Range and velocity ambiguities pose significant data quality challenges for FAA's Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR). A major upgrade currently is being developed for the radar data acquisition (RDA) system of the TDWR. With the anticipated enhanced signal processing and waveform specification capabilities, there is an opportunity to improve the range-velocity ambiguity mitigation schemes as well. Here we present results of phase coding techniques (pseudorandom and periodic) for range unfolding and multiple pulse repetition interval (multi-PRI) waveforms for velocity dealiasing and first-trip protection implemented on a prototype TDWR RDA system. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are evaluated. We conclude that an adaptive waveform/processing framework is optimal to maximize the benefits provided by each technique. Such an adaptive approach presages future developments in weather radar, for example electronically scanned arrays that allow selective probing of relevant weather events.

This work was sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration under Air Force Contract No. F19628-00-C-0002. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Government. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the U.S. Government.