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Radar Pulse Width Configuration

This page allows users to view, manage, and configure the radar pulse width settings used in the weather radar system. The pulse width defines the duration of the radar signal pulse and is a critical parameter that affects range resolution and sensitivity.

Overview

The Pulse Width Configuration menu displays a list of all available pulse width settings. Each configuration includes:

  • Checkbox to indicate the currently assigned pulse width.
  • Pulse length value (in microseconds or as otherwise defined by the system).

Only one configuration can be assigned at a time.

Features

List View

The list view presents all configured pulse widths in a tabular format. Each row contains:

  • Checkbox: Indicates whether this is the currently assigned configuration.
  • Pulse Length: Displays the pulse duration (e.g., 1.0 µs, 0.5 µs, etc.).

The current configuration will have its checkbox selected. All other entries will be unselected.

Adding a New Pulse Width Configuration

To add a new Pulse Width Configuration, users must fill out the following fields. These parameters define how the radar transmits and receives signals, and they are essential for ensuring accurate and efficient radar performance.

Required Fields

  • Pulse Length (μs): Duration of the radar pulse in microseconds.
  • Number of Pulses: Total number of pulses in the configuration.
  • Bandwidth (MHz): Transmission bandwidth in megahertz.
  • RX Bandwidth: Receiver bandwidth setting.
  • Batch Index Number: Identifier for processing batch association.
  • Wave Type: Type of waveform used (CW for Continuous Wave or FM for Frequency Modulated).

Gate and Receive Timing

  • Horizontal Gate Start Time: Time at which the horizontal gate opens (in system-defined units).
  • Vertical Gate Start Time: Time at which the vertical gate opens.
  • Horizontal Receive Start Time: Start time for horizontal signal reception.
  • Vertical Receive Start Time: Start time for vertical signal reception.
  • Horizontal Waveform Start Time: Start time of waveform transmission on the horizontal axis.
  • Vertical Waveform Start Time: Start time of waveform transmission on the vertical axis.

Gate Dimensions

  • Horizontal Gate Length: Duration of the horizontal gate window.
  • Vertical Gate Length: Duration of the vertical gate window.

Signal Characteristics

  • Horizontal Noise: Measured or estimated noise on the horizontal channel.
  • Vertical Noise: Measured or estimated noise on the vertical channel.
  • Horizontal dBZ: Reflectivity calibration value for the horizontal channel.
  • Vertical dBZ: Reflectivity calibration value for the vertical channel.
  • Horizontal Rads Const: Radar constant for horizontal polarization.
  • Vertical Rad Const: Radar constant for vertical polarization.
  • Horizontal Rx Loss: Receive path loss for the horizontal channel.
  • Vertical Rx Loss: Receive path loss for the vertical channel.

Phase Modulation States

Below the primary configuration fields is a dedicated section for Phase Modulation States. This section is used to define the modulation complexity for both horizontal and vertical channels.

This section contains the following fields:

  • Phase Modulation States: Specifies the number of modulation states to be used. This value must be 1 or greater. Increasing this value adds more phase modulation states, which can enhance signal encoding but also increases system complexity.
  • Horizontal: Phase modulation state setting for the horizontal channel.
  • Vertical: Phase modulation state setting for the vertical channel.

General Notes

  • All fields are mandatory and must be validated before saving the configuration.
  • Units must match system specifications (e.g., microseconds, MHz, dB).
  • Configuration will not be active until explicitly assigned in the main list view.
  • Use caution when entering calibration-related fields such as dBZ and Rad Constants, as these directly affect radar data accuracy.

After completing the Phase Modulation States section, you may proceed to save the full Pulse Width Configuration.

Once all fields are completed and validated, click Save to add the new configuration to the system. Only one pulse width configuration can be active at a time. Changes to the current configuration take effect immediately and may impact system performance.

Editing a Pulse Width Configuration

When editing an existing Pulse Width Configuration, the form will display the same fields as when adding a new configuration, including the Phase Modulation States section.

All existing values will be pre-filled based on the selected configuration, allowing users to review and update any parameters as needed.

Important Notes

  • The Phase Modulation States section will also be visible during editing.
  • You can adjust the Phase Modulation States, including the Horizontal and Vertical values, in the same way as when adding a new configuration.
  • Be aware that modifying phase modulation settings may affect radar signal processing behavior and should be verified carefully before saving.
  • After making changes, click Save to apply the updates to the configuration.

Editing an active configuration will apply the changes immediately upon saving, which may affect live radar operations.