| Topic |
Sub-topic |
| Chapter 1. Introduction to Naval Sensors |
1.1 Basic concepts of naval sensors.
1.2 Frequency bands.
1.3 Introduction to radar systems.
1.4 Fundamental parameters of radar systems: PRF/PRI, range resolution, angular resolution, maximum non-ambiguous range, time of observation, ...
1.5 Monostatic, bistatic and multistatic radar systems
1.6 Pulsed wave and continuous wave radar systems.
1.7 Radar cross section (RCS) and simplified radar range equation.
1.8 Simplified block diagram of a radar system.
|
| Chapter 2. Pulsed wave radar systems |
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Signal-to-noise ratio and probability of detection.
2.3 Pulse integration techniques.
2.4 Attenuation losses in radar range equation:
2.4.1 Fluctuating targets.
2.4.2 Propagation losses.
2.4.3 Atmospherical losses.
2.4.4 Interferences: clutter, jamming, ...
2.5 Radar Cross Section (RCS) and stealth technologies. |
| Chapter 3. Continuous wave radar systems |
3.1 Introduction:
3.1.1 Doppler effect.
3.1.2 Pulsed wave (PW) radar vs. continuous wave (CW) radar systems.
3.2 CW radars modulated in frequency (CWFM).
3.2.1 With sawtooth modulation (CHIRP).
3.2.2 With triangular modulation.
3.3 Radar range equation for CW radar systems.
3.4 Advantages and disadvantages of CW radar systems.
|
| Chapter 4. Digital signal processing |
4.1 Pulse compression techniques.
4.1.1 Frequency pulse compression.
4.1.2 Phase pulse compression.
4.2 MTI systems and pulse-Doppler systems.
4.3 PRF Staggering |
| Chapter 5. Optoelectronical sensors |
5.1 Optical spectrum.
5.2 Infrared sensors (thermal, medium-IR)
5.3 Night-vision sensors (near-IR).
5.4 Optoelectronic emitters: Laser vs. LED.
5.5 Optoelectronic sensors: photodetectors.
5.6 Other sensors and applications: laser telemeter, luxometer, etc.
|
| Chapter 6. Acoustic sensors and sonar systems |
6.1 Introduction.
6.2 Acoustic oceanography.
6.3 Underwater signal propagation.
6.4 Active and passive sonar systems.
6.5 Noise and reverberation.
|
| Chapter 7. Specific purpose radar systems |
7.1 Multifunction radars.
7.2 Secondary radar (IFF).
7.3 LPI radars.
7.4 Sinthetic aperture radars (SAR). |
| Lab session 1: Introduction to remote sensing and radar systems |
The goal of this practice is introducing the basic concepts of remote sensing and radar systems analysed in the theoretical classes.
By means of short Matlab scripts, the influence of each one of the parameters in the simplified radar range equation will be illustrated. The relationship between resolution and pulse spreading for a target conformed by several primary scatterers will be analysed.
Students will be able to check whether some common techniques (such as pulse integration) effectively improve the probability of detection.
|
| Lab session 2: Pulsed wave radars (PW radars) |
This practice enhances the comprehension of the operative differences between PW and CW radars, as well as their different applications and limitations.
Radar simulators will be used instead real radar systems, because, on the one hand, it is neither operative nor safe to activate several of such systems within a short range, and in the second hand, simulators allow to create different tactical scenarios which could not be possible in a real environment.
An overview of radar cross section concepts explained in theory will also be analysed.
The dependence on the geometry of the radar cross section and radar response will be studied.
|
| Lab session 3: Movement detector radar |
This practice describes a simple CW radar system works, by means of a movement sensor.
The student will set up a basic CW radar system within the laboratory, where the ability of the student to handle instrumentation equipment will also be evaluated. |
| Lab session 4: Digital signal processing |
The goal of this practice is to help the comprehension of the digital signal processing techniques used in radar systems nowadays.
It will include: MTI systems, filter banks and pulse compression techniques. |
| Lab session 5: Optoelectronic devices |
The goal of this practice is to get the student to know about optoelectronic sensors operating either in visible or in non-visible spectrum.
They will learn to operate different optoelectronic equipment, such as thermal cameras, night-vision cameras, telemeters, … They will also learn about the primary light-emitting devices, such as LEDs or LASER. |
| Lab session 6: Acoustic propagation |
The goal of this session is to help the student visualise the mechanisms that play a role in underwater acoustic propagation. With the aid of a computer program, the student will simulate and observe how acoustic waves propagate in multilayered media. This will enable him to analyze the performance of SONAR systems under different conditions (e.g. warm waters vs. cold waters) and identify the opportunities where submarines can go undetected. Several types of SONAR systems will be analyzed, with their strengths and weaknesses. |
| Lab session 7: Echo sounder |
The goal of this session is to help the student understand the operation of an ultrasonic echo sounder, and the underlying physical phenomena.
The student will use a scale model comprising: a computer, a pulse-echo ultrasound system, a water tank, sand and rocks to simulate the seabed, and different objects as targets.
With this low-scale sonar system, the student will learn the operation of this type of equipment, as well as the interpretation of the results. The student will analyze the limitations of the system, as well as various artifacts due to the mechanisms of acoustic propagation. The student will generalize the observed results to a real system, analyzing the potential problems (or advantages) that could arise. |
