Basic Radar Tracking

Detailed closed-loop bandwidth and transient response approach is a subject rarely found in current literature. This innovative resource offers practical explanations of closed-loop radar tracking techniques in range, Doppler and angle tracking. To address analog closed loop trackers, a review of basic control theory and modeling is included. In addition, control theory, radar receivers, signal processors, and circuitry and algorithms necessary to form the signals needed in a tracker are presented. Digital trackers and multiple target tracking are also covered, focusing on g-h and g-h-k filters.

Readers learn techniques for modeling digital, closed-loop trackers. The radar circuitry/block diagrams necessary for range, Doppler and angle tracking are presented and described, with examples and simulations included. Factors such as noise and Swerling type fluctuations are taken into account. In addition to numerous worked examples, this approachable reference includes MATLAB® code associated with analysis, simulations and figures. The book contains solutions to practical problems, making it useful for both novice and advanced radar practitioners. Software will be available for download on this page.

About the Author

Mervin C. Budge is chief scientist of Dynetics where he is responsible for overall technical quality. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama Huntsville since 1973, teaching courses in radar, tracking and Kalman filters. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University and masters and bachelors degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. He has authored more than three dozen publications. Shawn R. German is a senior principal engineer at Dynetics, where he has been employed since 1995. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University and an associates degree in electronics technology from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He is completing his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama Huntsville.