Skip to Secondary Navigation | Skip To Content

525.448 - Introduction to Radar Systems Course Homepage

Instructor Information

Charles Farthing

Email: Charles.Farthing@jhuapl.edu
Work Phone: (443) 778-7709
Home Phone: (410) 750-8329

Course Information

Course Description

This class introduces the student to the fundamentals of radar system engineering. The radar range equation in its many forms is developed and applied to different situations. Radar transmitters, antennas, and receivers are covered. The concepts of matched filtering, pulse compression, and the radar ambiguity function are introduced, and the fundamentals of radar target detection in a noise background are discussed. Target radar cross section models are addressed, as well as the effects of the operating environment, including propagation and clutter. MTI and pulsed Doppler processing and performance are addressed. Range, angle, and Doppler resolution/accuracy, as well as fundamental tracking concepts will be discussed.

Prerequisites

525.414, Probability and Stochastic Processes for Engineers or equivalent.A working knowledge of Fourier transforms, linear systems including discrete time systems and concepts, and electromagnetics. Familiarity with Matlab(R).

Course Goal

To achieve an understanding of the fundamental design and operation of modern radar systems and a working knowledge of the mathematical tools used in analysis of radar systems problems.

Course Objectives

  • Understanding of the components of a radar system and their relationship to overall system performance, the radar operating environment and techniques used to confront it, and top level measures of performance.
  • Understanding basic detection theory as applies to radar.
  • Understanding the concepts of the matched filter, ambiguity functions, and other aspects of waveform and signal processor design.
  • Understanding radar measurements, associated quality, and the fundamentals of radar tracking.

When This Course is Typically Offered

This course is typically offered in the fall term.

Syllabus

Topics Covered

  • Radar Range Equation
  • Statistical Theory of Detection
  • Radar Cross Section
  • Radar Antennas
  • Matched Filtering
  • Ambiguity Functions / Diagrams
  • Clutter, MTI and Pulsed Doppler
  • Waveforms, Pulse Compression
  • Measurement and Tracking
  • Radio Wave Propagation
  • Radar Receivers
  • Radar Transmitters
  • Additional Topics

Student Assessment Criteria

Homework 40%
Exam 1 30%
Exam 2 (Non-cumulative) 30%

Computer and Technical Requirements

Working knowledge of Matlab.

Participation Expectations

Homework will be assigned each lecture, and is generally expected within one week of assignment.  Strong emphasis is placed on effort in grading of homework.  Some class materials will be made available to students, but these materials will not capture all of the relevant discussions from the lectures.  Students with schedule conflicts are encouraged to contact the instructor in advance to work out a means to remain current on material and assignments.

Textbooks

Textbook information for this course is available online through the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore.

Course Notes

There are no notes for this course.

(Last Modified: 07-22-2008 at 11:07:57 AM)