Glossary · Glossary
Doppler
The shift in a wave's frequency caused by relative motion between source and observer. Radars exploit this shift to measure a target's radial velocity and to distinguish moving targets from stationary clutter.
The shift in a wave’s frequency caused by relative motion between source and observer. Radars exploit this shift to measure a target’s radial velocity and to distinguish moving targets from stationary clutter.
Why it matters
Doppler processing lets a radar separate a moving target from a stationary background by its velocity, which is exactly how many systems pull a small drone out of ground clutter.
Related in glossary
Frequently asked
What is Doppler?
The shift in a wave's frequency caused by relative motion between source and observer. Radars exploit this shift to measure a target's radial velocity and to distinguish moving targets from stationary clutter.
Why does Doppler matter for defense and counter-UAS operators?
Doppler processing lets a radar separate a moving target from a stationary background by its velocity, which is exactly how many systems pull a small drone out of ground clutter.