What is the normal range of pulse repetition rates for RADAR systems?

The normal range of pulse repetition rates for RADAR systems, particularly in the context of standard practice and applications, generally falls within the range of 500 to 2,000 pulses per second (pps). This range is suitable for various RADAR types, including aviation and weather RADAR, where effective target detection and tracking are necessary.

The reason this range is significant is that it balances the need for resolution in detecting objects against the limitations of signal processing and the capabilities of the RADAR hardware. Pulse repetition rate indeed affects the maximum range and resolution of RADAR systems. Higher repetition rates can provide more frequent updates of a target's position but may also lead to increased noise and complexity in processing the returns.

In comparison, the pulse repetition rates outside this range can either be too low, resulting in insufficient data for accurate tracking, or too high, potentially overwhelming the system with excessive data and reducing overall performance. Thus, the chosen range is well-established in RADAR technology for optimal performance in target detection and tracking.