Radar dynamic range specification and measurement

A large dynamic range and a matching spurious-free response are now common-place requirements for new high-performance radar systems. In addition resistance to high-level out-of-band electromagnetic interference (EMI) is an important consideration. The key radar subsystem determining these characteristics is the analog radar receiver and the analog-to-digital converters (ADC). A Babel of definitions has been proposed to specify and describe this type of performance for both radar and communication systems. This paper will highlight the definitions best suited to characterize radar performance for both in-band dynamic range and linearity, and tolerance to out-of-band interfering signals. An example of a measurement procedure, which can be used to quantify such performance, is presented and typical results are included.