Phase I of the proposed study addresses the feasibility of a narrow band FM-CW microwave radar sensor to measure the thickness of ice with good accuracy. The sensor has the potential to be portable and low cost, because of the narrow band of operation and recent advances in microwave integrated circuits. The device is based on a proprietary technology that achieves a significant improvement in accuracy compared to conventional FM-CW systems. The technology has already been demonstrated in an obstacle detection sensor for automotive applications. Phase I of the program involves the laboratory demonstration of the capability to measure the thickness of ice with an accuracy of 0.5 inches. A fully portable device can be demonstrated in Phase II.
Keywords: ice thickness microwave fm-cw radar ranging accuracy portable
