Radar Calibration

Nowadays, radar calibration is a term synonymous with radar certification. Radars today are based almost entirely on digital circuitry. After the target is captured the Doppler shift is converted to digital signals and remains in digital form throughout the speed calculations. The design shift to digital circuitry from traditional analog circuitry allowed an overall size reduction of the unit, more consistent speed calculations throughout the operational temperature range and the end of having to make periodic adjustments to insure accuracy.

The only components that haven’t changed to digital form is the component that produce the high-frequency emissions and the component that receives the reflected signal. Radar calibration to tune these components is done at the factory at the time the radar is manufactured. It is rare that tuning is required again on these components. However, if one of these components fail you must send the radar to a radar repair facility for replacement. At which time these new components should be tuned to the mechanical properties of the horn/waveguide assembly.

Before the institution of digital circuitry in traffic radar an actual radar calibration was required. Over a period of time the traditional analog component values would drift from their original value due to age, temperature variations and other uncontrolled reasons. Therefore, the radar circuitry had to undergo scheduled adjustments to keep it operating within the manufacturers specifications.

In short, since these older analog-based radar are not made anymore it is understood that a request for radar calibration actually is a request for radar certification.