Development of an RFSoC-Based Signal Processing Unit for Small AESA Tracking Radar

This paper describes the development of an RFSoC-based signal processing unit for application in a compact AESA tracking radar.<br/>In addition to conventional signal processing functions, the proposed system supports operational signal generation. Accordingly, the system is designed by dividing its functions into four main components: DAQ, SIG, OPC, and PWR. The DAQ receives five-channel input signals with a center frequency of 10MHz or higher and performs preprocessing. First, the input signals are sampled using the RFSoC integrated ADC, followed by frequency down-conversion. Additional digital down conversion is implemented within the FPGA internal logic. Subsequently, Window, FFT processing, and data type conversion are applied to process the signals. The processed data are then delivered to the DSP for post-processing. The SIG generates three-channel operational signals required for system operation. Each signal has a center frequency of 1GHz or higher and a bandwidth exceeding 100MHz or higher. These signals are generated through the RFSoC integrated DAC and FPGA internal logic and are output at a sampling rate of 2GSPS or higher. The OPC receives the preprocessed data from the DAQ and performs post-processing while configuring the required operational signals. Using DSPs, target parameters such as range, direction, and velocity are analyzed for target detection. The PWR supplies all required power to the DAQ, SIG, and OPC boards. This verified the development of a broadband multi-operation mode signal processing unit. Through this, the applicability to a Small AESA Tracking Radar was verified, and the feasibility of miniaturization was confirmed.