Ultra-Low Power Radar: The Tech That's Changing Ground Detection

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a technology used to detect buried objects such as landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded ordnance (UXOs). It operates by emitting electromagnetic pulses into the ground and analyzing the reflected signals. This allows it to create images of what lies beneath the surface without excavation. In the context of this discussion, GPR is vital because it enables the detection of threats and the creation of detailed surveys in various environments, making it an invaluable tool for safety and research.

The Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is used for signal processing in the handheld ground penetrating radar (GPR) system. The FPGA is selected for its ability to perform complex calculations and manage the high data rates required for radar signal processing. Its flexibility allows for configuration with Active Serial, Fast Passive Parallel, and ARM processor modes, ensuring efficient data handling and processing of the incoming radar signals. By using an FPGA, the system can maintain high performance while keeping the power consumption low.

The ARM processor, specifically the Cortex-A9, is used for image processing in the handheld ground penetrating radar (GPR) system. This processor handles the complex algorithms needed to transform the raw data received from the FPGA into usable images. It is responsible for real-time image processing, managing data storage, and executing algorithms that create detailed visualizations of the subsurface. Using the ARM processor ensures that the GPR system can interpret the data efficiently and quickly.

The combination of FPGA and ARM technologies is important because it enables the creation of a compact, low-power, and high-performance system for ground penetrating radar. The FPGA handles the demanding signal processing tasks efficiently, while the ARM processor manages the image processing. This dual approach meets the stringent requirements for size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C), crucial for the handheld design. This integration makes the GPR system suitable for deployment in various environments.

The design incorporates an ALTERA Cyclone V FPGA device, an ARM Cortex-A9 based Freescale i.MX6Q processor, and memory interfaces, a low-power, dual-channel 16-bit ADC from Analog Devices (AD9650), data transfer via LAN or USB, display ports and audio jacks to achieve compactness and power efficiency. The outcome is a signal and image processor card that's 170 mm x 140 mm, with a power consumption of 5 watts during full operation. The inclusion of various components and features, such as the FPGA, ARM processor, and high-performance ADCs, is integral to achieving a functional handheld GPR system. Careful component selection, particularly in minimizing power consumption, is crucial for the system's efficiency, size, and weight.