Pulse Radar sends out signals in short (few millionths of a second) but powerful bursts or pulses. Pulse Radar determines distance (range) by measuring the time it takes a radar wave to get to the target object and to come back (time of flight) and then divides that time in two (distance to the target). Since all radio waves travel at the same speed of light, this known speed multiplied by the time of flight can be used to determine distance. By continuing to track an object with a pulse radar the speed of the object can also be determined.

Continuous-Wave Radar sends out a continuous signal instead of short bursts. There are two types of Continuous Wave Radar:

Doppler Radar
Frequency Modulated (FM radar)

a) Doppler Radar is used mostly to make precise speed measurements and is most often utilized by police traffic radars. Doppler Radar transmits a continuous wave of a constant frequency. When this frequency strikes a moving object the frequency is changed and the new frequency returning to the radar is used to determine the speed of the moving target. Examples of Doppler Radar - Decatur Police Radar Guns. A lot of sports radar guns, such as Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun, are Doppler Radars as well.

b) Frequency-Modulated Radar also transmits a continuous signal, but it rapidly increases or decreases the frequency of the signal at regular intervals. As a result FM Radar, unlike Doppler Radar, can determine distance (range) as well as velocity (speed).

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Home > Radar Types - Pulse Radars, Doppler Radars, Frequency-Modulated FM Radar

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