What can cause radar systems to experience ambiguous readings?

Ambiguous readings in radar systems often occur when multiple targets are close together. This situation leads to a phenomenon called "range ambiguity," where the radar may struggle to distinguish between the signals reflected off nearby objects. When targets are too close, their echoes can overlap, making it difficult for the radar system to determine which signal corresponds to which target. This confusion arises because the radar measures the time it takes for a signal to return; if multiple signals return around the same time, the system may inaccurately interpret the location and identity of the targets.

High signal strength, interference from other electronic devices, and inadequate receiver sensitivity can create challenges for radar systems, but they do not specifically lead to ambiguous readings in the same way that multiple close targets do. Instead, these issues might affect the clarity of the signal or the overall range and accuracy, rather than causing confusion between distinct targets. Therefore, the presence of multiple targets in close proximity is the primary cause of ambiguous readings in radar systems.