THEORY EXAMINATION (SEM–VIII) 2016-17 INTRODUCTION TO RADAR SYSTEM

Section A – Basic Concept Questions (Description)

Section A consists of short conceptual questions designed to test the basic understanding of radar system fundamentals. Students are expected to provide brief explanations of key radar concepts such as radar range, detection principles, Doppler effect, and tracking systems.

The questions in this section cover important topics including maximum unambiguous range, radar applications, Doppler effect, MTI radar concepts, blind speed, and radar tracking techniques. These concepts help students understand how radar systems detect, locate, and track targets.

Students must also understand the role of components such as STALO (Stable Local Oscillator) and COHO (Coherent Oscillator) in radar systems. These components are important in maintaining signal stability and improving detection accuracy.

This section mainly evaluates a student’s ability to explain important radar terminology and basic principles used in radar signal processing and target detection.

Questions for Section A

What is the maximum unambiguous range in radar systems?

What are the applications of radar technology?

What is meant by missed detection in radar systems?

Define the MTI improvement factor.

What are STALO and COHO in radar systems?

What is the Doppler Effect and how is it useful in radar communication?

What are the advantages of digital MTI radar over analog MTI radar?

What is blind speed in radar systems?

What are the different types of radar tracking systems?

What factors affect the accuracy of radar tracking systems?

Section B – Descriptive Questions (Description)

Section B includes descriptive and analytical questions that require detailed explanations of radar system principles and signal processing techniques. Students must explain theoretical concepts, derive equations, and analyze radar system components.

One of the most important topics in this section is the radar range equation, which determines the maximum distance at which a radar system can detect a target. Students must derive and explain this equation.

Another important topic is radar cross-section (RCS), which represents how much electromagnetic energy is reflected back to the radar from a target. Understanding RCS helps determine the detectability of different objects.

This section also includes questions about Continuous Wave (CW) radar systems, Doppler signal processors, ambiguity functions, and radar measurement accuracy.

Students must also understand radar scanning techniques such as conical scanning, which improves target tracking accuracy compared to older methods like lobe switching.

Questions for Section B

Derive the radar range equation for target detection.

Explain the concept of radar cross-section of targets.

Draw the block diagram of a CW radar using zero intermediate frequency and explain its operation.

Explain the digital MTI Doppler signal processor.

Explain conical scanning and its advantages over lobe switching.

What is an ambiguity function? Explain the ambiguity function of a simple pulse.

Write a short note on the accuracy of radar measurements.

Derive the expression for the probability of false alarm in radar systems.

Section C – Long Analytical Questions (Description)

Section C contains long analytical questions that require deeper understanding of radar signal processing, radar system performance, and antenna characteristics.

One of the key topics in this section is delay line cancellers used in MTI radar, which help remove unwanted signals caused by stationary objects such as buildings or terrain.

Another important topic is signal integration techniques, including coherent integration, non-coherent integration, and binary integration. These methods are used to improve radar detection performance by combining multiple signals.

The section also includes questions related to radar antenna parameters, which influence radar range and performance. Students must understand how antenna size and characteristics affect radar operation.

Answers in this section require detailed explanations, mathematical reasoning, and sometimes diagrams.

Questions for Section C

Explain the different types of delay lines used in MTI radar and discuss their frequency response.

Explain coherent, non-coherent, and binary integration techniques in radar systems.

Show that the maximum radar range is proportional to the linear dimension of the antenna.

Explain the various antenna parameters used in radar systems.