everythingRF RF & Microwave Parts Database (h1)

Radar Equation, 2-Way

Radar equation transmitter receiver antenna gain power RCS wavelength - RF Cafe

These are the tried & true radar equations used for decades and can be found in many textbooks and desk references. Transmitter power, target distance and radar cross-section (RCS) are used along with free-space loss (Friis equation), and antenna gains to calculate the power that arrives at the input of the receiver. These equations cover both monostatic radar where the transmitter and receiver are in the same location and bistatic radar where the transmitter and receiver are in different locations (see drawings).

Here is information on propagation time, path loss, and Doppler.

Keep all units consistent. Losses due to atmospheric absorption and antenna polarization are not included.

Monostatic Radar Equation (Tx and Rx in same location)

Radar equation formula monostatic bistatic - RF Cafe

Radar equation formula monostatic (wavelength) - RF Cafe (wavelength)

- RF Cafe (frequency)

- RF Cafe (convert to dBW)

Bistatic Radar Equation (Tx and Rx in different locations)

Radar equation formula monostatic bistatic - RF Cafe

- RF Cafe (wavelength)

- RF Cafe (frequency)

- RF Cafe (convert to dBW)

Related Pages on RF Cafe

- Introduction to Radar (Air University)

- Radar Equation, 2-Way (another)

- Radar Equation, 1-Way

- Radar Equation, Bistatic

- Radar Techniques - Primer (1945 QST)

- Radar Postage Stamps

- RF Cafe Quiz #7 - Radar Principles

- AN/MPN-14 USAF Radar Shop

- AN/TPN-19 USAF Radar Shop

- EW/Radar Handbook - Doppler Shift

- Doppler Shift Calculator

- Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)

- Radar Horizon / Line of Sight

- Radar Systems Vendors

- NEETS Radar Principles

- Radar System Vendors

- Who Invented Radar?

- Simple Modification Increases ATC Reliability

RF Cafe began life in 1996 as "RF Tools" in an AOL screen name web space totaling 2 MB. Its primary purpose was to provide me with ready access to commonly needed formulas and reference material while performing my work as an RF system and circuit design engineer. The World Wide Web (Internet) was largely an unknown entity at the time and bandwidth was a scarce commodity. Dial-up modems blazed along at 14.4 kbps while tying up your telephone line, and a lady's voice announced "You've Got Mail" when a new message arrived...

All trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other rights of ownership to images and text used on the RF Cafe website are hereby acknowledged.

My Hobby Website: AirplanesAndRockets.com

My Daughter's Website: EquineKingdom

Crane Aerospace Electronics Microwave Solutions

Exodus Advanced Communications Best in Class RF Amplifier SSPAs

Copper Mountain Technologies (VNA) - RF Cafe