A search RADAR has a pulse width of 1.0 microsecond, a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 900 Hz, and an average power of 18 watts. The unit's peak power is:
• Relationship between average power, peak power, and duty cycle in RADAR systems • How to calculate duty cycle from pulse width and pulse repetition frequency (PRF) • Unit conversions between microseconds and seconds, and checking order of magnitude (kW vs W)
• First, express the pulse width in seconds and use it with the PRF to find the duty cycle. What simple multiplication gives you the duty cycle? • Once you have the duty cycle, how can you relate it to average power and peak power? Think: which one is larger, and by about what factor? • Compare your calculated peak power (in watts) to the answer choices (in kilowatts). Which answer is closest after you convert units carefully?
• Confirm the duty cycle is a small number (much less than 1) since the pulse width is in microseconds. • Verify you used seconds (not microseconds) in your calculation for duty cycle and power; incorrect units will change your answer by a factor of 1,000,000. • After finding peak power in watts, divide by 1000 to convert to kilowatts before matching with the choices.
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