Impact of Vegetation-Induced Loss on X-Band Harmonic Radar Performance
Affiliation Type:
Academia
Keywords:
Harmonic radar, harmonic tags, vegetation loss.
Abstract:
Vegetation is a major factor that limits the performance of harmonic radar systems, particularly in the X-band (e.g., 9.4~GHz in the forward path and 18.8~GHz in the return). This paper quantifies vegetation-induced loss through a combination of analytical modelling and controlled measurements. We derive how attenuation at both the fundamental and the second-harmonic frequencies impacts received power and detection range in the linear and square-law regimes of tag operation. To parameterize this effect, we performed anechoic-chamber measurements from 9 to 20 GHz using European beech branches with a varied leaf mass. The results reveal a clear linear-dB increase in attenuation with both frequency and foliage density, enabling the construction of an empirical vegetation-loss model. The model is validated using harmonic radar measurements with a passive nonlinear tag. The combined analysis provides a practical framework for predicting harmonic-radar performance in vegetated environments.
Track ID:
7.2
Track Name:
Application and Mitigation of Device Nonlinearity in High-Order Radar Detection and Sensing
