The pulse repetition time (PRT) of a radar is the time interval between the start of a pulse and the start of the next pulse emitted by the radar transmitter. This is the reciprocal of the pulse repetition frequency (PRF). PRT is a critical parameter in radar systems because it determines the temporal spacing between consecutive radar pulses. A shorter PRT allows for faster updates and higher resolution in target detection and tracking, but it also affects the maximum range and the radar’s ability to distinguish between closely spaced targets. PRT is essential in radar design and operation to optimize performance based on specific mission requirements and environmental conditions.
Radar pulse width, often simply called pulse width, is the duration of the transmitted radar pulse. It represents the duration that the radar transmitter emits radio frequency energy in the form of a pulse. Pulse width is typically measured in microseconds (µs) or nanoseconds (NS). Pulse width affects the radar’s ability to resolve targets within range and speed. A shorter pulse width provides better range resolution, allowing the radar to distinguish closely spaced targets along the line of sight. Additionally, pulse width influences the radar’s ability to accurately detect moving targets by affecting the Doppler shift measurement. Radar systems adjust pulse width based on operational requirements, balancing range resolution, target detection capability, and power consumption.