Cost-Effective Sensors for Improved Target Characterization and Energy-Efficient Radar Systems

The University of Florida is seeking companies interested in commercializing cost-effective sensors that will greatly improve the utility of new and existing military radar systems using signal-processing techniques that can classify certain targets and potentially reduce radar power consumption. Radar systems emit electromagnetic waves and receive and process reflected waves to evaluate target characteristics in an area of interest. These reflected waves when processed can provide operators with information about an object\\\'s size distance and speed. Many existing radar systems are large heavy consume substantial power and do not provide additional information about the types of targets detected. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed signal-processing techniques that will classify and differentiate human vehicle and potentially other targets. In addition the researchers have developed signal-processing techniques to potentially reduce radar power consumption for detection tracking and classification of targets.These capabilities have been demonstrated in small radar sensors developed on defense contracts.These easy-to-operate sensors require only a small amount of energy and offer the additional benefit of potentially reducing false alarms. With the ability to improve target classification decrease the number of false alarms and reduce radar power consumption this technology is well-positioned to capture a sizeable portion of radar technology sales.The global radar market is expected to reach $50 billion by 2017. Applications: Energy-efficient micro-sensors for improving the target characterization capabilities of military radar systems.