Performance Prediction Method for a Class of FM-CW Radars

In this paper the author has used the theory of zero crossings of random processes to analyze the errors due to receiver noise of a triangularly modulated FM-CW radar. Curves are given that can be used to determine the percentage error in the range measurement as a function of signal-to-noise ratio, provided the shape of the noise spectrum is known. The method of analysis is illustrated by predicting the performance of a particular radar, and is checked by comparing the calculations to system measurements. The theory can be used in the preliminary design stages to optimize the receiver design.