Radar Range Calculator Formula
R = [(Pt × σ × c² × G²) / ((4π)³ × f0² × Pmin)]^(1/4)
Formula Explanation
The Radar Range Calculator uses this equation to estimate the maximum range at which a radar system can detect an object. The formula takes into account the transmitted power (Pt), radar cross-section (σ), antenna gain (G), frequency (f0), and minimum detectable signal (Pmin). The speed of light (c) is a constant. By combining these variables, the formula calculates how far a radar can effectively detect a target under ideal conditions.
Uses of Radar Range Calculator
Using the Radar Range Calculator is beneficial in various RF and radar engineering fields, including:
- Designing radar systems for aviation and defense applications.
- Evaluating radar detection performance in weather monitoring and navigation systems.
- Testing and optimizing antenna gain and power configurations.
- Educational purposes for learning radar physics and range equations.
- Research and development for advanced radar technologies.
Formula Example
Assume the following parameters:
Pt = 5 W, G = 15 (linear), f0 = 10 GHz, σ = 2 m², and Pmin = 1 mW.
Substituting the values into the formula:
R = [(5 × 2 × (3×10⁸)² × 15²) / ((4π)³ × (10×10⁹)² × 0.001)]^(1/4)
After calculation, the radar range R ≈ 72.5 meters.
This means under these conditions, the radar can detect a target up to approximately 72.5 meters away.