of the radar module and handles the interface to a host computer. It configures hardware and software parameters, collects samples, and performs signal processing to filter and reduce the sample rate, then formats it for transmission to the host.
This work was done by James P. Lux of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
JPL
Mail Stop 321-123
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Refer to NPO-49417.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Control Software for Integrated CW Radar Module
(reference NPO49417) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
Don't have an account?
Overview
The document titled "FINDER MICROCONTROLLER SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION (D-82015) – REV X" serves as a technical support package for the control software associated with an integrated continuous wave (CW) radar module developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology. Sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, this document outlines the software's execution environment, build process, and USB serial driver specifics for Windows systems.
The document is structured into several key sections. It begins with a summary of the software's execution environment and details the build process necessary for deployment. It addresses common USB device issues encountered in Windows, emphasizing the importance of proper configuration to avoid problems such as USB selective suspend, which can disrupt device functionality.
A significant portion of the document is dedicated to commands that manipulate the radar's analog outputs and provide low-level access to its analog inputs. It includes detailed descriptions of various commands, such as those for calibration and data output formats. Notably, it discusses the encoding of binary data and the specific formats used for USB data messages, differentiating between versions of the software. For instance, it outlines the structure of data messages in version 20 and earlier, which includes a percent sign, I/Q samples, a millisecond counter, and a carriage return.
The document also presents timing test results, including the performance of interrupt service routines and sample processing rates, which are critical for ensuring the radar's operational efficiency. Additionally, it provides insights into the source code files and modules that comprise the software, detailing the main program and various routines for command processing and high-level digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) abstraction.
Overall, this technical support package not only serves as a comprehensive guide for users and developers working with the CW radar module but also highlights the collaborative efforts between NASA and the Department of Homeland Security in advancing aerospace technology. The document underscores the potential applications of this technology in various fields, emphasizing its significance in both scientific and commercial contexts. For further inquiries or assistance, contact information for JPL's Innovative Technology Assets Management is provided.
