Developing A Signal Processing Algorithm For A FMCW Radio Altimeter

Engineers analyze lots of data in order to design or debug a problem. Data that are represented in spreadsheets are useful for making a presentation that provides insights into a problem. However stochastic processes such as the variation in the shape of the radar return over time are difficult to analyze by only looking at static data or graphs produced from static data. Presenting data in creative formats such as multi-dimension plots and videos helps in understanding the complexities of the problem being presented. Developing a simulator of a system empowers data analysis and comprehension of underlying problems. In this paper we present our experience in understanding and developing a digital signal processing algorithm for a FMCW Radio Altimeter using a simulator.