Average Power (Radar)

The Average Power of a Radar calculator computes the average radar power based on the peak power output (P_t) and the duty factor (d).

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (P_t)  Peak Power Output (averaged during the pulse on-time) 
• (d) Duty Factor

Average Radar Power:  The calculator returns the average power in Watts.  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

This equation calculates the average power of a transmitting antenna¹ for a monostatic synthetic aperture radar.  The duty factor is converted to a decimal.  The formula for average power of a radar is:

    P_avg = P_t ⋅ d

where:

• P_avg = the average power of transmitting antenna
• P_t = Peak power output
• d = duty factor

This equation is most helpful in the context of calculating the Signal-to-Noise of a Synthetic Aperture Radar.

Radar Calculators

• SNR Gain Due to Azimuth Processing (coherent pulse integration)
• SNR Gain Due to Range Processing (pulse compression)
• Target Radar Cross Section
• Monostatic SAR Transmitter Antenna Gain Factor
• Radar Atmospheric Loss
• SAR Duty Factor
• Grazing Angle
• Slant Range
• Slant Range (Beta Angle)

References

1. ^ Performance Limits for Synthetic Aperture Radar - Second Edition.  Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM.  Printed February 2006.