A microwave radar system detects objects by using the principle of radio wave reflection. Here’s how it works step-by-step:
- Transmission: The radar system generates and transmits microwave signals—electromagnetic waves typically in the gigahertz frequency range—towards a target area.
- Propagation: These microwave signals travel through the air at the speed of light.
- Reflection: When the transmitted microwaves encounter an object (like an aircraft, vehicle, or terrain), part of the energy is reflected back toward the radar system.
- Reception: The radar’s receiver antenna detects the reflected signals (also called echoes).
- Signal Processing: By measuring the time interval between transmission and reception of the reflected signal, the system calculates the distance (range) to the object, since microwaves travel at a known speed.
- Doppler Effect: If the object is moving, the frequency of the reflected wave changes slightly (Doppler shift), which can be used to determine the object’s speed and direction.
- Display: The processed data is displayed on a screen, showing the object’s position, distance, and movement.