High-Resolution Millimeter-Wave Radar for Real-Time Detection and Characterization of High-Speed Objects with Rapid Acceleration Capabilities

In this study, we present a novel approach for the real-time detection of high-speed moving objects with rapidly changing velocities using a high-resolution millimeter-wave (MMW) radar operating at 94 GHz in the W-band. Our detection methodology leverages continuous wave transmission and heterodyning of the reflected signal from the moving target, enabling the extraction of motion-related attributes such as velocity, position, and physical characteristics of the object. The use of a 94 GHz carrier frequency allows for high-resolution velocity detection with a velocity resolution of 6.38 m/s, achieved using a short integration time of 0.25 ms. This high-frequency operation also results in minimal atmospheric absorption, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the detection process. The proposed system utilizes cost-effective and less complex equipment, including compact antennas, made possible by the low sampling rate required for processing the intermediate frequency signal. The experimental results demonstrate the successful detection and characterization of high-speed moving objects with high acceleration rates, highlighting the potential of this approach for various scientific, industrial, and safety applications, particularly those involving targets with rapidly changing velocities. The detailed analysis of the micro-Doppler signatures associated with these objects provides valuable insights into their unique motion dynamics, paving the way for improved tracking and classification algorithms in fields such as aerospace research, meteorology, and collision avoidance systems.