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Graduate Exam Abstract


Alexander Morin

M.S. Final
March 6, 2019, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
LSC Room 310
System Design and Development of an X-Band Dual-Polarization Phased Array Weather Radar

Abstract: The electronic beam steering capability of phased array weather radars has the
potential to improve the temporal resolution of meteorological data and enable the
development of multifunction radars, yet questions about their dual-polarimetric
performance remain an ongoing topic of research. This thesis presents the system
design and development of Front-X, an X-band dual-polarization phased array weather
radar capable of both electronic and mechanical beam steering, whose purpose is to
serve as a test-bed for implementing adaptive scan strategies, developing phased
array radar calibration techniques, and exploring the efficacy of electronic scanning for
weather applications. The design, development, calibration, and configuration of a
system controller, antenna positioner, and signal processor are discussed. Furthermore,
the system is demonstrated through a comparison of polarimetric electronic and
mechanical scan weather data, including various electronic scan correction methods,
and visually verified through a comparison to data collected with the proven CHILL X-
band radar.


Adviser: Dr. V. Chandrasekar
Co-Adviser: N/A
Non-ECE Member: Christine Chiu, Atmospheric Science
Member 3: Margaret Cheney, ECE/Mathematics
Addional Members: N/A

Publications:
N/A


Program of Study:
ECE581
ECE512
ECE742
ECE540
ECE561
ECE411
ECE549
ECE699