Comprehensive Radar Frequency Bands Chart: A Complete Overview
Radar systems operate across different frequency bands, each with unique properties that influence performance, range, and resolution. The radar frequency bands chart categorizes these frequencies, aiding in the selection of the most suitable band for specific applications.
The most common radar frequency bands are designated as L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka bands. Each band has a specific range and is used for different purposes. Most of the radars operate in UHF as well as microwave frequency bands. Now-a-days radars even use millimeter bands. Following table mentions all the Radar bands with their respective frequency range, wavelength, maximum peak power transmitted and applications.
| Radar Band |
Frequency Range |
Wavelength | Maximum Peak Power (MWatt) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HF | 3 to 30 MHz |
10 m to 100 m |
- | Coastal radar systems, OTH radar |
| P | 30 to 300 MHz |
1m to 10m |
- | applied retrospectively to early radar |
| UHF | 300 to 1000MHz |
0.3 to 1 m |
5.0 | very long range, ground penetrating radar |
| L | 1 to 2 GHz |
15 cm to 30 cm |
30.0 | Long range air traffic control and surveillance |
| S | 2 to 4 GHz |
7.5 cm to 15 cm |
25.0 | Terminal air traffic control, long range weather or marine radar |
| C | 4 to 8 GHz |
3.75 cm to 7.5 cm |
15.0 | satellite transponders, weather radar |
| X | 8 to 12 GHz |
2.5 cm to 3.75 cm |
10.0 | missile guidance, marine and weather radar, ground surveillance |
| Ku | 12 to 18 GHz |
1.67 cm to 2.5 cm |
2.0 | High resolution mapping, satellite altimetry |
| K | 18 to 27 GHz |
1.11 to 1.67 cm |
0.6 | Used by meteorologists to detect clouds, used by police to detect motorists with high speed. |
| Ka | 27 to 40 GHz |
0.75 cm to 1.11 cm |
0.25 | Mapping, short range, airport surveillance |
| mm | 40 to 300 GHz |
1 mm to 7.5 mm |
- | This millimeter band is used for various radar applications |
| Q | 40 to 60 GHz |
5 mm to 7.5 mm |
- | Used for military communications |
| V | 50 to 75 GHz |
4 mm to 6 mm |
- | Very strongly absorbed by atmosphere |
| W | 75 to 110 GHz |
2.7 mm to 4 mm |
- | 76GHz LRR,79GHz SRR automotive radar, high resolution meteorological observation, imaging |
Understanding these bands allows radar engineers to design systems that maximize performance based on environmental conditions and application needs.
Conclusion
The radar frequency bands chart serves as a guide for choosing the appropriate band based on the intended use, ensuring optimal radar performance across a range of scenarios.
RADAR RELATED LINKS
Doppler Radar
FMCW RADAR
RADAR BANDs
RADAR SCOPE
Weather Radar
Ground Penetrating Radar System
RADAR RANGE and RESOLUTION