In this paper, sweep heterodyne method and fast Fourier transform (FFT) are combined to realize the beat frequency detection. The input signal is mixed with the signal generated by the local oscillator (LO), and then is filtered through the middle placed filter. The sweeping signal generated by the DDS is mixed again with the reduced input frequency. After a resolution filter, the signal is processed by FPGA. Beat frequency signal in the range of 800MHz to 1200MHz can be detected with the detection resolution of 10kHz and the measurement accuracy of 100kHz. The research result has good directive effect on the detection of the beat frequency.All rights reserved. No part of contents of this paper may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of Trans Tech Publications Ltd, www.scientific.net.