What distinguishes coherent radar systems from incoherent systems?

Coherent radar systems are distinguished by their ability to maintain phase information of the returned radar signal. This preservation of phase information allows coherent radar to perform functions such as Doppler processing, which is essential for measuring the velocity of a target. By using the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals, coherent systems can provide detailed insights into target movement, leading to improved accuracy in range and velocity measurements.

In contrast, incoherent radar systems typically only measure amplitude and do not take phase into account, which limits their ability to discern subtle details about target motion. Thus, the key advantage of coherent systems lies in their use of phase information, making them more effective for various applications in radar technology.