What is the effect of pulse jitter on radar measurements?

The effect of pulse jitter on radar measurements primarily manifests as timing errors in echo detection. Pulse jitter refers to variations in the timing of pulse emissions from the radar system. When the timing of these pulses is inconsistent, it can lead to inaccuracies in determining when an echo is received. This timing error can affect the ability to accurately measure the distance to an object, as the radar relies on precise timing to calculate the time it takes for a pulse to travel to the target and back. Any deviation in this timing can distort the measurements, leading to errors in velocity, position, and overall radar performance.

In contrast, options that suggest improvements to image quality, reductions in operating costs, or increases in signal power do not accurately reflect the nature of pulse jitter. Pulse jitter does not enhance the quality of radar images; rather, it complicates interpretation due to the added noise it introduces. Similarly, it does not have a direct effect on reducing costs or increasing power, as its primary impact is on measurement accuracy.