Development of a Software Package Architecture for Simulation and Prototyping of Radar Systems and Complexes

Abstract

Introduction. Computer simulation and prototyping software can simplify the design process of complex information and measurement systems significantly, including radar systems and complexes. At present, a number of software packages are used to solve these problems to varying degrees. However, these software packages are either versatile, thus being incapable of taking the specifics of radar operation into account and requiring hand-made implementation of mathematical models for simulating radar signals, or are aimed at a narrow range of prototyping problems and algorithm development for processing radar information for a strictly defined radar type (or even a specific model). Some software packages, such as MATLAB, offer extension packages that allow radar signal simulation for automotive radars, as well as radar signal processing; however, these packages cannot cover the full range of simulation and prototyping tasks.Aim. Analysis of current software packages for simulation and prototyping of radar systems and complexes, justification of the demand and development of the concept and architecture of a software package for simulation and prototyping of radar systems and complexes.Materials and methods. Systems approach, architectural and conceptual software design, system analysis, criterion analysis. Results. The criteria that software packages for simulating and prototyping of radar systems and complexes must meet were determined. A comparative analysis of the existing approaches and software packages that solve problems arising at various stages of radar development was carried out. A list of requirements for such a software package was compiled, its concept and architecture was developed, and some features of its implementation were determined.Conclusion. The developed architecture allows creation of a versatile software package which could provide solutions to the problems of simulation and prototyping of radar systems and complexes using a single software package. The applied principles of modularity and decomposition ensure versatility and a high potential for adapting software modules, including for creating software for controlling radar prototypes and visualizing radar data in real time.