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pulse-compression radar

radar technology

Quick Summary

Pulse-compression radar is a type of radar technology that emits pulses of electromagnetic energy and then processes the returning echoes to determine target information. Unlike simple pulse radar, which uses short, high-power pulses, pulse-compression radar uses longer pulses that are modulated with a frequency or phase code. This allows for greater energy to be transmitted, improving the detection range and accuracy, while the signal processing techniques effectively "compress" the pulse, providing the high range resolution typically associated with shorter pulses.12

This method enhances the ability to distinguish between closely spaced targets and reduces the impact of clutter, which are unwanted radar reflections from the ground or weather. The core principle involves transmitting a longer pulse to gather more energy, then using signal processing to achieve the resolution of a much shorter pulse.12

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