Frank H. Sanders and Roger A. Dalke

Abstract: Measured power levels for radio frequency (RF) pulses that are frequency modulated (chirped) vary as a function of the bandwidth in which the measurement is performed; if chirped pulses cause RF interference, the power levels of the pulses in victim receivers will likewise vary as a function of receiver bandwidth. This report provides both heuristic and rigorous derivations of the relationships among chirped pulse parameters and the measured peak and average power levels of chirped pulses as a function of measurement bandwidth. These relationships may be best understood via a single graph (Figure 3) presented in this report. This report supplements NTIA Technical Reports TR-05-420, TR-10-465 and TR-10-466, in which the formula for minimum bandwidth needed for measurement of full peak power in chirped pulses is presented but not derived.

Keywords: electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); radio frequency interference (RFI); chirped pulses; frequency-modulated (FM) pulses; pulse power measurements; radar power measurement; radar spectrum measurement; radio frequency (RF) measurement

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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