Receiver and Signal Processor Upgrade for the WSR-88D - Plans and Status

The WSR-88D weather radar has long been the workhorse for the weather community. The recent dual polarization upgrade has significantly enhanced the value of the meteorological data it provides. However, a few of the WSR-88D sub-systems are approaching the end of their service life and require a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to extend the useful life of the radars and to support weather forecast and warning services until the next generation of weather radars are deployed. The Receiver/Signal Processor refresh portion of the SLEP will implement state of the art equipment that greatly advances NEXRAD signal processing capacity for new radar science implementations, while at the same time increasing system reliability.

This paper discusses the planned system improvements, focusing on the digital receiver and signal processor, as well as the status of their progress.