Signal processing in a radar system involves a series of techniques and algorithms used to extract useful information from radar echoes received from targets or objects in the environment. Initially, raw radar signals are captured by the receiver, containing reflections of the transmitted radar pulses that bounce off objects within the radar’s detection range. Signal processing begins by digitizing these analog signals and applying various filters to remove unwanted noise and interference, improving the clarity of radar data.
In radar, signal processing refers to the manipulation and analysis of radar echoes to extract meaningful information about detected targets. This includes determining the distance to targets (range), their relative speed (Doppler shift), and sometimes their angular position (azimuth and elevation). Pulse compression techniques are often used to improve range resolution, allowing radar systems to distinguish closely spaced targets.
The signal processing process in radar involves several steps to convert raw radar data into actionable information. After initial scanning and noise filtering, radar signals undergo pulse compression to improve target detection by compressing long radar pulses into shorter, more distinct waveforms. After pulse compression, Doppler processing analyzes frequency shifts in radar returns caused by relative motion between the radar and target, providing velocity information. Target detection and tracking algorithms then analyze the processed radar data to identify and track targets over time, continuously documenting their positions and speeds. Finally, Radar displays the processed information present in a visual format to operators, allowing them to make informed decisions in applications ranging from air traffic control and weather monitoring to military surveillance and navigation.