Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Onboard Edge Computing for High-Resolution FMCW SAR on An Integrated UAV Platform |
Chenxiao Wang Giselle Jeay Jee Lim Victoria Jeay Jia Lim Yinfei Ma |
Shurun Tan | ||
| # Onboard Edge Computing for High-Resolution FMCW SAR on An Integrated UAV Platform ## 1. Problem Traditional small-scale UAV-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems suffer from a "blind" data collection process. Because current onboard microcontrollers lack the processing power for complex SAR algorithms, high-resolution 2D images can only be generated via offline processing on a ground station PC after the drone lands. This delay prevents real-time decision-making and limits the immediate usefulness of the UAV in time-sensitive tasks like remote sensing, disaster response, or environmental monitoring. ## 2. Solution Overview Our solution is to develop an integrated real-time imaging system capable of performing edge computing directly on the UAV. We will replace the existing low-performance computing unit with a high-performance embedded edge platform. This allows us to migrate the heavy SAR imaging algorithms from the ground station to the drone itself, converting raw 1D radar waveforms into a 2D top-down terrain map in real-time and providing the operator with immediate visual feedback via a live video stream. As an optional enhancement, we may upgrade the RF frontend by integrating a compact, high-frequency antenna array, which significantly improves scanning resolution while maintaining aerodynamic stability and weight constraints. ## 3. Solution Components ### Onboard Edge Computing Subsystem - High-performance embedded computing platform (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson or equivalent) to replace the legacy low-performance unit (e.g., Raspberry Pi). - Power management circuit to safely draw and regulate power from the UAV battery. ### Software & Transmission Subsystem - Optimized real-time SAR imaging algorithm deployed on the edge computing platform. - Video transmission program to stream the processed 2D map to the ground controller via the drone's API. ### RF Frontend Subsystem (Optional Enhancement) - Compact, high-frequency antenna array for transmitting and receiving microwave signals. - FMCW radar transceiver and Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) for raw data acquisition. ## 4. Criterion for Success - The onboard embedded platform must successfully process the raw radar data into a 2D top-down terrain map in real-time (at least 1 frame per second) without exceeding the UAV payload's power limits. - The system must transmit the generated 2D SAR imagery to the operator's remote controller as a live video stream with latency less than 2 seconds, displaying clear structural features rather than abstract 1D waveforms. - If implemented, the upgraded RF frontend and antenna array must successfully capture FMCW backscatter signals during flight while maintaining reduced physical weight to ensure the UAV's aerodynamic stability. TA: Kaiqi Chen |
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