A type of passive radar target or reflector used in many applications such as radar systems, measurement, and communications is called a triangular reflector. The ability to reflect electromagnetic waves (such as radio waves or radar signals) directly back to the source, independent of the direction from which the waves approach the reflector, is the key feature of a trihedral corner reflector. Today we will talk about triangular reflectors.
Corner reflector
Radar reflectors, also known as corner reflectors, are radar wave reflectors made of metal plates of different specifications according to different purposes. When radar electromagnetic waves scan corner reflections, the electromagnetic waves will be refracted and amplified on the metal corners, generating strong echo signals, and strong echo targets will appear on the radar screen. Because corner reflectors have extremely strong reflection echo characteristics, they are widely used in radar technology, ship distress rescue and other fields.
RM-TCR35.6 Trihedral Corner Reflector 35.6mm，0.014Kg
Corner reflectors can be classified according to different classification criteria:
According to the shape of the panel: there are square, triangular, fan-shaped, mixed corner reflectors
According to the material of the panel: there are metal plates, metal meshes, metal-plated film corner reflectors
According to the structural form: there are permanent, folding, assembled, mixed, inflatable corner reflectors
According to the number of quadrants: there are single-angle, 4-angle, 8-angle corner reflectors
According to the edge size: there are 50 cm, 75 cm, 120 cm, 150 cm standard corner reflectors (generally the edge length is equal to 10 to 80 times the wavelength)
Triangular reflector
Radar testing is a delicate and complex endeavor. Radar is an active system that relies on reflections from objects stimulated by the radar signal transmitted by the radar antenna. In order to properly calibrate and test the radar, there needs to be a known target behavior to use as a radar system calibration. This is one of the uses of a calibrated reflector or reflector calibration standard.
RM-TCR406.4 Trihedral Corner Reflector 406.4mm，2.814Kg
The triangular reflectors are manufactured with high precision as exact trihedrons with precise edge lengths. Common edge lengths include 1.4", 1.8", 2.4", 3.2", 4.3", and 6" side lengths. This is a relatively challenging manufacturing feat. The result is a corner reflector that is a perfectly matched triangle with equal side lengths. This structure provides ideal reflection and is well suited for radar calibration as the units can be placed at different azimuth/horizontal angles and distances from the radar. Since the reflection is a known pattern, these reflectors can be used to accurately calibrate the radar.
The size of the reflector affects the radar cross section and the relative magnitude of the reflection back to the radar source. This is why different sizes are used. A larger reflector has a much larger radar cross section and relative magnitude than a smaller reflector. The relative distance or size of the reflector is one way to control the magnitude of the reflection.
RM-TCR109.2 Trihedral Corner Reflector 109.2mm，0.109Kg
As with any RF calibration hardware, it is critical that the calibration standards remain in pristine condition and unaffected by environmental factors. This is why the exterior of corner reflectors are often powder coated to prevent corrosion. Internally, to optimize corrosion resistance and reflectivity, the interior of corner reflectors are often coated with a gold chemical film. This type of finish offers minimal surface distortion and high conductivity for high reliability and superior signal reflectivity. To ensure a properly placed corner reflector, it is important to mount these reflectors on a tripod for precise alignment. Therefore, it is common to see reflectors with universal threaded holes that fit on standard professional tripods.
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Post time: Jun-05-2024
