A multi-DSP signal processing and control system for MST radar

Abstract

This paper describes a signal processing and control system for atmospheric sounding radars, with improved characteristics with respect to formerly used architectures. We refer especially to wind profiling as an important and interesting application. The system allows up to 4 receiver signals to be processed at the same time, with 60 range gates and 300 m height resolution. The use of two DSPs working in parallel allows the use of a single PC for real time data processing and system control. Some experimental results are reported.

First observations of polar mesosphere summer echoes in Antarctica

“…This early system used a single system that was switched manually between three antennas fixed to point to the vertical and to 15 ø off vertical toward the north and east [Sarango et al, 1994]. An improved system was put into operation after January 29, 1994.…”

Studies of quasi horizontally propagating gravity waves in the troposphere using the Piura ST wind profiler

“…We use a signal processing and control system provided by the Jicamarca Radio Observatory to gather the data essentially simultaneously with the three antennas. This system is the same system used in the Antarctic Peruvian MST radar (see Sarango et al [1996] for details on the system). ing the 1996 campaign.…”

meeting summary

“…The radar also detects scatter caused by fluctuations in the radio refractive index resulting from thermal motions of free electrons or by collisions between ions and neutrals; hence it is used to study the ionosphere and thermosphere. The data processing system has been designed and built in collaboration between Jicamarca Radio Observatory and University of Piura, Peru (Sarango et al 1995), as part of an MST radar that was installed at the "Machu-Picchu" Scientific Station on King George Island, Antarctica (62°05'5"S, 58°28'W) (Balsley et al 1993). An identical system has been built for the Jicamarca Unattended Long-term Investigations of the Atmosphere (JULIA) project that aims to continuously use the large Jicamarca antenna at a reduced power level.…”