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Article Citation - WoS: 2Citation - Scopus: 2Advancing Mmwave Altimetry for Unmanned Aerial Systems: a Signal Processing Framework for Optimized Waveform Design(Mdpi, 2024) Awan, Maaz Ali; Dalveren, Yaser; Kara, Ali; Derawi, MohammadThis research advances millimeter-wave (mmWave) altimetry for unmanned aerial systems (UASs) by optimizing performance metrics within the constraints of inexpensive automotive radars. Leveraging the software-defined architecture, this study encompasses the intricacies of frequency modulated continuous waveform (FMCW) design for three distinct stages of UAS flight: cruise, landing approach, and touchdown within a signal processing framework. Angle of arrival (AoA) estimation, traditionally employed in terrain mapping applications, is largely unexplored for UAS radar altimeters (RAs). Time-division multiplexing multiple input-multiple output (TDM-MIMO) is an efficient method for enhancing angular resolution without compromising the size, weight, and power (SWaP) characteristics. Accordingly, this work argues the potential of AoA estimation using TDM-MIMO to augment situational awareness in challenging landing scenarios. To this end, two corner cases comprising landing a small-sized drone on a platform in the middle of a water body are included. Likewise, for the touchdown stage, an improvised rendition of zoom fast Fourier transform (ZFFT) is investigated to achieve millimeter (mm)-level range accuracy. Aptly, it is proposed that a mm-level accurate RA may be exploited as a software redundancy for the critical weight-on-wheels (WoW) system in fixed-wing commercial UASs. Each stage is simulated as a radar scenario using the specifications of automotive radar operating in the 77-81 GHz band to optimize waveform design, setting the stage for field verification. This article addresses challenges arising from radial velocity due to UAS descent rates and terrain variation through theoretical and mathematical approaches for characterization and mandatory compensation. While constant false alarm rate (CFAR) algorithms have been reported for ground detection, a comparison of their variants within the scope UAS altimetry is limited. This study appraises popular CFAR variants to achieve optimized ground detection performance. The authors advocate for dedicated minimum operational performance standards (MOPS) for UAS RAs. Lastly, this body of work identifies potential challenges, proposes solutions, and outlines future research directions.Article Citation - WoS: 7Citation - Scopus: 7Towards Mmwave Altimetry for Uas: Exploring the Potential of 77 Ghz Automotive Radars(Mdpi, 2024) Awan, Maaz Ali; Dalveren, Yaser; Kara, Ali; Derawi, MohammadPrecise altitude data are indispensable for flight navigation, particularly during the autonomous landing of unmanned aerial systems (UASs). Conventional light and barometric sensors employed for altitude estimation are limited by poor visibility and temperature conditions, respectively, whilst global positioning system (GPS) receivers provide the altitude from the mean sea level (MSL) marred with a slow update rate. To cater to the landing safety requirements, UASs necessitate precise altitude information above ground level (AGL) impervious to environmental conditions. Radar altimeters, a mainstay in commercial aviation for at least half a century, realize these requirements through minimum operational performance standards (MOPSs). More recently, the proliferation of 5G technology and interference with the universally allocated band for radar altimeters from 4.2 to 4.4 GHz underscores the necessity to explore novel avenues. Notably, there is no dedicated MOPS tailored for radar altimeters of UASs. To gauge the performance of a radar altimeter offering for UASs, existing MOPSs are the de facto choice. Historically, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radars have been extensively used in a broad spectrum of ranging applications including radar altimeters. Modern monolithic millimeter wave (mmWave) automotive radars, albeit designed for automotive applications, also employ FMCW for precise ranging with a cost-effective and compact footprint. Given the technology maturation with excellent size, weight, and power (SWaP) metrics, there is a growing trend in industry and academia to explore their efficacy beyond the realm of the automotive industry. To this end, their feasibility for UAS altimetry remains largely untapped. While the literature on theoretical discourse is prevalent, a specific focus on mmWave radar altimetry is lacking. Moreover, clutter estimation with hardware specifications of a pure look-down mmWave radar is unreported. This article argues the applicability of MOPSs for commercial aviation for adaptation to a UAS use case. The theme of the work is a tutorial based on a simplified mathematical and theoretical discussion on the understanding of performance metrics and inherent intricacies. A systems engineering approach for deriving waveform specifications from operational requirements of a UAS is offered. Lastly, proposed future research directions and insights are included.
