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 (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 CFU) Radar signal processing (1 CFU) Microwave components, characterization and design techniques: low-pass and band-pass filters, power dividers, directional couplers, antennas (2.5 CFU)

The Course includes lectures on the theory, solution to proposed problems, and laboratories. Practical and realistic exercises (exam-like) related to the concepts described during classes are assigned almost weekly, to be held mainly at home (homework). After their handing in, they are solved during the exercise classes. Numerical (using either MATLAB or a dedicated tool) and experimental labs focused on the analysis of real radar systems and assisted by experienced staff 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

Lecture slides; Exercises; Exercise with solutions ; Lab exercises; Video lectures (previous years);

Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam;

The standard exam consists of a written test including 3 exercises (similar to those proposed during the course) to be solved in 2 hours. During the exam it is strictly avoided to have developed exercises, notes or textbooks. The students are expected to assess the learning outcomes through the solution of exercises on the course subjects. The exercises are evaluated both in terms of the solution method and in terms of calculated results. The results of the written test are posted on the course website. Students have the possibility to see their written exam and to discuss it, in a predefined day. The maximum grade achievable with the written exam is 27/30. It is possible to improve the final grade up to 30/30 cum laude with the following activities, that are not mutually exclusive. - An oral test (2 questions), mostly aimed to verify the theoretical and practical understing of the course subjects; it could increase or decrease the final score with respect to that of the written test. - The submission of the assigned exercises (homework); their aim is to help the students to deal with the different subject matters immediately after their explanation, to have the possibility of asking clarifications without waiting for the end of the course. - The submission of a short report on the optional project activity. It will consist in the use of a radar system or in the design, numerical characterization and measurements of one of the devices considered during the course (generally a filter), whose manufacturing is responsability of the course instructors. The activity is carried on in small groups (2-5 people). One report for each group is required, to be delivered before the end of JSeptember's exam period. A maximum of 5 marks can be gained with these last two activities, while the oral testi could either increase or decrease the final grade.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.