Displays in Radar Systems
The primary function of the display in a radar system is to visually present the information contained in the radar echo signal to the operator. This visual representation allows the operator to easily interpret the data and take appropriate action. Various types of displays are used in radar systems, and some common ones, adapted from IEEE standard definitions, include:
A-Scope
- A deflection-modulated display where vertical deflection is proportional to target echo strength, and the horizontal coordinate is proportional to the range.
B-Scope
- An intensity-modulated rectangular display with azimuth angle indicated by the horizontal coordinate and range by the vertical coordinate.
C-Scope
- An intensity-modulated rectangular display with azimuth angle indicated by the horizontal coordinate and elevation angle by the vertical coordinate.
Plan Position Indicator (PPI) or P-Scope
- An intensity-modulated circular display where echo signals are shown in plan position, with range and azimuth angle displayed in polar coordinates.
Range-Height Indicator (RHI)
- An intensity-modulated display with height represented on the vertical axis and range on the horizontal axis.
Duplexer
- A device that allows the transmitter and receiver to share the same antenna. On transmission, it protects the receiver from burnout. On reception, it directs the echo signal to the receiver. The duplexer must provide very large isolation (greater than 60 dB) between the transmitter and receiver with minimal loss of the desired signal. Common types of radar duplexers include circulators and TR tubes.
The choice of display type and duplexer design depends on the specific requirements and characteristics of the radar system, ensuring effective visualization of radar data and proper functionality of the transmitter-receiver sharing mechanism.
