This chapter introduces some of the major radar concepts that will be described in greater detail in subsequent chapters. One key concept, however, is covered primarily in this chapter: the radar range equation (RRE). Although specific forms of the RRE are discussed in other chapters, its derivation and definitions of all major terms are covered here. The remainder of the chapter provides an overview of other significant radar concepts.

Chapter Contents:

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Search and Track Functions
• 1.3 Target Detection, Resolution, and Clutter Concepts
• 1.3.1 Target Detection
• 1.3.2 Radar Resolution
• 1.3.3 Clutter Backscatter
• 1.4 Surveillance Radars
• 1.4.1 Volume Search
• 1.5 Radar Block Diagram
• 1.6 Radar Range Equation
• 1.6.1 Jamming Effects on Signal-to-Noise Ratio
• 1.6.2 Other Forms of the Radar Range Equation
• 1.6.2.1 Radar Range Equation for Volume Search
• 1.6.2.2 Radar Range Equation for Horizon Fence Search
• 1.6.2.3 Radar Range Equation for Tracking
• 1.6.2.4 Radar Range Equation Summary
• 1.7 Detection in Noise
• 1.7.1 Target Models
• 1.7.2 Detection and False Alarm Probabilities
• 1.7.3 Detection in Thermal Noise
• 1.7.4 Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) Processors
• 1.7.5 Detection in Clutter
• 1.8 Resolution and Measurement Accuracy
• 1.9 Tracking Radars and the Monopulse Technique
• 1.10 Track-While-Scan Radars
• 1.11 References
• 1.12 Problems

Inspec keywords: radar resolution; search radar; radar tracking; object detection; radar clutter

Other keywords: track function; target detection; search function; radar clutter; radar range equation; surveillance radar; radar resolution

Subjects: Optical, image and video signal processing; Radar equipment, systems and applications