title: A short-pulse K(a)-band instrumentation radar for foliage attenuation measurements.
abstract: A portable K(a)-band instrumentation radar for foliage attenuation measurements has been designed. It uses direct dielectric resonator oscillator multiplier pulse modulation giving a half power pulse width of 17 ns. The dual conversion scalar receiver utilizes either a digital storage oscilloscope in envelope detection format or a special gated comparator arrangement providing 1 m resolution and associated led seven segment display for data analysis. The calibrated dynamic range is better than 37 dB with an equivalent noise floor of 0.005 dBsm at 25 m test range distance. First experiments indicate an effective beamwidth close to 1 degree. The total weight is below 5 kg and the unit can be mounted on a conventional photographic tripod. Power is supplied from a 12 V/6 A h sealed lead acid battery giving an operating time in excess of 10 h.
authors.affiliation: Metrology Research Institute, Helsinki University of Technology, Otakaari 5A, Espoo 02150, Finland.
authors.forename: Mikko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Puranen
authors.forename: Pekka
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eskelinen