Theoretical Accuracy of Radar Measurements

The theoretical rms error in measuring time delay (range) and Doppler frequency (relative velocity) are determined for representative radar waveforms, including rectangular-, trapezoidal-, triangular-, and Gaussian-shaped pulses as well as the linear FM pulse compression waveform. The so-called "uncertainty" relationship of radar is interpreted in terms of measurement errors and the difference between the radar and the quantum mechanical uncertainty principles is discussed. Mention is also made of the theoretical error involved in measuring the angle of arrival with an antenna aperture.