Continuous Wave and Pulsed Radar Systems
Continuous Wave (CW) and Pulsed Radar Systems are essential technologies for detecting and characterizing targets. CW radar employs uninterrupted transmission and primarily measures target velocity using the Doppler Effect. In contrast, Pulsed Radar transmits short bursts of energy, allowing for range measurement and improved target discrimination. Both systems have distinct applications and limitations, which are essential for optimizing their performance in various environments.
Sections
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What we have learnt
- Continuous Wave (CW) radar measures the velocity of moving targets through Doppler frequency shifts.
- Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar enhances CW radar capabilities by allowing simultaneous range and velocity measurements.
- Pulsed radar systems transmit short bursts of electromagnetic energy to determine the range and location of targets.
Key Concepts
- -- Doppler Effect
- The change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the source of the wave, used in radar technology to measure target velocity.
- -- Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)
- The number of pulses transmitted by the radar per second, affecting the radar's ability to measure Doppler shifts and maximum unambiguous range.
- -- Duty Cycle
- The fraction of time the radar transmitter is actively emitting energy, influencing average power and thermal management.
- -- Beam Frequency
- The difference between the transmitted frequency and the received frequency after reflection, critical for determining target range and velocity in FMCW systems.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.