Why Read This Book

You will learn how modern radar systems are designed and analyzed from first principles, with a strong emphasis on the signal-processing techniques that make detection, estimation, and waveform design work in practice. The book blends physical radar concepts with DSP algorithms (matched filtering, FFTs, spectral analysis, adaptive filtering and CFAR) so you can bridge theory and real system implementation.

Who Will Benefit

Radar and signal-processing engineers, graduate students, and system designers with some signals/probability background who need a practical, theory-grounded introduction to modern radar signal processing and system concepts.

Level: Advanced — Prerequisites: Undergraduate signals and systems, basic probability/statistics, linear algebra, and familiarity with Fourier transforms and digital filters; MATLAB or Python experience is helpful but not required.

Key Takeaways

• Apply matched filtering, pulse compression, and ambiguity-function concepts to design and analyze radar waveforms
• Implement Doppler processing and MTI/pulse-Doppler architectures using FFT-based techniques
• Design and tune adaptive filters and CFAR detectors for clutter and interference suppression
• Use statistical detection and estimation theory to compute probability of detection, false alarm, and estimator performance
• Analyze resolution, accuracy, and radar cross section effects on system performance
• Translate theory into practice using common DSP tools (spectral analysis, windowing, filter design) for radar applications

Topics Covered

1. 1. Introduction to Modern Radar Systems and Requirements
2. 2. Electromagnetic Basics, Antennas, and Radar Cross Section
3. 3. Signal Representations, Noise, and Statistical Preliminaries
4. 4. Matched Filtering, Pulse Compression, and Range Processing
5. 5. Doppler Processing, MTI, and Pulse-Doppler Radar
6. 6. Waveform Design and the Ambiguity Function
7. 7. Resolution, Accuracy, and Ambiguity in Range and Doppler
8. 8. Detection Theory, Neyman–Pearson, and CFAR Techniques
9. 9. Estimation Theory for Range, Doppler, and Angle
10. 10. Adaptive Processing and Space–Time Techniques (STAP basics)
11. 11. Spectral Analysis, FFTs, Windowing, and Practical DSP Considerations
12. 12. Clutter, Interference, and Mitigation Strategies
13. 13. System Engineering, Architectures, and Practical Implementation Notes
14. Appendices: Mathematical Tools, Units, and Reference Tables

Languages, Platforms & Tools

How It Compares

Covers similar foundational material to Skolnik's Introduction to Radar Systems but places stronger emphasis on modern DSP techniques; complements Richards' earlier Fundamentals of Radar Signal Processing by framing those algorithms within broader system-level and physical radar principles.