Technology
Accurate data and low maintenance costs have been the key
goals in designing the new C-band weather radar. The unique antenna structure
enables good cross polarization performance and detection of different types of
precipitation such as light snow and drizzle.
Together with SIGMET Vaisala has designed radar systems with
the most advanced technology available today including:
- High performance, precision low side lobe
antenna with >32 dB cross pol isolation. The light-weight yoke design
pedestal allows fast response and is less demanding for towers.
- Integrated receiver design with dual-stage IF to
minimize RF interference.
- Dual-polarization with switching between STAR
and LDR modes.
- Non-linear FM pulse compression for high average
power/low peak power TWT systems.
- Phase coded velocity ambiguity resolution.
- GMAP™ adaptive ground clutter cancellation.
- HydroClass™ real time particle identification
based on dual polarization measurements.
Vaisala continues to invest in research and development.
Exciting new techniques for:
- range and velocity ambiguity resolution
- rapid scan
- improved rainfall estimates and forecasts
are already under investigation
both internally and with our various cooperative research partners.
Comparing and
combining the different dual polarization parameters gives information on
precipitation particle type and greatly improves data quality by isolating
non-meterological targets such as sea clutter, chaff and birds. The example
shows a sector PPI at 3.5 degrees elevation through a melting layer in
stratiform precipitation. Parameters dBZ (left) Rho (center) and LDR (right).
Note the LDR measurements in excess of 32 dB.