A high speed radar data acquisition and processing system for an experimental monopulse tracking radar
Date
1994
Authors
Burgess, Norman Keith
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This project report describes the development of a high speed data acquisition and
processing system (DAPS) for an experimental monopulse tracking radar at the Division
of Manufacturing and Aeronautical Systems Technology (Aerotek), of CSIR.
The system development involved replacement of existing data acquisition hardware and
software with an enhanced, PC based, integrated high speed data acquisition system.
The system is used for radar acceptance testing, radar monitoring during trials and
capture of large volumes of data for off-line processing to pursue research into the
phenomenology of radar cross section.
The work performed during the execution of this project represents an effort in three
technology areas. These are
Digital hardware design of custom interface hardware for the ISA bus as
implemented on most PC's. This was not a major aim of the project, but was
required in the absence of suitable hardware.
Formal software specification and design using the real time extensions of Hatley
and Pirbhai to the Yourdon and de Marco data flow analysis methodology. The
existing software had not been designed using any formal method, and suffered
a lack of documentation throughout all phases of the development. The way this
project was undertaken has served as an exercise in following the approach, which
resulted in a product which is better documented and more maintainable. There
are elements of total quality management that are still missing though.
• Quality management during software development. At the time of commencement
of the project there was no formal commitment to software quality management
at Aerotek. Commitment to IS09000 accreditation in future has required that a
solid quality ethic and management system be instituted. Current software
development follows this approach. A discussion of the topic appears in the
conclusion.
The DAPS has been in use for approximately two years now. With continued minor
modification to meet new user requirements, it has successfully enhanced the usability
of the radar system during trials and measurements with the SAAF.
Description
A project report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering,
University of the Witwatersrand,
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Engineering.
Johannesburg, April 1994.
Keywords
Citation
Burgess, Norman Keith (1994) A high speed radar data acquisition and processing system for an experimental monopulse tracking radar, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, http://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/21786>