Radar Principles and Applications

Synopsis:

This course covers the fundamentals of radar systems. The basic radar techniques are discussed including moving target indication, pulse Doppler, measurement of range and velocity, signal-to-noise ratio and clutter cancellation. Various types of radar system are covered: synthetic aperture, weather radar, bistatic, search, tracking, and more. Radar system hardware is also discussed.

Key Topics:

  • The objective is to provide all students with an understanding of fundamental radar principles and techniques, and how they are used in a variety of radar applications.
  • Concepts are introduced with both mathematical explanations and graphical illustrations. Therefore students without a strong math background can grasp the physical principles.
  • The course content includes a review of the required background material, the introduction of basic radar theory and techniques, and discussion of several radar systems and applications.
  • The course is self-contained in that all of the background material is included.
  • There are an extensive number of worked examples.
  • Some MATLAB software is also provided and MATLAB examples are included in the lectures.

Who Should Attend:

The course will benefit engineers both young and old who need a basic understanding of gas turbine engine systems & components and the associated design process. The course is designed for engineers with some familiarity of basic aerodynamics, gas dynamics & thermodynamics. Some knowledge of engine cycles will also be useful.

Course Information:

Type of Course: Instructor-Led Short Course
Course Level: Fundamentals/Intermediate
Course Length: 2 days
AIAA CEU's available: Yes

Outline


I. Introduction
a. Basic Concepts, And Review Of Probability, Linear Systems And Transforms, Wave Propagation
b. Radar Functions And Classifications, Radar Range Equation, Noise, Signal-To-Noise Ratio
c. Fundamental Design Tradeoffs And System Block Diagrams

II. Analysis Of Radar Systems
a. Radar System Design, Probabilities Of False Alarm And Detection,
b. Integration Of Pulses And Processing Gain
c. Radar Cross Section (Rcs), Definition Of Rcs; Rcs Of Typical Targets, Rcs Reduction Methods; Stealth, Swerling Types

III. Doppler Effect, Cw And Fmcw Radars
a. Doppler Shift, Continuous Wave (Cw) Radar And Doppler Filtering; Fft, Frequency Modulated Cw (Fmcw) Radar

IV. Airborne Radars
a. Moving Target Indication (Mti), Pulse Doppler Radar; Range And Velocity Ambiguities
b. Clutter Illumination And Spectrum; Delay Line Cancelers; Mti Improvement Factors

V. Overview Of Microwave Devices Used In Radar Systems
a. Passive Devices: Filters; Multiplexers, Circulators; Isolators
b. Active Devices: Power Amplifiers, Low Noise Amplifiers, Mixers
c. Radar Antennas: Antenna Parameters, Reflectors; Lenses; Sidelobe Control
d. Arrays: Multibeam Antennas; Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (Aesas)

VI. Search And Tracking Functions
a. Search Versus Track Functions; Search Radar Equation
b. Monopulse; Conical Scan, Low Angle Tracking And Multipath; Frequency Diversity

VII. Radar Receivers
a. Matched Filters, I And Q Receivers
b. Analog And Digital Pulse Compression (Chirp)
c. Ambiguity Diagrams; Measurement Accuracy; Resolution

VIII. Special Radar Systems And Applications
a. Imaging Radars: Synthetic Aperture Radar (Sar), Stepped Frequency Radar, And Laser Radar
b. Ultra-Wideband (Uwb) Radar And Ground Penetrating Radar
c. High Frequency (Hf) Over-The-Horizon (Oth) Radar
d. Bistatic Radar
e. Doppler Weather Radar

Materials


Instructors

Prof. David Jenn is the Director of the Microwave and Antenna Laboratory at the Naval Postgraduate School. He has 15 years of experience in industry as a Senior Engineer. His current research is in the areas of radar, electronic warfare phased array antennas and wave propagation.

 

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