continuous-wave radar

radar technology

Also known as: CW radar

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June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Continuous-wave (CW) radar is a type of radar technology that continuously transmits electromagnetic energy, unlike pulse radar which sends out short bursts. This continuous transmission allows CW radar to detect targets by observing the frequency shift of the returning echoes, a phenomenon known as the Doppler effect. This frequency shift indicates the target's relative motion.12

CW radar systems are active sensors, meaning they have their own illumination source. They typically operate in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum, with frequencies ranging from about 400 megahertz to 40 gigahertz. This technology is valuable for applications requiring precise measurement of target velocity, such as in police radar guns and weather radar for detecting storms.32

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radar
Postwar progress
…Doppler frequency is indispensable in continuous wave, MTI, and pulse Doppler radars, which must detect moving targets in the presence of large clutter echoes. The Doppler frequency shift is the basis for police radar guns. SAR and ISAR imaging radars make use of Doppler frequency to generate high-resolution images of…
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…Doppler frequency is indispensable in continuous wave, MTI, and pulse Doppler radars, which must detect moving targets in the presence of large clutter echoes. The Doppler frequency shift is the basis for police radar guns. SAR and ISAR imaging radars make use of Doppler frequency to generate high-resolution images of…
Read More