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6. What are the specific bands assigned by the ITU for the Radar? What are the corresponding frequencies?
The International Telecommunications Union has defined a system of terminology for electromagnetic
frequencies used for radio and radar.
3-30 Hz ELF (Extremely Low Frequency)
30Hz to 300Hz SLF (Super Low Frequency)
300Hz to 3000Hz ULF (Ultra Low Frequency)
3kHz to 30kHz VLF (Very Low Frequency)
30-300 KHz LF (Low Frequency; "longwave")
300KHz-3 MHz MF (Medium Frequency; "medium wave")
3-30 MHz HF (High Frequency; "shortwave")
30-300 MHz VHF (Very High Frequency)
300 MHz -3 GHz UHF (Ultra High Frequency)
3-30 GHz SHF (Super High Frequency)
30-300 GHz EHF (Extremely High Frequency)
However, the prediction of range performance is complicated by several factors that can affect the
radar system's performance. These include environmental factors such as atmospheric absorption and
reflection, as well as system factors such as losses in the transmission line, antenna, and receiver. In
addition, the presence of noise and clutter can also affect the performance of the radar system.
To account for these factors, various models and simulation tools are used to predict the range
performance of radar systems. These models consider the radar system's physical and operational
parameters and simulate the radar system's performance in different scenarios. For example, simulation
tools can be used to predict the radar system's performance in different weather conditions, target types,
and clutter environments.
The prediction of range performance is an iterative process, where the design parameters of the radar
system are adjusted based on the predicted range performance until the desired performance is achieved.
This process requires a good understanding of the radar system's performance parameters and the ability to
accurately model and simulate the system's behaviour in different scenarios.
In CW (Continuous Wave) Radar, earphones are used as an indicator to detect the presence of a target.
When the transmitted RF signal reflects from the target, it mixes with the local oscillator (LO) signal in a
detector to produce an IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal. The IF signal is then passed through a filter to
eliminate any unwanted signals and then fed to a modulator that modulates an audio tone onto the signal.
This modulated signal is then amplified and fed to a pair of earphones, which act as an audio indicator.
When the signal is received, the audio tone heard in the earphones changes in pitch or volume, indicating
the presence of a target. The pitch or volume change depends on the frequency or amplitude of the reflected
signal.
Earphones are preferred in CW Radar as they provide an audible indication of target presence and allow
the operator to easily detect and track the target. However, their use is limited to short-range detection
and tracking as the audio signal becomes weaker as the range increases.
3. Explain the two frequency CW technique for measuring the Radar range?
The Two-Frequency CW (Continuous Wave) technique is a range measurement technique used in Radar. It
is based on the Doppler Effect and the beat frequency phenomenon.
In this technique, two CW signals with slightly different frequencies (f1 and f2) are transmitted
simultaneously by the Radar. When these signals reflect back from the target, they produce two Doppler
shifted frequencies (f1' and f2') due to the relative motion of the target. The difference between the two
Doppler shifted frequencies (f1' - f2') is called the beat frequency (fb), which is proportional to the target
range.
The beat frequency is obtained by mixing the received signals with local oscillator signals having the same
frequencies as the transmitted signals (f1 and f2). The difference frequency (fb) is then filtered and amplified
to produce a DC voltage proportional to the range.
The formula for calculating the beat frequency is:
fb = 2v(f2-f1)/c
where:
v = velocity of the target
f1 = frequency of the first CW signal
f2 = frequency of the second CW signal
c = speed of light
R = cfb/(2(f2-f1))
where:
R = range of the target
c = speed of light
fb = beat frequency
f1 = frequency of the first CW signal
f2 = frequency of the second CW signal
The integration process involves adding together the amplitudes of each transmitted pulse, while keeping
the pulse duration the same. This creates a longer pulse with a higher peak power and a higher energy
content than the individual pulses. The longer pulse is then transmitted and the resulting echo is received
by the radar receiver.
The integration of radar pulses is commonly used in long-range radar systems, where the received signal is
weak due to attenuation and scattering over long distances. By integrating multiple pulses together, the
SNR of the received signal can be increased, which improves the radar's ability to detect and track targets at
longer ranges.
14.
UNIT-III
1. What is the beat frequency? How it is used in FM-CW radar?
In radar, the beat frequency is the difference between the frequency of the transmitted signal and the
frequency of the received signal. In FM-CW (Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave) radar, the
transmitted signal is a continuous wave that is frequency modulated by a linear ramp. The frequency of the
transmitted signal increases linearly with time, so that the frequency at any given time is proportional to the
time elapsed since the beginning of the transmission.
When the transmitted signal reflects off a target and returns to the radar receiver, its frequency is shifted
by the Doppler effect due to the target's motion. The amount of frequency shift is proportional to the
target's radial velocity. The received signal is then mixed with a copy of the transmitted signal that is
generated by a local oscillator. The output of the mixer is the difference frequency, which is proportional to
the Doppler shift.
By measuring the beat frequency, the radar can determine the range and velocity of the target. The range
is determined from the time delay between the transmission of the signal and the reception of the echo,
while the velocity is determined from the beat frequency.
FM-CW (Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave) altimeter is a radar system used to measure the altitude
of an aircraft above the ground or the height of a target above a surface. It operates on the principle of
measuring the round-trip time delay of a radio signal from the radar antenna to the surface and back.
The FM-CW altimeter sends out a continuous wave signal that is frequency-modulated with a triangular
waveform. The frequency of the transmitted signal changes linearly with time, sweeping through a range of
frequencies during each transmission. The signal is transmitted from the antenna and travels towards the
ground, where it reflects off the surface and returns to the radar receiver.
The time delay between the transmitted and received signals is proportional to the distance from the
antenna to the surface. The received signal is mixed with the transmitted signal to produce a beat frequency,
which is proportional to the range of the target. The beat frequency is then processed to determine the
height of the target above the surface.
The FM-CW altimeter is advantageous as it provides accurate altitude measurements even in adverse
weather conditions such as rain or fog. It is commonly used in aviation and maritime applications for
measuring altitude and depth, respectively.
FM Modulator − It produces a Frequency Modulated (FM) signal having variable frequency, fo(t)
and it is applied to the FM transmitter.
FM Transmitter − It transmits the FM signal with the help of transmi ng Antenna. The output of FM
Transmitter is also connected to Mixer-I.
Local Oscillator − In general, Local Oscillator is used to produce an RF signal. But, here it is used to
produce a signal having an Intermediate Frequency. The output of Local Oscillator is connected to
both Mixer-I and Balanced Detector.
Mixer-I − Mixer can produce both sum and difference of the frequencies that are applied to it. The
signals having frequencies of fo(t)and fIF are applied to Mixer-I. So, the Mixer-I will produce the
output having frequency either fo(t)+fIF or fo(t)−fIF
Side Band Filter − It allows only one side band frequencies, i.e., either upper side band frequencies
or lower side band frequencies. It acts like a filter.
Mixer-II − Mixer can produce both sum and difference of the frequencies that are applied to it.
IF Amplifier − IF amplifier amplifies the Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal. This amplified signal is
applied as an input to the Balanced detector.
Balanced Detector − used to convert the received signal into a voltage that is propor onal to the
frequency difference between the transmitted and received signals.
Low Frequency Amplifier − It amplifies the output of Balanced detector to the required level. The
output of Low Frequency Amplifier is applied to both switched frequency counter and average
frequency counter.
Switched Frequency Counter − It is useful for ge ng the value of Doppler velocity.
Average Frequency Counter − It is useful for getting the value of Range.
Draw the block diagram of MTI radar with power oscillator transmitter
Write the description of Range gate Doppler filters.
The delay-line canceller, which can be considered as a time-domain filter, is widely used in MTI radar to
separate moving targets from stationary clutter.
It is also possible to employ the more common frequency-domain band pass filters of conventional design
in MTI radar to separate the Doppler-frequency-shifted targets.
Range gate Doppler filters (RGDF) are a type of digital filter used in radar signal processing to reject unwanted
signals and noise. They are used in radar systems that employ pulse-Doppler techniques, such as weather
radar, air traffic control radar, and military radar systems.
The RGDF is designed to pass only the signals that are received within a specific range gate and within a
specified Doppler frequency range. The range gate is typically a time interval in which the radar pulse is
transmitted and received, while the Doppler frequency range is determined by the velocity of the target
relative to the radar.
The RGDF can be implemented in the frequency domain or the time domain. In the frequency domain, the
filter is designed using the Fourier transform of the received signal. In the time domain, the filter is
implemented using digital signal processing techniques, such as finite impulse response (FIR) or infinite
impulse response (IIR) filters.
Draw the block diagram of IF Doppler bank and explain the operation of it with the help of frequency
response of it.
The operation of the IF Doppler bank is based on the principle of frequency mixing. The input signal is mixed
with two reference signals that are shifted in phase with respect to each other. The two resulting
intermediate frequency (IF) signals are then filtered and amplified by bandpass filters and amplifiers. The
bandpass filters have narrow passbands centered on the desired Doppler frequencies.
UNIT-4
Monopulse tracking is a technique used in radar systems for tracking moving targets. It allows the radar to
determine the position and velocity of a target in two angle coordinates - azimuth and elevation.
The cluster of four feeds generates four partial overlapping antenna beams, the feeds are used with a
parabolic reflector, casegrain antenna or a lens.
The monopole antenna must generate a sum pattern of high efficiency and a difference pattern with larger
value of slope at crossover of the offset beams.
Greater the SNR and the steeper the slope of error signal in the vicinity of zero angular error, gives more
accurate measurement of angle.
The side lobes of both sum and difference patterns must be low.
Advantage of monopulse tracking is its ability to provide accurate tracking of multiple targets simultaneously.
It can also provide more precise tracking than traditional tracking techniques, which can be particularly useful
in situations where the radar needs to track targets in crowded environments or in adverse weather
conditions.
4. What are the various methods of acquisition before tracking a target with a radar?
Acquisition is the process of detecting and identifying targets in the radar's field of view and establishing initial
track information. It is the first step in the target tracking process and is essential for a successful track.
A tracking radar must first find and acquire its target before it can operate as a tracker. Therefore it is
necessary for the radar to scan an angular sector in which the presence of the target is suspected.
Most tracking radars employ a narrow pencil-beam antenna. Searching a volume in space for an aircraft target
with a narrow pencil beam would be somewhat analogous to searching for a fly in a darkened auditorium with
a flashlight. It must be done with some care if the entire volume is to be covered uniformly and efficiently.
common types of scantling patterns employed with pencil-beam antennas are:
a. Helical Scan: Helical scan is a type of antenna scan pattern in which the radar beam is rotated around
a vertical axis while it is continuously tilted up and down. This results in a helix-shaped scan pattern.
b. Palmer scan: It consists of a rapid circular scan (conical scan) about the axis of the antenna, combined
with a linear movement of the axis of rotation. When the axis of rotation is held stationary the Palmer
scan reduces to the conical scan. Because of this property, the Palmer scan is sometimes used with
conical-scan tracking radars which must operate with a search as well as a track mode.
c. Spiral Scan: Spiral scan is another type of antenna scan pattern in which the radar beam is rotated
around a vertical axis while it is continuously swept outwards in a spiral pattern. The advantage of the
spiral scan is that it covers a larger area compared to the helical scan.
d. TV Scan: TV scan is a type of antenna scan pattern in which the radar beam is rotated around a vertical
axis while it is continuously tilted up and down in a sawtooth pattern. This results in a scan pattern
that resembles the lines on a TV screen. The advantage of the TV scan is that it is simple and easy to
implement.
e. Nodding Scan: Nodding scan is a type of antenna scan pattern in which the radar beam is continuously
tilted up and down in a small angle. This results in a scan pattern that covers a narrow vertical area
but provides a high-resolution image. The advantage of the nodding scan is that it is useful for
detecting low-flying targets.
Amplitude Comparison Monopulse Tracking is a method of tracking a target using a monopulse radar.
Monopulse radars use a single antenna to transmit and receive radar signals. The received signal is then split
into two or more channels, each with a slightly different phase or angle of arrival.
In Amplitude Comparison Monopulse Tracking, two receiving channels are used: a sum channel and a
difference channel. The sum channel adds the signals from both channels, while the difference channel
subtracts them. By comparing the amplitudes of the sum and difference channels, the angle to the target can
be determined.
The principle behind Amplitude Comparison Monopulse Tracking is that the sum channel amplitude is
proportional to the total power reflected by the target, while the difference channel amplitude is proportional
to the slope of the power distribution over the target.
The difference channel amplitude provides the directional information, while the sum channel amplitude
provides the range information.
Amplitude Comparison Monopulse Tracking provides accurate tracking of fast-moving targets with high
accuracy and resolution. It is commonly used in military and aerospace applications.
During the search phase, the radar system scans a particular region of the sky using a particular scanning
pattern such as conical scan, helical scan, or spiral scan. Once a target is detected, the system switches to the
detection phase, where it verifies the existence of the target and its location.
After detecting the target, the system enters the measurement phase, where it tracks the target and measures
its position and velocity accurately. The accuracy of these measurements depends on the performance of the
radar system, including the transmitter, receiver, signal processing, and antenna subsystems.
12. Explain the characteristics of a matched filter receiver with necessary equations
14. Explain in detail about Efficiency of non-matched filters compared with the matched Filter.
15. Discuss about Matched filter with nonwhite noise.
16. Discuss the relation between the matched filter characteristics and correlation detection?
UNIT-V
1. Explain the terms Linear Array, Planar array, Broadside array and end fire array.
Linear array, planar array, broadside array, and end fire array are different types of antenna arrays used in
radar systems.
1. Linear Array: A linear array is a one-dimensional array of antennas that are arranged in a straight line. The
antennas are spaced at equal intervals, and the signal received by each antenna is combined to form a
beam that can be steered in a specific direction. Linear arrays are commonly used in applications where
the radar needs to scan a wide area in one direction.
2. Planar Array: A planar array is a two-dimensional array of antennas that are arranged in a rectangular or
circular grid pattern. The antennas are spaced at equal intervals in both the horizontal and vertical
directions, and the signal received by each antenna is combined to form a beam that can be steered in a
specific direction. Planar arrays are commonly used in applications where the radar needs to scan a wide
area in both horizontal and vertical directions.
3. Broadside Array: A broadside array is a linear array of antennas that are arranged perpendicular to the
axis of the array. The antennas are spaced at equal intervals, and the signal received by each antenna is
combined to form a beam that is directed perpendicular to the axis of the array. Broadside arrays are
commonly used in applications where the radar needs to scan a narrow sector in a specific direction.
4. End Fire Array: An end fire array is a linear array of antennas that are arranged parallel to the axis of the
array. The antennas are spaced at equal intervals, and the signal received by each antenna is combined to
form a beam that is directed parallel to the axis of the array. End fire arrays are commonly used in
applications where the radar needs to scan a narrow sector in a specific direction, and the target is moving
perpendicular to the direction of the array.
Linear and planar arrays are used to scan wide areas, while broadside and end fire arrays are one-dimensional
arrays used to scan narrow sectors. The choice of array type depends on the specific application and the
requirements of the radar system.
2. With respect to phased array antennas explain the terms beam steering and beam widths changes.
Phased array antennas are a type of antenna array that uses multiple small antennas, each with its own phase
shifter, to steer the beam in a desired direction. The individual antennas are combined to form a beam that
can be steered in a particular direction without physically moving the antenna itself.
Beam steering is the process of changing the direction of the beam by adjusting the phases of the individual
antennas in the array. This is achieved by introducing a controlled phase shift to the signals received by each
antenna in the array. By varying the phase shift, the signals from each antenna can be added or subtracted,
resulting in constructive or destructive interference. This allows the beam to be steered in a particular
direction without physically moving the antenna.
Beam width is a measure of the angular extent of the main lobe of the beam. The main lobe is the central
region of the beam with the highest signal strength. Changes in beam width can be achieved by adjusting the
spacing between the elements in the array or by adjusting the phasing of the elements. Increasing the spacing
between elements decreases the beam width, while decreasing the spacing increases the beam width.
3. List out the merits and demerits of phased array antennas.
Phased array antennas have several advantages and disadvantages, which are listed below:
Merits:
1. Electronic beam steering: Phased array antennas allow for electronic beam steering, which enables
the antenna to track multiple targets simultaneously without physically moving the antenna. This is a
significant advantage over traditional mechanically steered antennas, as it improves the speed and
accuracy of tracking.
2. Rapid scanning: Phased array antennas can scan a wide area rapidly, making them ideal for
applications such as air traffic control, weather forecasting, and military surveillance.
3. Low profile: Phased array antennas can be made very thin and low profile, making them ideal for use
in aircraft, ships, and other vehicles.
4. High reliability: Phased array antennas have no moving parts, making them more reliable and less
prone to mechanical failure than traditional antennas.
5. Improved signal quality: Phased array antennas have a high signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in improved
signal quality and better detection of weak signals.
Demerits:
1. Complexity: Phased array antennas are more complex than traditional antennas, requiring
sophisticated electronics for beam steering and signal processing.
2. Cost: Phased array antennas are more expensive to manufacture and maintain than traditional
antennas.
3. Power consumption: Phased array antennas require a significant amount of power to operate, which
can be a limiting factor for certain applications.
4. Limited bandwidth: Phased array antennas have a limited bandwidth, which can limit their use in
certain applications.
5. Vulnerability to interference: Phased array antennas can be vulnerable to interference from other
electronic devices, which can affect their performance.
The two switches, TR & ATR are placed at a distance of λ/4 from the transmission line and both the switches
are separated by a distance of λ/4. The working of Branch-type Duplexer is mentioned below.
During transmission, both TR & ATR will look like an open circuit from the transmission line. Therefore,
the Antenna will be connected to the transmitter through transmission line.
During reception, ATR will look like a short circuit across the transmission line. Hence, Antenna will be
connected to the receiver through transmission line.
The Branch-type Duplexer is suitable only for low-cost Radars, since it is having less power handling capability.
Balanced Duplexer
A balanced type duplexer is a type of waveguide duplexer that uses two separate waveguides to separate the
transmit and receive signals. The transmit and receive waveguides are connected to the antenna through a
balanced-to-unbalanced transformer. The transformer allows the transmit and receive signals to be combined
or separated as needed.
The signal, which is produced by the transmitter must reach the Antenna for the Antenna to transmit that
signal during transmission time. The solid lines with arrow marks shown in the above figure represent how
the signal reaches Antenna from transmitter.
The dotted lines with arrow marks shown in the above figure represent the signal, which is leaked from the
Dual TR tubes; this will reach only the matched load. So, no signal has been reached to the receiver. The
configuration of Balanced Duplexer for reception purpose is shown in figure given below.
We know that Antenna receives the signal during reception time. The signal which is received by the Antenna
has to reach the receiver. The solid lines with arrow marks shown in the above figure represent how the signal
is reaching the receiver from Antenna. In this case, Dual TR tubes pass the signal from the first section of
waveguide to the next section of waveguide.
The Balanced Duplexer has high power handling capability and high bandwidth when compared to Branch-
type Duplexer.
Circulator as Duplexer
A circulator is a three-port device that can be used as a duplexer in radar systems. The three ports are labelled
as the input port, the output port, and the isolation port. The circulator allows the transmit signal to be sent
from the transmitter to the antenna, and the receive signal to be sent from the antenna to the receiver, while
preventing any interference between the two signals.
In a radar system, the circulator acts as a duplexer by separating the transmit and receive signals. The transmit
signal is sent from the transmitter to the input port of the circulator, which directs it to the output port and
then to the antenna. The receive signal is picked up by the antenna and sent to the isolation port of the
circulator, which directs it to the receiver.
The circulator provides isolation between the transmit and receive signals, which helps to reduce interference
and improve the sensitivity of the receiver.
6. Draw the structures of balanced duplexer during transmission and reception modes
Transmission mode
Reception mode
8. Define the noise figure for a radar receiver, and obtain an expression for the noise figure for three networks
in cascade?
9. Explain in detail about different types of phased array radars and list out their advantages and
disadvantages.
There are several types of phased array radars, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
1. Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) Radars: PESA radars use a fixed array of antennas to transmit
and receive signals. The signals are combined and processed electronically to steer the beam in different
directions. PESA radars are generally less expensive and simpler to operate than other types of phased
array radars, but they may have limitations in terms of range and accuracy.
Advantages:
Low cost compared to other types of phased array radars.
Simple and reliable operation.
Good for short-range applications.
Disadvantages:
Limited range and accuracy compared to other types of phased array radars.
May be vulnerable to jamming and interference.
2. Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radars: AESA radars use small individual transceiver modules
to transmit and receive signals. Each module can be controlled independently, allowing for more precise
control of the beam shape and direction. AESA radars are generally more expensive and complex than
PESA radars, but they offer higher performance and better resistance to interference and jamming.
Advantages:
High accuracy and resolution.
Good resistance to jamming and interference.
Can perform multiple functions simultaneously, such as surveillance and tracking.
Disadvantages:
Higher cost and complexity compared to PESA radars.
May require more power and cooling.
3. Active Phased Array Radars (APAR): APARs are a specialized type of AESA radar used on naval vessels for
air and missile defense. They are designed to rapidly acquire and track multiple targets simultaneously,
and to engage them with high-speed missiles. APARs are highly integrated systems that include a large
number of individual antenna elements and advanced signal processing and control systems.
Advantages:
High accuracy and speed in acquiring and tracking multiple targets.
Good resistance to jamming and interference.
Advanced signal processing and control systems.
Disadvantages:
Very expensive and complex.
Requires a large amount of power and cooling.
Limited to naval applications.
4. Passive Coherent Location (PCL) Radars: PCL radars use signals from existing sources, such as TV and radio
stations, to locate and track targets. By analyzing the reflected signals, a PCL radar can determine the
location and velocity of the target. PCL radars are generally less expensive and simpler than other types
of phased array radars, but they may have limitations in terms of range and accuracy.
Advantages:
Low cost and simplicity.
Can use existing signals as a source.
Good for short-range applications.
Disadvantages:
Limited range and accuracy compared to other types of phased array radars.
Vulnerable to interference from other signals.
Limited to line-of-sight applications.