An Introduction to Impulse Radar

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Abstract
An impulse radar is one whose waveform is a single-cycle sinewave. Its most distinctive characteristic is its very wide relative-bandwidth. Much has been said and claimed for such a radar, as compared to conventional narrowband radar; but there is very little written about what it is, what it can and cannot do, and what is required to achieve such radars in practice. This report begins with a description of the spectrum of an impulse radar as compared to the more usual short-pulse radar. The requirements, problems, and current technology of the various subsystem that make up an impulse radar (transmitters, receivers, and antennas) are discussed. All three of these major subsystems for an impulse radar are presently far from adequate for practical applications (other than for probing underground). A number of problem areas are reviewed, including electromagnetic compatibility, target scattering, the radar is discussed and the differences noted. Several potential applications are briefly reviewed, including target-to-clutter enhancement, target recognition, resolution of low-altitude multipath, and target scattering enhancement, as well as its successful use for underground probing. Currently, the claims made for many of the proposed applications have been justified, but the major differences between the impulse radar and conventional radar provide interesting technical challenges that would be worthy of fundamental investigation and understanding.

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