Radar Theory Flashcards
Radar Polarization
The orientation of the electrical field
Frequency
The number of cycles that the RF energy completes per second
Electro Magnetic Radiation
Synchronized oscillations (sinusoidal waves) or electric and magnetic fields that propagate through a vacuum at the speed of light
Wavelength
The physical distance of one complete wave
Radar Beamwidth
The angular size of the main beam, normally expressed in degrees.
Phase Differences
The degree to which individual cycles of a wave coincide with those of a reference wave of the same frequency.
List the 7 types of electro magnetic radiation in order of decreasing wavelengths
1: Extremely low-frequency waves
2: Radio waves
3: Microwaves
4: Infrared radiation
5: Visible light
6: Ultraviolet radiation
7: X-rays & gamma rays
How is frequency measured?
Hz
A radars operating frequency impacts what performance parameters of the radar’s performance?
Atmospheric attenuation
physical size
transmitted power
doppler considerations
List characteristics of the lower frequency radar
- Long wavelength
- Large antenna
- Components able to generate high transmit power
- Low atmospheric attenuation
- Good long-range detection capability but poor precision
- Best for long-range EW radars
List characteristics of the higher frequency radar
- Shorter wavelengths
- Smaller antenna
- Smaller components for less power
- Shorter detection range
- High precision
- Atmospheric attenuation more of a problem
- Used for fire-control radars for fighters, SAMs and ADA
The strength of a radar signal hitting a target is approximately proportional to what parameter?
1/(range to the target)squared
For a fixed antenna size a radar operating at a higher frequency than another will the beamwidth be narrower or wider?
narrower
For a fixed operating frequency which radar will have a narrower beamwidth; a large antenna or a small antenna?
a large antenna
T or F: Angular (azimuth and elevation) resolution is a function of beamwidth and range to the targets.
True