Design of an S-Pol spectral processing data system

Historically, it has been difficult for researchers and engineers to have access to an independent high-quality I,Q time series datastream on an NCAR radar platform. The design of a new data acquisition and processing board (PIRAQ III), coupled with rapid advances in PC and networking hardware and software (i.e. real-time extensions to Linux) have made this possible. It is our plan to leverage these technologies to develop a new data system for S-Pol, NCAR's polarimetric research radar, while making time series data readily available for research on such topics as range velocity ambiguity reduction, anomolous propagation clutter rejection, and spectral processing applications. This paper discusses the proposed architecture for the new S-Pol data system and the applicability of PIRAQ III. Furthermore, we will describe spectral processing applications and other avenues of research to be explored.