Radar Beam Angle and Width Calculator

Here’s a comprehensive overview of radar beam angle and width, presented in a table format for easy reference:

Aspect	Description
Definition	Beam angle refers to the angle of the radar signal emitted from the antenna of the radar level sensor. It determines the coverage area or region of space that the radar signal can effectively detect12.
Types	– Narrow: Typically 3° to 10° – Medium: Usually 10° to 30° – Wide: Generally above 30°2
Importance	Affects the coverage area, resolution, and accuracy of level measurement2.
Factors Affecting Beam Angle	– Antenna design – Frequency of the radar signal – Physical properties of the measured medium – Range of the radar sensor1
Frequency Impact	– Lower frequencies result in wider beam angles – Higher frequencies produce narrower beam angles1
Common Frequencies	– 10 GHz: Wide beam (e.g., 32° with a 3-inch horn) – 24 GHz: Medium beam (e.g., 9°) – 80 GHz: Narrow beam (e.g., 4°)5
Applications	– Narrow beam: Small tanks, precise measurements – Medium beam: General level indication – Wide beam: Large tanks, overall view2
Beam Width Calculation	Beam width increases with distance from the sensor. Can be calculated using trigonometry or beam angle calculators6.
Marine Radar Specifics	– Vertical Beam Width (VBW): 15° to 30° – Horizontal Beam Width (HBW): 0.6° to 2.0°4
Considerations for Selection	– Tank size and shape – Nature of the measured medium – Required measurement precision – Presence of obstacles or interfering objects12

This table provides a comprehensive overview of radar beam angle and width, covering key aspects such as definition, types, importance, influencing factors, and applications. It also includes information on how beam angle varies with frequency and how it’s used in different contexts like industrial and marine applications.