Scanning technique in radar refers to the method used to systematically tell and position the radar antenna to cover a specific area or volume of interest. There are several scanning techniques used in radar systems, including mechanical scanning, electronic scanning (or progressive array scanning), and combinations thereof. Mechanical scanning involves physically rotating or tilting the radar antenna to scan the radar beam through the desired azimuth and elevation angles.
Electronic scanning, on the other hand, uses electronically controlled phase shifts in an array of antenna elements to steer and shape the radar beam electronically without moving parts.
These scanning techniques enable radar systems to acquire and track targets, conduct surveillance over wide areas, and obtain detailed spatial information for various applications such as air traffic control, weather monitoring, and military surveillance.
Tracking techniques in radar refer to the methods used to continuously monitor and maintain accurate information about the position, speed, and other characteristics of moving targets detected by the radar system. Common tracking techniques include monopulse tracking, Doppler tracking, and Kalman filtering.
Monopulse tracking compares the amplitude and phase of radar returns received from a target to determine its precise location relative to the radar antenna. Doppler tracking analyzes the frequency shift (Doppler shift) of radar echoes caused by the movement of the target to calculate its speed and direction. Kalman filtering is a mathematical algorithm used to predict and update the estimated state of a target based on radar measurements over time.
These tracking techniques allow radar systems to maintain continuous surveillance, track multiple targets simultaneously, and provide accurate, real-time data for decision-making in applications such as air traffic management, missile guidance, and navigation.
The function of the scanner in radar is to control the movement or direction of the radar antenna, allowing it to scan and cover specific areas or sectors in space. The scanner determines the azimuth and elevation angles at which the radar beam is transmitted and received, ensuring complete coverage of the surveillance area.
In mechanical scanning systems, the scanner rotates or tilts the antenna to direct the radar beam sequentially through the azimuth and elevation planes. In electronic scanning (phased array) systems, the scanner electronically adjusts the phase and amplitude of individual antenna elements to direct the radar beam in the desired directions without physical movement.
Precise scanner control is essential to optimize radar performance, maximize detection capability, and adapt to dynamic operational requirements.
A radar scan pattern refers to the specific geometric arrangement or sequence in which radar beams are transmitted and received to cover a designated surveillance area. The choice of scanning pattern depends on factors such as the operational objectives of the radar system, the characteristics of the environment or targets being monitored, and the desired spatial resolution.
Common radar scanning patterns include sector scan, circular scan, cone scan, and raster scan. A sector scan pattern directs the radar beam in a defined angular sector, providing continuous coverage in specific directions. Circular scan patterns rotate the radar beam around a central axis to cover a circular area, while cone scan patterns combine azimuth and elevation scanning to cover a three-dimensional volume. Raster scanning models systematically scan the radar beam over a grid of points or cells to achieve complete coverage of an entire surveillance area.
Each scan pattern offers unique benefits for different radar applications, such as surveillance, tracking, mapping and environmental monitoring.
Scan rate in radar refers to the speed at which the radar antenna or scanning mechanism rotates or scans the surveillance area to perform scanning operations. It is usually measured in revolutions per minute (rpm) for mechanical scanning systems or degrees per second for electronic scanning systems.
The scan rate determines how quickly the radar system can update its measurements and acquire information about targets or environmental conditions in the surveillance area. A higher scan rate allows radar systems to achieve faster refresh rates, improve tracking accuracy, and respond more quickly to changes in target positions or environmental dynamics. The optimal scan rate depends on factors such as operational requirements, target speeds and the desired level of surveillance coverage and update frequency for effective radar operation