What distinguishes coherently processed radar signals from incoherently processed ones?

Coherently processed radar signals are distinguished by the fact that they are matched in phase, which enables the radar system to take advantage of the phase information of the received signals. This phase information is critical for effectively resolving targets and improving the accuracy of range and velocity measurements. Coherent processing allows for the accumulation of energy from targets over multiple signal reflections, which enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and enables better detection performance even in noisy environments.

When radar signals are processed coherently, the system can utilize the complete information contained in the signal, such as amplitude, phase, and frequency variation. This capability leads to higher resolution and improved target discrimination, which is particularly beneficial in applications such as tracking fast-moving objects or distinguishing between closely spaced targets.

In contrast, incoherent processing does not utilize the phase information in the same way; it typically relies only on the amplitude of the received signals, which may result in less accurate interpretations of target characteristics. Therefore, the matching of phase in coherent processing is what sets it apart and enhances radar performance in various applications.