Summary of radar system characteristics

RVP10 supports all these transmit and receive modes.

The measurement of cross-pol parameters, such as LDR (fixed or alternating transmission and dual-channel reception), requires a radar system that has been optimized for cross-pol isolation, for example, an offset feed antenna and no radome. By removing the feed, support struts, and radome from the path of the radiation, the cross-pol isolation can be improved.

The single-channel, alternating method has been used in several polarization radars for Z_dr measurement. The advantage of this approach is that it is relatively easy to modify a single-polarization radar by adding a dual-port feed and a high-power, fast switch above the antenna rotary joints. The disadvantage is that the switch is costly and requires maintenance.

The STAR (simultaneous transmit and receive) mode does not require a switch and the components are fairly reliable. The disadvantage of the approach (as it is usually implemented) is that a dual-rotary joint and dual waveguides are required to duct both the H and the V through the antenna pedestal up to the antenna feed. Despite this, the STAR mode offers the best approach for upgrading an existing radar.