Monopulse Comparators [Applicaton Notes]

Abstract

In radar systems, antennas serve two purposes: transmitting and receiving the information required for searching or tracking a target. Various techniques are used for these purposes, including lobe switching, conical switching, and monopulse tracking. Among these, the monopulse tracking technique is useful because it offers high speed, high accuracy, and target estimation using a single pulse [1]. However, it requires a set of two or four similar antennas, depending on the tracking axis, to determine the angular position and distance of a target. A feed network known as a monopulse comparator is required to process the collected information. This makes the monopulse comparator a key element in determining monopulse tracking performance.