Maximizing harmonic-radar target response: Duty cycle vs. peak power

To optimize a harmonic radar for the detection of electronic targets, a system designer must select appropriate frequencies, power levels, transceiver components, antennas, and waveforms. This work focuses on one tradeoff for radar design: duty cycle vs. peak power, for the transmit waveform. Single-frequency pulses are studied. It is assumed that total (average) power in the transmit band is fixed; however, duty cycle and peak power are adjustable. Harmonics measured using a hardware simulation of a nonlinear radar demonstrate that, to maximize reflected target response, it is advantageous to minimize transmitter duty cycle and maximize peak power.

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