Echodyne has announced the availability of their MESA-K-DEV, an ultra-low C-SWAP (cost, size, weight, and power), fast electronically scanning radar based on its patented Metamaterials Electronically Scanning Array (MESA). Released as a developer's kit, it is designed to give end customers and integrators the ability to test the breakthrough C-SWAP characteristics and capabilities of MESA-based radar. This radar is evocative of a number of breakthrough future applications, including: Airborne Detect and Avoid radars on small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), dramatically enhanced autonomous vehicle radars, security radars capable of drone detection, and many others.
The C-SWAP characteristics are completely unparalleled for a true electronically scanning radar. Phased array radars have been the default choice for defense applications, however they are way too complex, expensive, bulky and heavy for commercial applications and even for many military applications. MESA makes high performance radar practical for commercial applications and platforms never before thought possible."
MESA-K-DEV operates in the K-band and has a broad field of view (±60° in azimuth and ±40° in elevation), which it can scan rapidly with sub-microsecond beam switching speed. This radar unit is a mere 22 x 7.5 x 2.5 cm, with a total weight of only 820 grams. Completely self-contained, it includes the metamaterial array, the array control driver circuitry, the beam steering computer, and a fully integrated transceiver and processors. The aperture is controlled through a simple USB Type C interface and requires only a single +7 to +28V DC source to operate. It consumes about 20W in operation and is less than 1W in standby. Convective cooling provided by the aluminum housing allows the unit to operate in temperatures from -40 to +75C.
Another interesting compact commercial radar solution was introduced last month from Vayyar Imaging called Walabot. Click here to learn more about it.
