Experimental validation of a LabVIEW-based SFCW software-defined radar system

Ardzemi, Nor Hazima and Mohd. Isa, Farah Nadia and Abdul Malek, Norun Farihah and Mohd. Ramli, Huda Adibah and Ismail, Ahmad Fadzil (2026) Experimental validation of a LabVIEW-based SFCW software-defined radar system. IIUM Engineering Journal, 27 (2). pp. 146-161. ISSN 1511-788X E-ISSN 2289-7860

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (5MB) | Request a copy
Preview	PDF - Supplemental Material Download (215kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF - Supplemental Material Download (376kB) | Preview

Abstract

Software-defined radar (SDR) provides a flexible and cost-effective platform for implementing and testing diverse radar techniques without hardware redesign. Among these techniques, Stepped-Frequency Continuous Wave (SFCW) radar has shown promise in addressing some of the limitations of Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW). This paper presents the experimental validation of an SDR system based on the SFCW technique. The radar system was developed using a USRP N210 with a WBX daughterboard, fully controlled through LabVIEW for waveform generation, data acquisition, and signal processing. Experimental validation was conducted in a controlled indoor environment using a 30 × 30 cm metal target placed at distances from 0.7 m to 1.25 m. According to the data, this research has shown accurate detection at longer ranges, with error rates below 0.5%. However, the increasing inaccuracy at lower ranges highlighted issues in near-field measurements. The findings have confirmed the feasibility of SFCW-based SDR for compact, reconfigurable radar platforms and suggest opportunities for enhancing near-field accuracy through advanced signal processing and calibration

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Software-Defined Radar (SDR), Stepped Frequency Continuous Wave (SFCW), USRP, LabVIEW, Range Detection
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) > T10.5 Communication of technical information
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Norun Abdul Malek
Date Deposited:	01 Jul 2026 12:02
Last Modified:	01 Jul 2026 12:02
Queue Number:	2026-06-Q3846
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129624

Actions (login required)

View Item