CHAPTER I : Introduction to RADAR

DEMOCRATIC AND POPULAR ALGERIAN REPUBLIC

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

SCIENTIFIC

University of BLIDA 1

Institute of Aeronautics and Space Studies

Aeronautical Sciences Laboratory

Final study project

Presented for the obtaining of the Master's degree in Aeronautics

Specialty: Air Navigation

Options: CNS/ATM

THEME:

Transmission of radar data via a medium

satellite VSAT

Presented by:
BACHOUCHE FOUZIA

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

Introduction
This chapter is mainly reserved for general information about the radar systems in Algiers,
and their principle of operation, citing the types of radar data. We will define
Generally, the data transmission supports used for radar currently
by radar stations in Algeria and their limitations.

I.1 Definition of the word RADAR

The word radar is an acronym for Radio Detection And Ranging which means
"Detection and Radioelectric Telemetry". A radar is a system that uses the properties
of electromagnetic wave propagation over a coverage volume, for detection
and the localization of targets, thereby allowing to determine certain characteristics of these
objects, which depend on the type of radar. [1] There are two types of radars:
Primary radar
Secondary radar
I.2 Primary radar

Figure I.1: Diagram of the principle of operation of the primary radar

A primary radar (in English Primary Surveillance Radar or PSR) is a radar

classic that illuminates a large portion of space, with an electromagnetic wave. Its
functioning is based on the principle of echolocation. The impulses
high-power electromagnetic waves emitted by the radar antenna propagate at the speed of the
light. This is reflected by the targets located in this space.
The parameters measured with a primary radar are:
- The distance D is established over the duration of the wave's propagation along its path.

round trip;

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

- An angle θ calculated on the position of a directional antenna in azimuth;

- A radial speed by Doppler-Fizeau effect.

I.2.1 The primary radar of Algiers

The primary radar of Algiers is of the type ATCR 33S-DPC. It operates on the concept of
operational redundancy. The ATCR33S-DPC uses very sophisticated techniques to
data extraction, which guarantees a very high probability of detection. After
select the type of echo, the radar automatically selects the best configuration
to adapt to the operational environment of the area in question.
The primary radar bay consists of several modules (analog part) and
cards (digital processing), all controlled by control software.

I.2.1.1 Characteristics of the primary radar antenna of Algiers (G33)

An antenna is a conductor through which an alternating electric current flows.
electromagnetic field that radiates into the surrounding space. The primary radar of Algiers
ATCR-33S-DPC is equipped with a G33 reference parabolic antenna. It transmits the wave.
electromagnetic towards the target. Its rotation speed, as well as its position, in elevation
as in azimuth, are controlled mechanically. The reflected echoes are received and studied
[1].
Here are some technical data of the G33 antenna of the radar station in Algiers:
Table I.1: Technical data of the G33 antenna
Frequency range 2700 to 2900 MHz (S band)
Directive Directional
The power 10Kw
The scope 80 NM
Gain 33.5 dB main beam
Antenna connector Waveguide
Weight (support and reflector) 860Kg
Antenna rotation rate 12 rpm

I.3 The secondary radar

The secondary radar (Secondary Surveillance Radar or SSR in English) allows for
interrogation radar (6-8 pulses), to identify aircraft. This device is based on the
interrogation modes and the associated responses transmitted by the onboard transponders
(interrogation by secondary radar).

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

Depending on the mode used, the ground radar operator can identify a device by a code.
allocated in advance and obtain its flight level. The route and speed are calculated by the
radar. The position is determined by the azimuth angle of the antenna. [15]

Figure I.2: Principle of operation of the SSR

The secondary radar emits pulses to interrogate aircraft flying in the

air traffic control sector. The time separation between two pulses determines the mode
used. We distinguish:

a) Mode A
Mode A is the simplest of the data transmission modes between the aircraft and the
The only information transmitted is a SSR code, made up of four digits ranging from 0 to 7.
code will be displayed on the radar display screen of the controller. Each aircraft is assigned
assign a unique code during its flight, so this code allows for establishing a relationship between a
plot and a plane, to identify with certainty that this plot corresponds to this plane. With the mode
The controller therefore has the position of the aircraft and a means of radar identification.
[15]

b) Mode C
Interrogation in C mode requests altitude information. This data is
measured in the plane, transmitted to the radar, and then visualized on the controller's screen. Often
designated as "Alt" on current transponders. [15]

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

c) Mode S (S: Selective)

Mode S is an evolution of the modes used in secondary radars. The number
The available codes in mode A and C is limited (only 4096 codes) and becomes insufficient.
for current needs. Mode S allows the allocation of no less than 16,777,214
different combinations. In addition to the code assigned by a controller and the given altitude
By a transponder, the registration or the aircraft's identifier is transmitted. Any...
Data can be transmitted both from the aircraft to the ground and from the ground to the aircraft.

I.3.1 The limits of classic SSR radar

The classic secondary radar does have limitations that prevent it from being used.
only to handle separations less than 10NM:
- Need to wait for several attempts in order to obtain information
of azimuth.
- GARBLING, that is to say the entanglement of transponder responses
when airplanes are close to each other. This technical defect is all the more
detrimental as it increases with traffic density;
- The FRUIT results from asynchronous responses received by a ground station while
The plane was responding to the inquiry of another radar. It is linked to the number of radars installed.
in a region and at their frequency of repetition of inquiries; [2]
- the response problem on secondary lobes

I.4 The single-pulse surveillance radar

To solve the inherent problems of traditional secondary radars
(conventional), a new generation of secondary radars has been developed, they are
monopulse secondary radars.

The principle of mono-pulse radar allows processing

more sophisticated. This system provides better data quality on the target where only one
impulse is necessary to determine the azimuth of the latter. Unlike a
conventional SSR system that responds to multiple impulses.
The MSSR allows:

An improvement of the repetition period;

Better accuracy in azimuth measurement;

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

The elimination of garbling; indeed, if a radar receives a non-response.

requested, he will reject it if it does not contain his identification code;

A reduction of FRUIT.

I.4.1 The mono-pulse surveillance radar of Algiers (SIR-M)

The SIR-M (Secondary Interrogator Receiver Monopulse in English) is the version
monopulse of the secondary surveillance radar system SIR. The equipment is fully
in accordance with the relevant recommendations of the ICAO and the STANAG. This approach provides

a very high degree of flexibility at radar and allows the expansion of the SIR-R system (SSR
(traditional) from SIR-M (SSR mono-pulse) to SIR-S (SSR mode S) by simply adding
some modules.
The secondary radar of Algiers is of mode A/C, the A/C mode transponders provide
the identity code (mode A) and the altitude-pressure (mode C) by answering the inquiries of
radar. The spacing of the interrogation pulses determines the mode (8µs for mode A
and 21µs for mode C). [6]
The SIR-M consists of two channels and each channel is composed of:
- A programmable transmitter that emits two signals ( Ʃ and Ω) on the
frequency 1030 MHz;
- A mono-pulse receiver with RSLS (Receiver Side Lobe)
Suppression: for the analog Rx part (electronic module);
- A controller/extractor: for the digital Rx part (board
electronics for digital processing in reception;
Control panel to do for example:
Control the radiation;
Integrate parameters;
Check the alarms in case of a faulty module;
A power supply.

I.4.2 The secondary radar antenna of Algiers (ALE 9)

The so-called mono-pulse secondary radars of Algiers use a modern antenna.
composed of a network of dipoles. It is the ALE 9 antenna which is of the 'Open array' type.
meters by 8.4 meters. It consists of a horizontal alignment of 35 columns of 11.
each dipole. It is used for the transmission and reception of the query.
ATCRBS (Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System) of the transponder signal.

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

The antenna integrates the following diagrams:

Sum/directional ( Ʃ );
Difference/mono-pulse (Δ) ;
Omnidirectional channels for the removal of lateral lobes (Ω).
Here are some technical data of the ALE-9 antenna from the radar station in Algiers [6]:
Table I.2: Technical data of the ALE-9 antenna
Frequency - Σ (Sum): 1030 MHz and
1090 MHz.
- Δ (Difference): 1090 MHz.
- Ω (SLS): 1030 MHz and 1090
MHz.
Directivity Directional
The power 2 KW
The scope 250 NM
Gain - Σ (Sum): 27dB.
2.5dB
Antenna connector Coaxial cable
Total weight 430 kg
Antenna rotation rate 12 rpm

The secondary radar antenna is mounted on top of the primary radar, it rotates in
at the same time as the latter, allowing for the synchronization of PSR and MSSR data.

Figure I.3: Co-located primary and secondary radar antennas

I.4.3 Composition of the radar system of the Algiers station:

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

The radar station at the site in Algiers consists of a local network designated by
The English acronym LAN stands for Local Area Network. It is a network composed of several

connected devices as illustrated in figure I.4.

Figure I.4: Architecture of the Algiers radar station[6]

The RHP (Radar Head Processor)

The sorites data from the SIR-M is transmitted to the RHP. In the radar architecture.
From Algiers, there are two RHPs (to ensure redundancy), which are of type (COMPAQ-Alpha server)
DS 10).
The RHP allows for the combination of the two data received from the PSR and SSR.
the same target, calculate the speed and write the received data in ASTERIX format for the
send to the switches and then to the modems. [6]

UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

The UTC aims to synchronize data between the RHPs, where there are two UTCs.
from the SITTI-DEC brand 10 each is composed of a GPS clock and an antenna
GPS.

The switch

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

The RHP outputs are connected to a 'CISCO' brand switch.

CATALYST 2960 PLUS. It is equipment that connects several segments (cables or...
fibers) and allows receiving information from the RHP and redistributing that information
towards the modems.

The modem
The radar station in Algiers is equipped with MD 334 modems (figure I.5), which is
a multistandard modulator/demodulator equipment enabling transmission across the
connection on a leased line with 4 wires with backup and restore functions
automatic DLC for (Data Logging and Control) at a maximum speed of 28800
bits per second.

Figure I.5: modem MD 334

The RMM (Radar Maintenance Monitor)

The RMM subsystem is used for the graphical representation of radar data.
issues from the network and the analog and digital videos from the SSR and the PSR.

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

Figure I.6: Radar Maintenance Monitor

The CMS (Control and Monitoring System)

The CMS (Control and Monitoring System) has the role of overseeing and controlling the
behavior of the air traffic control (ATC) system to ensure
reliable and secure operations of the system. It can monitor in real time the data received from
computer nodes, equipment, and software functions that are installed either in
the radar sites, or in the ATC control room. [6]

There are two types of CMS:

LCMS: Local Control and Monitoring System

RCMS: Remote Control and Monitoring System

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CHAPTER I : Introduction to RADAR

Figure
I.7 Local
C control
andMon
Algiers radar monitoring system

Figure I.8 shows the illustration of the RCMS, which aims to control (to the
request) and monitor the 5 radar stations.

Figure I.8: Remote Control and Monitoring System

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CHAPTER I : Introduction to RADAR

All the equipment installed in the radar stations is redundant to ensure the
continuity of data detection and processing. In case of failure, the switch-over will
real-time communication between the two channels or the two servers, so that the
controller at the CCR level continues to receive the radar image without any interruption
screen. [6]

I .5 The required surveillance radar data

For the purpose of specifying the data availability criteria, we distinguish the
two categories of data following:

The complete data:

the history of the aircraft;

the identification of the aircraft;

the position of the aircraft;

the specific indication of special codes;

the ground speed;

the status of the track (primary, secondary, combined, or extrapolated).

Essential data:
the aircraft's history;
the identification of the aircraft or the mode A code;
the position of the aircraft.

I.5.1 The types of radar data

At each station, there are three types of data:

The SAACTA data (Algerian Automated Traffic Control System)

Aerial) also called ALT which are data without speed:

- "PSRA" and "PSRB" (A and B for redundancy) for the exchange of

data without speed between the RHP and the primary radar.

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CHAPTER I : Introduction to RADAR

- "SSRA" and "SSRB" for the exchange of data without speed between the RHP and
the secondary radar.
- TH1 and TH2 are their sub format ASTERIX.
The data Tlc/Tls (Remote control/Remote signaling) also called ALR which
are data with speed:

- PSRA and PSRB (A and B for redundancy) for exchange of

data with speed between the RHP and the primary radar.

- "SSRA" and "SSRB" for data exchange at speed between the RHP and
the secondary radar.

- ALO data in ASTERIX format sent to the technical room

(for exploitation).

- ALI data in ASTERIX format sent to the aerodrome

- Export of data in ASTERIX format with speed for use

military.

Figure I.9: Types of radar data at the outputs of the RHP

I.5.2 The ASTERIX format

The ASTERIX format is a standard for the exchange of information on services.

air traffic (ATS). It is developed and maintained by the European ATS organization.

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

Eurocontrol. ASTERIX is an extensible standard with several different categories,

each handling a particular type of information received from monitoring sensors,
such as radars, processed information such as tracks and various status messages of
system. This format was designed for communication media with a bandwidth
limited. That is why it follows rules that allow it to transmit all the
necessary information, with the smallest possible data load.

The ASTERIX format is subdivided into categories. The category defines the type of
data that will follow in the records. They range from 0 to 255:

Categories from 0 to 127: they are intended for 'standard' applications.

civil and military (used for Air Traffic Control "ATC" and weather);

Categories from 128 to 240: they are intended for special applications.
in the military field;

-Categories from 241 to 255: they are intended for non-applications

civil and military standard (research, testing, experimentation). [4]

I.5.3 The radar data transmission protocol of Algiers

The radar station network in Algiers uses the HDLC protocol (in English: High-Level Data Link Control).

Data Link Control) is a synchronous transmission protocol over a serial link. HDLC is a
data link layer protocol of the OSI Model, derived from SDLC (Synchronous Data Link)
Its purpose is to define a mechanism to delimit frames of different types,
by adding an error control. It is defined by the International Organization
Normalization. The unit used is the frame. Each frame is delimited by two
identical pennants. [17]

Figure I.10: HDLC frame format

I.6 The terrestrial supports for radar data transmission

Transmission systems carry information between a source and a
recipient, using a medium.

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

The radar data comes from the RHP (Radar Head Processor) server that has
configurable outputs. All the RHPs from the five stations send the Tlc/Tls and SAACTA to
CCR (Regional Control Center) and to the APP (airports).
.

Figure I.11: Diagram of the Algerian radar data transmission systems

Currently, the ENNA uses different mediums for data exchanges of

surveillance, We distinguish:

I.6.1 The coaxial cable

Coaxial cable is a wired connection for data transmission. It has long been
the preferred wiring, for the simple reason that it is inexpensive.

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CHAPTER I: Introduction to RADAR

Figure I.12: components of a coaxial cable

The E.N.N.A has adopted the use of RF coaxial cables of types 3/7 or 7/8 which have a
attenuation of 0.1 dB/m with an impedance of 50 ohms.

This wired connection has limitations due to its old age, a difficulty in installation.
due to its weight which makes it difficult to maneuver, especially over long distances.

I.6.2 Optical fiber

Fiber optic is a physical medium for transmitting data at very high speeds.
A bit of optical fiberGuided transmits a light signal that has the characteristic
to reach high speeds over long distances.

Currently, fiber optic is used for the transmission of radar data between
the connection between Algiers and Oran and the connection between Algiers and Annaba

The major disadvantage of fiber optics is that this technique is expensive: too much
dear to manufacture, dear to install and dear to maintain.

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CHAPTER I : Introduction to RADAR

Figure I.13: Components of an optical fiber

I.6.3 The microwave beam

A microwave link is a mode of transmission between two fixed points (also called
point-to-point link). This transmission can occur in one direction or both. It uses
radio waves with carrier frequencies from 1 GHz to 40 GHz (range of
microwave oven)

L'ENNA uses microwave beam for radar data transmission between the
CCR and the APP.

Transmission by radio beam is limited by the requirement for direct visibility.

Between the two points, indeed, we must install relay stations for long distances.
7

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CHAPTER I : Introduction to RADAR

Figure I.14: divided Hertzian link into several bonds

Conclusion
In this chapter, we have briefly introduced the concept of radar, through the
Following this, we presented the two types of radars (the primary radar PSR and the secondary
MSSR), their operating principles, the format and the protocol used for the
transmission of radar data. And as mentioned in this chapter, the transmission of data
ground support has limitations, which necessitates a shift towards a transmission
satellite.
This is why in the next chapter, our attention will
focus particularly on data transmission via satellites.

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