Pulsed Radar: Advantages and Disadvantages

This page covers the advantages and disadvantages of Pulsed Radar. It details the benefits and drawbacks of Pulsed Radar. It also provides a basic overview of pulsed radar technology.

What is Pulsed Radar?

Introduction: Pulsed radar utilizes a train of pulses to determine the distance to a target, often reaching distances of over 200 nautical miles. It incorporates both a transmitter and a receiver, sharing a common duplexer for both functions.

The pulsed radar employs a pulse modulator within the transmitter to switch the desired waveform ON and OFF. The transmitter can be an oscillator, such as a magnetron.

Magnetrons are frequently used because they can generate pulse widths of several microseconds (µs) and pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) of several hundred pulses per second. The transmitter emits a train of pulses through a parabolic reflector antenna.

The receiver converts the incoming signal into a lower intermediate frequency (IF), which is then decoded and amplified before being sent to the display unit.

The detector demodulates the received IF signal. A video amplifier boosts the video signal and sends it to the display unit, which shows range and bearing information.

Pulsed radars are available with different PRF values: High PRF, Medium PRF, and Low PRF. Each type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits or Advantages of Pulsed Radar

The following are the benefits of using Pulsed Radar:

• Pulse Doppler Capability: Pulse Doppler radar can reject unwanted echoes using Doppler filters.
• Multiple Target Measurement: It can measure both range and velocity, even when multiple targets are present.
• High Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): Offers a higher S/N ratio.
• Range Accuracy and Resolution (Medium PRF): Medium PRF pulsed radar provides improved range accuracy and resolution.
• Performance with Airborne Low Speed Targets: Offers better performance for detecting low-speed airborne targets.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Pulsed Radar

The following are the disadvantages of Pulsed Radar:

• Poor Range Accuracy and Resolution (High PRF): High PRF pulsed radar suffers from poor range accuracy and target resolution. It also experiences range ambiguities.
• Clutter Issues (Medium PRF): Medium PRF pulsed radar doesn’t have a clutter-free region.