FMCW Radar Parameter Calculator (ADALM-PLUTO, 2.4 GHz Band) This project was developed as part of an undergraduate thesis in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The goal is to calculate and analyze the key system parameters of a low-cost, SDR-based FMCW radar system, designed for use with the ADALM-PLUTO SDR operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.

Project Objectives Calculate fundamental radar metrics such as:

Range resolution

Maximum measurable range

Velocity resolution

Maximum detectable velocity

Evaluate detection capability using both:

Theoretical SNR requirement (Shnidman formula)

Physical system SNR from the radar equation

Simulate antenna gain and pattern using CST Studio Suite

Visualize performance trade-offs such as CRLB-based velocity uncertainty vs. range

Tools Used MATLAB: for parametric simulations and plotting

CST Studio Suite: to model and simulate antenna gain and directivity

Datasheets and Literature: AD9363, IEEE publications on FMCW radar design

Key Features Fully parameterized MATLAB code with clear definitions

Plotting of physical SNR vs. range and theoretical detection threshold

Calculation of minimum detectable range (dead-time limited)

Velocity CRLB visualization for Doppler resolution analysis

Code structure is modular and ready for hardware integration

Application Scope Educational demonstration of radar theory

Prototype development for short-range detection

Foundation for real-time implementation on GNU Radio + ADALM-PLUTO

Next Steps Transition to real-time implementation with GNU Radio Companion

Beat frequency extraction and Doppler FFT integration

Validation of target detection in real-world scenarios