Multifunctional radar sensor laboratory course using a low-cost software-defined radio transceiver

This paper presents a radar laboratory course and an educational radar kit developed for the course. This course aims to provide hands-on experience on pulse-Doppler radar (PDR) signal processing algorithms using modern methods and tools. Experiments and project-based learning (PBL) is introduced to the pedagogical methodology of this course. The course is constructed by considering various backgrounds and levels of the students. The student learning consists of three elements: theoretical knowledge, experiments, and proposal writing on their own research topic. The objective of convergence education is reflected on how the students are provided the opportunity to apply their knowledge and expertise in radar system obtained through this course to their own research areas. For an efficient application of the PBL, a suitable educational kit is designed and implemented. The kit is developed as an open software and hardware platform for facilitating the experimental studies of modern radar technologies for students. The kit, a low-cost multifunctional short-range PDR, is a relatively simple platform for beginners. The suggested hardware design is based on a single-chip software-defined radio (SDR) with an inexpensive system-on-chip (SoC). As the experimental prototype is based on commercially available evaluation modules, it is easy to assemble and use, and no special skills or equipment are required. The proposed system enables students to study modern signal processing techniques. The applied pedagogical methodology, course description, experimental kit, projects descriptions, and assessments are discussed.