Analysis of Measurement Instrumentation Delay in Modular Experimental Radar at C Band

Abstract

Unlike pulsed radars, Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar emits continuously very low power levels with the same signal to noise ratio (SNR) of an equivalent pulsed radar. FMCW can measure range and speed of the target. In modular design of such radar, time delay is experienced due to modular components such as low-noise amplifiers (LNA), antennas and, especially, cables. This time delay causes frequency shifts in the measured beat frequency resulting a range measurement error. Therefore, this time delay has to be studied for accuracy of measurements. In this study, experimental results of range measurement errors of a FMCW radar operating at C band are presented. Considering time delay of modular components, a range error of approximately 0.1m was obtained within a range of 10m.