Lecture II

Introduction to Radar Signal Processing

Dr. Twe Ta Oo
Lecturer
Faculty of Computer Systems and Technologies
University of Computer Studies, Yangon

1 Acknowledgement: 4/29/2020
Most of the contents are prepared according to the “radar training course at BIRM”.
Pulse Doppler Radar
 The pulse-Doppler waveform consists of a coherent burst of pulses,
generally with constant pulse (τ) width and pulse repetition frequency
(PRF).
 The returns from the environment are received, range-gated, and
coherently integrated to form a Doppler spectrum for each range gate.
 Compared to continuous-wave Doppler, pulse Doppler improves
transmit–receive (T/R) isolation.
 Pulse-Doppler modes typically provide superior range accuracy than
CW radar.

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Ref: “Principles of Modern Radar: Radar Applications” by William L. Melvin, James A. Scheer.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
 All things (which have temperature above absolute zero) emit radiation.
 Radiation is energy that travels in the form of waves. Since radiation
waves have electrical and magnetic properties, they are called as
“electromagnetic waves”.
 Most of the electromagnetic energy on the earth originates from the
sun.
Electromagnetic spectrum (EM spectrum)
 The sun actually radiates electromagnetic energy at several different
wavelengths and frequencies, ranging from gamma rays to radio
waves.
 Radar operates in microwave region of EM spectrum.

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Electromagnetic Spectrum (cont.)

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Ref: “Introduction to Radar Systems” by Dr. Robert M. O’Donnell, MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Electromagnetic Spectrum

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Relationship between Frequency and Wavelength

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Ref: “Introduction to Radar Systems” by Dr. Robert M. O’Donnell, MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Wave: Phase and Amplitude

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Ref: “Introduction to Radar Systems” by Dr. Robert M. O’Donnell, MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Wave: Constructive and Destructive Addition

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Ref: “Introduction to Radar Systems” by Dr. Robert M. O’Donnell, MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Propagation of EM Waves
 Refraction
 Electromagnetic waves propagating within the earth's atmosphere do
not travel in straight lines but are generally refracted.
 The density differences in the atmosphere affect the speed and direction
of electromagnetic waves.
 In some regions, a wave may speed up, while in other regions it may
slow down. This situation is known as refraction.

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Propagation of EM Waves
 Subrefraction
 If the decrease in density with height is more than normal, then the
beam bends less than normal and this is called subrefraction.
 In this case the beam might shoot over the target and miss the target
(precipitation in case of weather radar).

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Propagation of EM Waves
 Superrefraction
 If the decrease in density with height is less than normal, then the beam
bends more than normal and this is called superrefraction.
 In this case the beam bends more toward the surface of the Earth, and it
may undershoot the target.

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 Thank YOU!

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