A type of passive radar target or reflector used in many applications such as radar systems, surveying, and communications is known as a triangulation reflector. The ability to reflect electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves or radar signals, directly back to the source, independent of the direction in which the wave approaches the reflector, is a key feature of trihedral reflectors.
Radar testing is a meticulous and complex job. Radar is an active system that relies on the reflection of objects stimulated by radar signals emitted by radar antennas. In order to properly calibrate and test the radar, there needs to be a known target behavior to use as the radar system calibration. This is one of the uses for calibrated reflectors or reflector calibration standards.
Triangular reflector, -20 thread mounting, gold chemical film, aluminum body, side length 85 inches
Triangular reflectors are manufactured with high precision as precise trihedra and have precise edge lengths. Common side lengths include 14 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 32 inches, 43-inch and 6-inch side lengths. This is a relatively challenging manufacturing feat. The result is a corner reflector, which is a perfectly matched triangle with equal side lengths. This structure provides ideal reflections and is ideal for radar calibration, as the units can be placed at different azimuth angles and distances from the radar. Since reflection is a known pattern, these reflectors can be used to precisely calibrate radars.
The size of the reflector affects the radar cross-section and the relative size of the reflection back to the radar source. That's why different sizes are used. Larger reflectors have a much larger radar cross-section and relative amplitude than smaller reflectors. The relative distance or magnitude of the reflector is one way to control the amplitude of the reflection.
Triangular reflector, -20 thread mounting, gold chemical film, aluminum body, side length 14 inches
As with any RF calibration hardware, it is critical that the calibration standard remains pristine and unaffected by environmental factors. This is why powder coating is usually applied to the outside of the corner reflector to prevent corrosion. Internally, in order to optimize corrosion resistance and reflectivity, the inside of the corner reflector is usually coated with a golden chemical film. This type of finish has minimal surface distortion and high conductivity, with high reliability and superior signal reflectivity. To ensure properly placed triangular reflectors, it is important to mount these reflectors on a tripod for precise alignment. Therefore, it is common to find reflectors with universal threaded holes, which fit into standard professional tripods.