Advantages and problems of wideband radar

The paper addresses the definition, properties and modeling requirements of wideband and ultra-wideband radars. It begins by establishing the criteria by which the designation ´wideband´ might be specified, since the common definition based purely on relative bandwidth fails to invoke some important associations. Next, the role of simulation is discussed and a representative simulation environment is described. The advantages and disadvantages of increasing the signal bandwidth are then evaluated quantitatively in the context of signal detection, parameter measurement, and the recognition of aerial target classes and types, with reference to specific classes of interest. In practice, certain other issues arise, including the degree of immunity to interference and electromagnetic compatibility. These topics are discussed in terms of their dependence on signal bandwidth and the associated signal acquisition and processing. In addition, an emerging problem is the need to take into account the possibility of signal exploitation and LPI (low probability of intercept). The essence of the theory of unauthorized signal detection that limits the LPI possibilities is briefly considered.