Test Validation of MST Radar 3-channel Digital Receiver

Abstract: A 3-channel Digital Receiver is developed for atmospheric science research applications with MST Radar to implement the spaced antenna, Interferometer techniques using spatially distributed antenna modules. The single channel IF digital receiver operational with VHF Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere (MST) Radar has been upgraded by additional hardware 3-channel backend IF down/up converter module and digital receiver software module test validated at NARL. The 3-channel Digital receiver is attached to MST radar and satisfactory results are obtained. This paper presents the specifications and hardware details of digital receiver, test results with MST Radar, including performance tests with simulated signals. It outlines the Indian MST Radar signal and data processing, method of offline data processing along with the test validation activity of 3-channel digital receiver.

Keywords: Digital receiver, up/down converter, MST radar.