Radar micro-Doppler predictions and analysis for the DJI Phantom 2 drone at X, V, and W-band

Thomas Goyette; Jason Dickinson; Guy DeMartinis; Russell Bloomer; Charles Molhoek

doi:10.1117/12.2655219

14 June 2023 Radar micro-Doppler predictions and analysis for the DJI Phantom 2 drone at X, V, and W-band

Thomas Goyette, Jason Dickinson, Guy DeMartinis, Russell Bloomer, Charles Molhoek

Proceedings Volume 12535, Radar Sensor Technology XXVII; 125350E (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2655219
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2023, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Micro-Doppler radar signatures of helicopters and drones are gaining increasing importance. However, collecting data under controlled conditions on drones in flight can be difficult. The ability to use predictive codes to produce moving target and micro-Doppler radar data is becoming more important. In order to demonstrate the potential use of computer code predictions, this report will describe the X, V, and W-Band micro-Doppler signatures for the DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter. The predictions are generated using the Xpatch prediction code. The motion of all four propellers are simulated for realistic flight conditions. Predictions were performed at multiple viewing angles and using various PRF values. Additionally, different range resolutions were also predicted. The data is analyzed using a series of Range-Doppler spectrograms and short time Fourier transforms. The equations for the motion of the blades are examined in the context of the minimum PRF that is needed for capturing the micro-Doppler information. A discussion is included for finding the best frequency band to operate which balances the tradeoff of information content with operating frequency and PRF value. It is shown in the standard analysis that the unique shape of the blades produced patterns in the micro-Doppler signature that may be of use in target identification. Application of Time-Frequency-Analysis is also demonstrated. The predicted data is compared with micro-Doppler data measured in the laboratory using a 100 GHz compact range on a real Phantom 2 drone.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Thomas Goyette, Jason Dickinson, Guy DeMartinis, Russell Bloomer, and Charles Molhoek "Radar micro-Doppler predictions and analysis for the DJI Phantom 2 drone at X, V, and W-band", Proc. SPIE 12535, Radar Sensor Technology XXVII, 125350E (14 June 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2655219

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