A typical Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar specification includes the parameters Probability of Detection (P_D) - typically on the order of 0.85, and False Alarm Rate (FAR) - typically on the order of 0.1 Hz. The PD is normally associated with a particular target 'size', such as Radar Cross Section (RCS) with perhaps some statistical description (e.g. Swerling number). However, the concept of FAR is embodied at a fundamental level in the detection process, which traditionally employs a Constant-FAR (CFAR) detector to set thresholds for initial decisions on whether a target is present or not. While useful, such a metric for radar specification and system comparison is not without some serious shortcomings. In particular, when comparing FAR across various radar systems, some degree of normalization needs to occur to account for perhaps swath width and scan rates. This in turn suggests some useful testing strategies.

Date Published: 21 June 2011
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 8021, Radar Sensor Technology XV, 80211P (21 June 2011); doi: 10.1117/12.883097

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8021:
Radar Sensor Technology XV
Kenneth I. Ranney; Armin W. Doerry, Editor(s)