What is the "Beam Width" in a radar system?

Beam width in a radar system refers to the angular extent of the radar signal as it is transmitted from the antenna. It is measured in degrees and essentially defines how wide or narrow the transmitted beam is. A narrower beam width can lead to better resolution, meaning that the system is more capable of distinguishing between two closely spaced objects. Conversely, a wider beam width increases the coverage area of the radar—allowing it to detect objects over a larger region but typically with less detail.

This characteristic of beam width plays a crucial role in radar system performance. For instance, if a radar has a narrow beam width, it will provide precise information about an area but will have a limited field of view, while a wider beam will cover a larger area but might struggle to differentiate objects that are close together. This trade-off is fundamental in designing radar systems tailored for specific applications, such as air traffic control, weather monitoring, or surveillance, where either high resolution or wide coverage may be prioritized.