Humatics PSP400-A UWB Radar Surveillance System User Manual
TDC Acquisition Holdings Inc. UWB Radar Surveillance System Users Manual
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Users Manual
2 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
Copyright
All rights reserved. Time Domain® 2001-2014. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
Time Domain®, PulsON®, and “PulsON Triangle” logo are registered trademarks of Time Domain. Microsoft® and
Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, and Windows 7® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Any trademarks,
trade names, service marks or service names owned or registered by any other company and used in this manual are the
property of its respective company.
Rights
Rights to use this documentation are set forth in the PulsON Products Terms and Conditions of Sale.
Notice to Users
Operation of this device is restricted to law enforcement, fire and rescue officials, public
utilities, and industrial entities. Operation by any other part is a violation of 47 U.S.C 301
and could subject the operator to serious legal penalties.
Per Title 47, Part 15, Subpart F, paragraph 15.511(2), the operation of imaging systems
requires coordination as detailed in paragraph 15.525.
Parties operating under the provisions of Title 47, Part 15, Subpart F, paragraph 15.511 must
be eligible for licensing under the provisions of part 90.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment
Time Domain as manufacturer is in charge of all marketing. Any purchasers (non-
government) by commercial clients will be informed of their responsibility under FCC rules
by receiving a copy of Section 15.525 which requires them to co-ordinate their activities and
inform the FCC at the following address preferable via certified mail.
Frequency Coordination Branch, OET
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
Attn: UWB Coordination
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 3
Overview
This document is a User’s Manual for the Time Domain Ultra Wideband (UWB) Perimeter
Surveillance Pole (PSP400). The document is divided into the following sections.
Section 1 System Introduction & Theory of Operation
Section 2 Pole Overview
Section 3 P400 Radar
Section 4 Broadspec Antenna
Section 5 FCC Compliance
The user will note we have not included a Section on installation and system bringup. After
reviewing Section 1 the reader will appreciate that the PSP400 is one element of an overall
system that will be integrated with existing elements of an installations fixed infrastructure.
For this reason each installation is unique; system turn-on and setup instructions will be
developed in conjunction the receiving facility.
1 System Introduction & Theory of Operation
This document addresses the Ultra Wideband (UWB) surveillance radar pole which is the
sensor component of an integrated surveillance system. In order to introduce and provide
operational context for the pole the overall system is discussed in this Section.
1.1 System Overview
The UWB Surveillance System (USS) creates a virtual fence along or around the perimeter
of an area to be protected. It consists of a staggered fence line of distributed short range
radars contained in poles. These poles work together to detect, track, and distinguish
between people and animals moving along or through the perimeter area. The ability to
distinguish between different types of targets also known as Items Of Interest (IOIs) is often
referred to as classification. Because the USS does not create a physical barrier it can be
deployed in areas where an actual fence would be detrimental to the environment such as
along a shore line or across a wildlife migratory path.
UWB is the enabling technology that allows the USSUSS to offer the following capabilities:
All weather, day/night operation
High Probability of Detection coupled with a Low Probability of False Alarms
Deployment in cluttered RF environments (near fences, buildings, moderate foliage)
Classification/Identification
Numerous agencies eligible for licensing under the provisions of part 90 have identified an
unmet need for a security system with the above characteristics.
4 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
Figure 1 is a conceptual depiction of the USS. As suggested in the figure the USS can track
and independently classify multiple people and animals using its system of radars. A server
processes data from the radars and provides outputs to external users of the data. A network
connects the radars to each other and the server. The lower level components that make up
the poles, server, and network and the USS interfaces will be described in subsequent
paragraphs.
USS requires supporting infrastructure including power, a wired network, pole footings, and
a central server. The cost of this infrastructure suggests USS will be deployed around high
value assets or infrastructure typically found at many Government installations.
USS
•Array
•Network
•Server
Tracks/Classifications/Notifications
Figure 1 USS System Concept
As illustrated in Figure 2 USS consists of a staggered line of poles, a wired network and a
server. The server processes data from the poles and controls radar operation through the
network.
Pole
Array
Server
Ethernet
Hub
Radar (3)
AC/DC
Converter
Terminal
Keyboard
Monitor
RAID
Storage
Software
Ethernet Hubs
CAT-5e/CAT-6 Cables
Power
Cables
Software
Pole
Ethernet
Hub
Radar (3)
AC/DC
Converter
Software
Pole
Ethernet
Hub
Radar (3)
AC/DC
Converter
Software …
Network
Figure 2 USS Hardware Components
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 5
The number of poles deployed at a given site depends on the length of the perimeter that
requires monitoring. The poles are organized into groups of six poles referrred to as
networking cells. As shown in Figure 3 the physical footprint of a networking cell is a
rectangle that is 100 meters long by 20 meters wide (note the radar coverage area extends up
to 20 meters beyond the cells footprint in all directions).
100 meters
20 meters
20 meter grid
Pole location
Figure 3: Footprint of six pole networking cell
As described in Section 1.2.2 a key feature of the networking cell concept is that only a
single UWB radar (P400) within each cell is transmitting at any given time while the other
radars within the same networking cell attempt to receive that transmission thus making very
efficient use of the transmitted energy (air time). This has the benefit of reducing emissions
from the overall system (1 transmitter within the space of a football field) thus reducing (and
pratically speaking, eliminating) the system’s interference potential.
6 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
The end user provided server should feature multicore processors and an operator terminal
consisting of a keyboard and monitor. Such a server is needed to support the system’s
processing and interface operations. The operator terminal is for the purpose of configuring,
controlling, and maintaining the system. Figure 4 illustrates a typical server.
Figure 4: Typical end user provided server
The network consists of a number of Ethernet hubs and cables to provide data
communication between the UWB Modules within the poles and the server.
1.2 System Theory of Operation
1.2.1 Software Architecture & Data Flow
Figure 5 shows the data flow on the network between the poles and the server, internal to the
server, and external to the server. The P400s send TCP/IP packets containing radar scan data
to the server where they are processed to detect, track, and classify targets. The server also
sends TCP/IP packets to the poles as needed. Within the server, the outputs of the processing
are TCP/IP packets containing tracks, classifications, configuration, status, notifications, and
alarms. These are provided to the interface, which generates data and signals for
consumption by an external user of the data. The TCP/IP packets allow this data to be
processed or converted by another application, even one running at a separate location,
without the need to modify the processing application itself.
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 7
Array
Processing Interface
TCP/IP Packet
•Tracks
•Classifications
TCP/IP Packet
•Scans
TCP/IP Packet
•Slot Lease
TCP/IP Packet
•Configuration
•Status
TCP/IP Packet
•Notifications
•Alarms
TCP/IP Packet
•Configuration
•Controls
Server
Radio
Radio
Radio
…
XML
•SEIWG ICD
Web Message
•Video Relay
•Alarm Relay
Video
Figure 5: USS Data Flow
1.2.2 Network Cells
As introduced in Section 1.1 USS is organized into network cells consisting of six poles,
covering ~100m x 20m (about the size of a football field). Networking cells are formed to
ensure only one P400 radar in a cell is transmitting at any given time. For example (Figure
6), if a system is composed of three networking cells, of which only one radar per cell is
transmitting at a time, then there would be three widely spaced P400s transmitting at any
time. Because each of the three networking cells operates on a different code channel
(different timing of when pulses are transmitted) and are a considerable distance from each
other the transmitting P400s do not interfere with each other and also are not synchronous.
2
1 3
4
5
5
4
3
2
1
Cell 1 Cell 2Cell 3
6
1
2
35
466
120 meters 120 meters
20 meters
XX
Radiating P400 Receiving P400s
Figure 6: Map of TDMA slot 1
8 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
Each network cell is implemented as a fixed TDMA scheme that supports a 4 Hz update rate.
This fixed TDMA cycle and timing information is available to each P400 and ensures only a
single P400 (within each cell) is radiating at any given time. The TDMA network for each
networking cell is 264ms in length and contains 8 time slots. The 264ms time period is
called a superframe. For a single pole, only one time slot of a superframe is used to transmit
for 24ms. Therefore per pole, the duty cycle for packet level transmissions is 9%
(24ms/264ms). Additionally, the P400 radar technology is based on short pulse UWB
technology. During this 24ms transmit time, the on-air duty cycle (pulses being sent) is
<1%. Therefore the overall on-air time (pulse level) for a pole is <0.1%.
While there are three P400s per pole, only the P400 located in the middle of a pole radiates
both the bottom and top P400s listen only. Moreover, all P400s in all networking cells
always receive, even those that are transmitting act as monostatic radars. Each receiving
P400 produces a waveform or a scan of the signal it received, which is sent via Ethernet to
the signal processing application resident on the main computer. It’s worth noting that the
USS was designed to be efficient as it relates to transmit airtime (and power). For example,
on average 18 different radars are designated to receive energy from one transmitter, thus
making the most of each transmission for the purposes of detection, localization, tracking,
and classification.
1.2.3 Processing
The processing flow consists primarily of signal processing, detection, localization, tracking,
and classification/identification. The primary inputs to the processing are the radar scans
generated by the P400s. The primary outputs of the processing are the tracks and
classification. Secondary inputs are configuration and controls. Secondary outputs are
configuration and status, and radar slot control.
The signal processing function operates on raw scans from the radar to filter and align scans
to pass to the detection function. The detection function attempts to remove the background
including clutter to report motion. The detections are then input to the localization function.
Up to this point all processing has been performed on scans from a single radar (monostatic)
or a pair of separate radars (bistatic) independently. A transmit radar/receive radar pair
(which for monostatic operation is the same device) is called a link. The localization function
combines detections from all available links along with known coordinates of the radars to
determine locations of potential targets.
The tracking function implements a tracker using the localization coordinates of potential
targets. The goal of the tracker is to identify localizations that have spatial and temporal
consistency and estimate their position over time. The outputs of this function are called
tracks. Although the tracking function may initiate and maintain a number of tracks, only
those with high confidence are provided as output to the classification function, visualization,
or external output. The classification function determines whether the track is the result of a
person or an animal.
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 9
1.2.4 Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The Graphical User Interface (GUI) function provides visual output to the operator terminal
and controls to allow the operator to change configuration data, start and stop the system,
enable or disable certain functions, etc. If remote connectivity is available, the GUI allows
remote access to the operator terminal.
The visual output consists of tracks overlaid on a background image of the area. The tracks
are color coded depending on their classification. The visual output also shows system status
by color coding poles. Detailed information about system status is available using controls on
the GUI.
Figure 7: Coyote track in Huntsville, AL, (note: inset image of coyote NOT part of USS
display)
10 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
2. Pole Overview
An assembled pole is approximately 6 inches in diameter and 10.5 feet tall (Figure 8). It is
mounted on an end user provided concrete footing. The footing has four threaded studs that
protrude above its top surface. The pole’s base plate has four holes. The pole is erected by
aligning the four holes in the base plate with the threaded studs and securing the base plate
using nuts. The nuts can be adjusted to level the pole. The approach is the same as that used
to install and level light poles. Ethernet and power cables are routed through the center of the
footing into the pole. As shown in Figure 8 there are three visible components:
Anti-bird cap
Radome (weather covering)
Base Plate Cover
Anti-bird cap
Weather
covering
Base plate
cover
Footing
Figure 8: Exterior view of pole
As the name implies the Anti-bird cap prevents birds from roosting on the pole top. The
interior of the Anti-bird cap features a short (~ 4”) pendulum suspended from its peak. This
pendulum dampens pole vibration induced by severe wind gusts.
The weather covering is a PVC tube that protects the pole internals from the elements. Since
the pole internals include three UWB radars the weather covering serves as a radome.
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 11
The Base Plate Cover protects the support electronics mounted on the pole’s base plate as
shown in Figure 9 the support electronics consist of:
An Ethernet switch
An AC/DC converter
A DC Power Terminal block
The Ethernet switch connects the radars in the pole to the network Ethernet cable. The
AC/DC converter converts AC power into 12V DC power which is routed through the DC
distribution block to the radars.
Ethernet Switch
DC Power
Terminal Block
AC/DC
Converter
Fiberglass rods
(3)
Mounting nuts (4)
Figure 9: Pole support electronics
Figure 9 also depicts the three structural fiberglass rods that extend from the Base to the top
of the pole. Figure 10 illustrates one of the three UWB radars that are contained within the
pole. Also note that the power and Ethernet feed to the UWB radar are provided in a single
cable. Figure 11 illustrates the P400 within its’ housing. Note the UWB radars are
discussed further in Section 3. Figure 12 is a block diagram of the pole.
12 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
Ethernet &
Power Cable
Fiberglass
rods (3)
P400 Housing
UWB Antenna
Figure 10: UWB Radar (P400) mounted to pole structure
P400 UWB
Module
Ethernet
12 VDC
Figure 11: P400 within its housing
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 13
AC Power 12 V DC Power
Ethernet
AC/DC Converter
Ethernet Switch
Top
P400
Bottom
P400
DC Power Terminal block
Middle
P400
Pole internals
AC Power
Ethernet
Figure 12: PSP Block Diagram
14 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
3. P400 Radar
The radar is Time Domain’s P400 Ultra Wideband (UWB) module (Figure 13) configured to
provide monostatic and bistatic radar operation. Monostatic radar operation is a single device
receiving scans from its own transmitted pulses. In a bistatic mode one radar receives scans
(pulses) transmitted from another radar. The receiving radar first acquires the transmitted
energy and establishes a common time base with which to receive the scans.
Data communication for the P400 is over Ethernet. Each P400 is configured with a static IP
address. Scan data is sent from the P400 over Ethernet to the server. The server also sends
control and configuration data to the P400s over the Ethernet, either directly to a specific
P400 (i.e. IP address) or by broadcasting to all P400s.
Figure 13: P400 UWB Module
3.1 P400 Radar Theory of Operation
The P400 UWB radar transmits high bandwidth (narrow) Gaussian pulses. With a center
frequency of 4 GHz and a bandwidth of 2 GHz (see Figure 14) the waveform supports a
resolution of a few centimeters. The UWB radars receive the pulse response in either a
mono-static mode or bi-static mode. Each radar’s precision on-board timing allows it to
operate as a mono-static device where it first transmits a pulse and subsequently receives the
pulse response. In the bi-static mode, one radio transmits the pulse and another radio receives
the response. In order to enable bi-static operation the transmitted waveform includes an
acquire sequence that allows the receiving radio to “find” the transmitted pulses in time.
Once found, a code embedded in the polarity of the transmitted pulses allows the receiving
radios to synchronize with the transmitter. When multiple receivers receive the same
transmitted pulse response this is termed the multi-static mode; this mode is fundamental to
the system. Within the system a complete pulse response is known as a scan. The sequence
of scans between a specific transmitter and receiver pair is a link. As discussed in Paragraph
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 15
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 78
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
dB 3.1 5.3
Frequency, GHz
-1000 -500 0500 1000
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
t, pico seconds
1.2.3 scans generated by the P400s are processed by software in order to realize the
detection, tracking, and classification capabilities of the system.
Figure 14: Time and frequency measurements of the fundamental pulsed signaling
strategy of the P400 radio module
3.2 P400 Block Diagram
This section provides and discusses at a high level the P400 functional hardware block
diagram, as shown in Figure 15.
Oscillators:
•16MHz
•1 GHz VCO
Operating Band:
•3.1 to 5.3 GHz
Figure 15: P400 hardware functional block diagram
16 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
To power the board, the user must supply a maximum of 5 Watts at any voltage between
5.75-30V. Indicating lights provide operating status information.
The user can interface to the P400 through either USB (standard USB Micro B connector),
Serial connection, or Ethernet. Power is provided via a barrel connector. In addition, the
user can request the P400 to report the board temperature and can command the fan to turn
on or off.
The processor controls the UWB front end through a Digital Baseband FPGA interface.
More specifically, the FPGA configures the Time Doman P400 Pulser chip (UWB
transmitter) and P400 Analog Front End (AFE) chip (UWB receiver), provides timing signals
and out-going data, receives incoming data and controls the position of the transmit/receive
(T/R) switch.
There are three RF sections:
A variable transmit power amplifier is provided in the Pulser chip. This allows the
user to adjust the transmit power over approximately a 19 dB range. At its maximum
setting (and when using the standard P200 antenna) these transmissions are compliant
with FCC Part 15 levels
Receive chain consists of gain stages and band pass filter; and
T/R switch supports two configurations: Transmit/Receive on Port A and Transmit on
A, Receive on B.
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 17
4. Broadspec Antenna
The P400 is designed to operate with the Broadspec antenna shown in Figure 16. Use with
ANY other antenna invalidates the FCC certification. Per FCC 15.203, the Broadspec antenna
must be professionally installed and the installer has the responsibility to insure that the
Broadspec antenna is used.
The P400 can be operated with a single antenna (used for transmit and receive) or with two
antennas (where one is dedicated for transmit and the second for receive).
The Broadspec antenna (~3dBi) provides an omni-directional transmit/receive pattern
supporting a frequency range of 3.1-5.3 GHz. It has a standard SMA female connector and
measures 1” x 2.5” x 0.125”. Specifications are available on the web at:
http://www.timedomain.com/datasheets/TD_Broadspec_Antenna.pdf
Figure 16: Broadspec Antenna
18 Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual
5 FCC Compliance
The PSP400 has been designed to be in compliance with the FCC regulations governing
UWB Surveillance Systems (Part 15.511).
Time Domain as manufacturer is in charge of all marketing. Any purchasers (non-
government) by commercial clients will be informed of their responsibility under FCC rules
by receiving a copy of Section 15.525 which requires them to co-ordinate their activities and
inform the FCC at the following address preferable via certified mail.
Frequency Coordination Branch, OET
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
Attn: UWB Coordination
In compliance with FCC requirements the label depicted in Figure 17 is affixed to the Base
Plate Cover of each pole at the location shown in Figure 18.
Fig. 16: Label with FCC ID number
Ultra Wideband Perimeter Surveillance Pole / User’s Manual 19
Label location
Figure 18: PSP400 label location