Gated continuous wave radar

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for transmitting a first set of continuous wave (CW) signals, where each CW signal of the first set of CW signals has a first signal frequency and the transmitter is turned off between transmission of each CW signal of the first set of CW signals. For each CW signal of the first set of CW signals, receiving a reflection of the CW signal, and selecting an analog to digital (A/D) sample of the reflection of the CW signal that does not contain ground reflections by selecting the A/D sample based on timing from the transmitter being turned off after transmission of the CW signal. Integrating the selected A/D samples from each of the CW signals of the first set of CW signals to obtain a single A/D sample for the first set of CW signals.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for operating a stepped frequency continuous wave (SFCW) ground penetrating radar (GPR), the method comprising:
 transmitting, by a transmitter, a first set of continuous wave (CW) signals, each CW signal of the first set of CW signals having a first signal frequency, and the transmitter being turned off between transmission of each CW signal of the first set of CW signals;   for each CW signal of the first set of CW signals:
 receiving a reflection of the CW signal, and 
 selecting an analog to digital (A/D) sample of the reflection of the CW signal that does not contain ground reflections by selecting the A/D sample based on timing from the transmitter being turned off after transmission of the CW signal; and 
   integrating the selected A/D samples from each of the CW signals of the of the first set of CW signals to obtain a single A/D sample for the first set of CW signals.