An Estimation of the Operating Range for Frequency Modulated Radars in the Presence of Interference

This paper presents a basic model to estimate the operating distance of frequency modulated (FM) radars in the presence of FM interference. A function is provided to draw the equipotential lines for given S/I values in the frequency domain as a function of the spatial distribution of targets and interferers. The paper further includes a description of the gain versus deterministic interference. Conclusions are that smaller radar targets can be masked by other radars or that targets could mask themselves if they are equipped with a radar. The latter happens from a distance called Target Self-Masking Distance (TSMD).