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Real-Time Speed Measurement of Moving Objects with Continuous Wave Doppler Radar Using Software-Defined Radio: Implementation and Performance Analysis

Abstract:

This paper presents a novel continuous-wave Doppler RADAR system for real-time speed measurement of moving objects, implemented using software-defined radio (SDR). Unlike traditional high-cost solutions typically found in research centers or specialized laboratories, this prototype offers a low-cost, compact, and easily deployable platform that lowers the entry barrier for experimentation and research. Operating within the 70 MHz–6 GHz range, SDR enables highly flexible signal processing; in this implementation, a 5.5 GHz carrier is selected to improve the detection precision by exploiting its reduced bandwidth for more accurate observation of frequency shifts. The carrier is modulated with a 2 kHz signal, and Doppler frequency deviations induced by object motion are processed to calculate velocity. Using a Welch spectral estimator, the system effectively reduces noise and extracts the Doppler frequency with high reliability. The prototype achieves speed measurements up to 196.36 km/h with approximately 2% error in the 0–100 km/h range, confirming its suitability for road traffic monitoring. A key innovation of this work is its single-antenna cross-polarized configuration, which simplifies hardware requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the system’s portability and open-access design make it ideal for in-vehicle applications, enabling direct deployment for automotive testing, driver-assistance research, and educational demonstrations. All design files and implementation details are openly shared, eliminating patent restrictions and encouraging adoption in low-resource academic and research environments.