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7 | analyzed to extract radar target characteristics. Based on the radar signature of a target, it is even possible to identify characteristics, such as Doppler shifts and cross- sectional and reflection patterns. This use allows the differentiation of aircraft. Radar can also be used for topographical analysis and terrain mapping by aerial or orbiting platforms. Technologies such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can be used by satellites and high-altitude aircraft to pass over terrain and generate highly accurate topographical data. Other examples of common radar use are automobile safety systems that detect objects to the front, sides, and rear of a vehicle for automotive safety system use or even fully autonomous driving. RF Circuit Components and Interconnects RF signal synthesis and generation, conditioning, modulation, and conversion are all performed by RF circuit components connected by RF interconnects. The following list provides the primary functions of RF components: ∙ Frequency translation ∙ Frequency and phase adjustments ∙ Amplitude adjustments ∙ Frequency selection ∙ Switching ∙ Signal directivity isolation ∙ Multiplexing (time, frequency, phase, directivity, etc.) ∙ Signal splitting or combining ∙ Generation and synthesis ∙ Capture and translation/ conversion to other electrical signal types (e.g., analog, digital) or as energy Basic RF Device & Component Types Active Components • Amplifers • Mixers • Oscillators • Synthesizers • Modulators/demodulators • Frequency multipliers/ dividers • Swtiches • Attenuators Passive Components • Filters • Couplers • Dividers/combiners • Baluns • Phase shifters • Bias tees • Waveguides • Chokes • Transformers • Terminations • Interconnects & interfaces • RF cables • Connectors • Adapters • Waveguide flanges Sensing & Measurement ∙ Probes ∙ Detectors ∙ Equalizers ∙ Impedance Matching Networks Active vs. Passive RF Components There is an extensive diversity of RF circuit components and fabricating methods, which can lead to confusion regarding terms. In some applications, RF circuit elements that require external power sources to perform their functions are referred to as active devices, but are commonly called devices. Circuit elements that perform their functions with only the signal energy that passes through them are known as passive components and are commonly referred to simply as components. In this case, RF circuit elements refer to the physical items that perform specific RF functions. Circuit elements can also refer to basic electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and inductors. However, this is not always the case when discussing RF, as individual basic circuit elements are not frequently used on their own and are commonly referred to by their function in an RF circuit instead of their element type. These designations are not a convention and appear inconsistently throughout the literature. This is further confounded as several RF circuit elements can be realized as active or passive variants. Moreover, there are also more complex arrangements of RF circuit elements and components that make up devices, modules, subsystems, and systems that have their own distinct designations or fit multiple designations. RF nomenclature for components is also inconsistent between markets, applications, and, in some cases, among manufacturers. Standards