What type of modulation does a shipboard RADAR use with a PFN driving a magnetron cathode?

Shipboard RADAR systems typically utilize pulse modulation when driving a magnetron cathode with a pulse forming network (PFN). This approach is essential because RADAR relies on the transmission of short bursts, or pulses, of radio frequency energy to detect objects and calculate their distance based on the echo time of the returned signal.

In pulse modulation, the RADAR sends out a pulse of energy and then listens for the reflection from targets. The pulse width and repetition rate can be adjusted to enhance the system’s ability to discriminate between multiple targets and improve range resolution. The magnetron, being a high-frequency oscillator, is well suited for generating the rapidly varying current needed to produce these short RF pulses effectively.

Moreover, the pulse modulation technique allows the RADAR to operate effectively in various environments by enabling it to discriminate between the signal and background noise, as it turns off the transmitter and listens during the interval between pulses. This distinctive ability is crucial in maritime navigation and surveillance, where precise detection and timing are vital.