The word RADAR is an abbreviation for RAdio Detection And Ranging. In general, radar systems use modulated waveforms and directive antennas to transmit electromagnetic energy into a specific volume in space to search for targets or to remote sensing. Targets reflect portions of this energy (echoes) back to the radar. This course is a comprehensive and detailed description and presentation about radar systems analysis and design that can provide the students with hands-on-like experience. The course concentrates on radar fundamentals, principles, and mathematical derivations. It also provides the student with a comprehensive set of tools that can be used for radar analysis and/or radar system design. This course serves as a valuable resource to students in analyzing and understanding the many issues associated with radar systems analysis and design and remote sensing. The course is taught in English.

The most common concepts used in radar systems, such as range, range resolution, Doppler frequency, and coherency are described. The radar range equation, Radar Cross Section (RCS) and radar losses are addressed. RCS formulas for many simple objects as well as complex object RCS are presented. Continuous Wave (CW) radars and pulsed radars are discussed. Resolving range and Doppler ambiguities is also discussed in detail. A review of radar waveforms, including CW, pulsed, Linear Frequency Modulation (LFM), High Range Resolution (HRR) waveforms and stepped frequency waveforms are analyzed. The concept of the matched filter and the radar ambiguity function are introduced. Pulse compression and binary phase codes and frequency codes are discussed. The phenomenology of radar wave propagation including topics like multipath, refraction, diffraction, divergence, and atmospheric attenuation is addressed. The concepts of clutter and Moving Target Indicator (MTI) are also addressed. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing are the subjects of the last part of the course. According to the course evolution we present an overview of radar signal processing. Moreover, the course illustrates the principles of operation, and provides the design criteria for the main microwave passive components used in radar systems. Finally, the course provides an introduction to electromagnetic compatibility, with particular emphasis on signal integrity and radiated interferences. Software simulations and realistic application examples are presented and discussed all along the course.

Basic knowledge from the courses in electromagnetism and signal theory is mandatory. In particular knowledge on the following fields is required: free space propagation and time and frequency signal analysis. Basic knowledge of MATLAB environment is required.

Radar fundamentals and applications (0.5 CFU) Radar cross sections (0.5 CFU) Radar waveforms analysis (0.5 CFU) Matched filter and the radar ambiguity function (0.5 CFU) Pulse compression (0.5 CFU) Radar wave propagation (0.5 CFU) Clutter and moving target indicator (0.5 CFU) Synthetic aperture radar and remote sensing (1.5 CFU) Radar signal processing (optional) Microwave components, characterization and design techniques: low-pass and band-pass filters, power dividers, directional couplers (2 CFU) Signal integrity: distortions due to cross-talk (0.5 CFU) Radiated emissions and susceptibility (0.5 CFU)

Practical and realistic exercises (exam-like) related to the concepts described during classes are proposed weekly. Such activities are carried out in classroom or LAIB also using MATLAB. Laboratory experiences using real radar system are organized during the course.

Course Material is available on the web portal: classes slides, exercises and collection of useful formulas. Skolnik, M., Editor in Chief, Radar Handbook, New York, McGraw-Hill, 3rd Ed., 2008 Levanon, N., Radar Principles, Wiley, New York, 1988 Richards, M., Fundamentals of Radar Signal Processing, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2005

Modalità di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria;

The oral exam will be divided in three parts: 1) two or three very simple questions; examples are: the range given the two way time delay, the doppler frequency shift given the target velocity and wavelength, the range resolution given the bandwidth, MTI blind speed given the PRF and wavelength, ... 2) one question on the principle of operation and usage of a method or a device; example are: describe a digitally modulated radar waveform, how do you realize a low pass filter, what is a circulator, describe a range-doppler radar, ... 3) the solution of a simple exercise that is similar to a part of one of the problems included in the home assignments. Maximum oral test score will be 27/30; home assignments score will allow to reach 30 cum laude. Extra questions can be requested if not satisfied with your home assignments score.

Modalità di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria;

The oral exam will be divided in three parts: 1) two or three very simple questions; examples are: the range given the two way time delay, the doppler frequency shift given the target velocity and wavelength, the range resolution given the bandwidth, MTI blind speed given the PRF and wavelength, ... 2) one question on the principle of operation and usage of a method or a device; example are: describe a digitally modulated radar waveform, how do you realize a low pass filter, what is a circulator, describe a range-doppler radar, ... 3) the solution of a simple exercise that is similar to a part of one of the problems included in the home assignments. Maximum oral test score will be 27/30; home assignments score will allow to reach 30 cum laude. Extra questions can be requested if not satisfied with your home assignments score.