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Radar PPI-Scope

Darstellung der Radarsignale auf einem Rundsichtgerät
sweep
target
IFF-reply
clutter
clouds
approaching
target
range marks (25 NM)

Figure 1: View of a PPI-screen

Radar PPI-Scope

The PPI-scope shown in this figure, is by far the most used radar display. It is a polar coordinate display of the area surrounding the radar platform. Own position is represented as the origin of the sweep, which is normally located in the center of the scope but may be offset from the center on some sets. The PPI uses a radial sweep pivoting about the center of the presentation. The sweep rotates on the display just as fast as the radar antenna. This results in a map-like picture of the area covered by the radar beam. A long-persistence screen is used so that the targets remain visible until the sweep passes again.
Button to the interactive block diagramminteractive block diagramm

Picture gallery of PPI-scopes

Figure 2: Historical plan position indicator by Telefunken from 1980

Figure 3: Air traffic controllers at the display units