Radar Principles and Systems Part II

Learning Objectives
Comprehend the factors that effect radar performance Comprehend frequency modulated CW as a means of range determination Comprehend the basic principles of operation of pulse-doppler radar and MTI systems

Factors That Affect Radar Performance

Signal Reception Receiver Bandwidth Pulse Shape Power Relation Beam Width Pulse Repetition Frequency Antenna Gain Radar Cross Section of Target Signal-to-noise ratio Receiver Sensitivity Pulse Compression Scan Rate
Mechanical Electronic

Carrier Frequency Antenna aperture

Radar Receiver Performance Factors

Signal Reception Signal-to-Noise Ratio Receiver Bandwidth Receiver Sensitivity

Signal Reception

Only a minute portion of the RF is reflected off the target. Only a fraction of that returns to the antenna. The weaker the signal that the receiver can process, the greater the effective range .

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Measured in dB!!!!! Ability to recognize target in random noise
Noise is always present. At some range, noise is greater that targets return

Noise sets lower limit of units sensitivity Threshold level used to remove excess noise

Receiver Bandwidth
Frequency range receiver can process Receiver must process many frequencies
Pulses generated by summing sine waves of various frequencies Frequency shifts occur from Doppler Effects

Reducing the bandwidth

Increases signal-to-noise ratio (good) Distorts transmitted pulse (bad)

Receiver Sensitivity
Smallest return signal that is discernible against the noise background
Milliwatts range

Important factor in determining units maximum range

Pulse Shape Pulse Width Pulse Compression Pulse Power

Pulse Effects on Radar Performance

Pulse Shape
Determines
Range accuracy Minimum and maximum range

Ideally want pulse with vertical

Leading edge Trailing edge Clear signal
Easily discernible when listening for echo

Pulse Width
Determines radar range resolution
Minimum detection range Maximum detection range

The narrower the pulse, the better the range resolution

Pulse Compression
Increases frequency of the wave within the pulse. Allows for good range resolution while packing enough power to provide a large maximum range.

Pulse Power
Efficiency to get signal out a long way High peak power desirable to achieve maximum ranges Lower power radar units mean
Smaller and more compact Less power required to operate

Other Factors Affecting Performance

Scan Rate and Beam Width
Narrow beam require slower antenna rotation rate

Pulse Repetition Frequency

Determines radars maximum range(tactical factor)

Carrier Frequency
Determines antenna size, beam directivity and target size

Radar Cross Section (What radar can see(reflect))

- target size, shape, material, angle and carrier frequency

Combined Radar Systems

Frequency Modulated CW Pulse Doppler MTI systems

Summary of Factors and Compromises

Summary of Factors and Compromises
Factor
Pulse Shape

Desired
Sharp a rise as possible Tall as possible
Short as possible

Why
Better range accuracy More power /longer range
Closer minimum range More accurate range Better range accuracy Better angular resolution Better detection probability Greater range Shorter minimum range Greater maximum range Greater angular accuracy Greater target resolution Detects smaller targets Smaller equipment Maximizes detection range Better signal-to-noise ratio

Trade-off Required
Require infinite bandwidth, more complex Requires larger equipment/more power
Reduces maximum range

Pulse Width

Pulse Repetition Freq.

Short

Reduces maximum range

Pulse Compression

Uses technique

More complex circuitry

Power Beam Width Carrier Frequency

More Narrow High

Requires larger equipment & power Slow antenna rate, Detection time Reduces maximum range

Receiver Sensitivity Receiver Bandwidth

High Narrow

More complex equipment Distorts pulse shape

Questions?