Intermediate frequency Upgrade design features of NASA D3R Weather Radar System

Abstract: The NASA dual-frequency, dual-polarization, Doppler radar (D3R) is an important ground validation tool for the global precipitation measurement (GPM) mission dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR). The D3R has undergone extensive field trials starting in 2011 and continues to provide observations that enhance our scientific knowledge. To further enhance its capabilities, the Intermediate frequency (IF) electronics, digital receiver and waveform generation subsystems have been upgraded. Due to the new, more flexible architecture, this upgrade enables more research frontiers to be explored with better performance. One of the primary motivations for this upgrade is to enable enhanced radar sensitivity and increase range resolution to 30 meters. In this work, the D3R system upgrade will be discussed with a focus on the key upgrade design features to obtain better sensitivity and a flexible waveform capability.