A THEORETICAL MODEL OF A LOSSY DIELECTRIC SLAB FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF RADAR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

ABSTRACT

Some radar applications require a system to acquire range profile or S11 network analyzer data through a lossy dielectric layer to measure something behind that lossy dielectric layer.  It is often difficult to specify the dynamic range requirements of such a system due to the “flash” of initial reflected transmitted energy from the lossy dielectric layer.  It is also difficult to determine the most effective architecture for such a system, such as pulse IF, ultra-wideband impulse, FMCW, or another more exotic architecture.  In this paper a theoretical model is developed of a lossy dielectric layer, a radar transmitter and receiver, and a standard radar target on the other side of the lossy dielectric layer.  The theoretical results from this model provide insight into the dynamic range requirements for any radar system that must acquire range profile data or S11 network analyzer data through a lossy dielectric of any permeability, permittivity, and conductivity at any microwave or RF frequency range in order to measure something behind that lossy dielectric layer.

PUBLICATIONS

G. L. Charvat, E. Rothwell.  "A Theoretical Model of a Lossy Dielectric Slab for the Characterization of Radar System Performance Specifications."  Austin Texas:  Antennas Measurement Techniques Association conference, October 2006.

(Slides from this conference)