What is the X-Band?

IEEE Radar X Band

The X-Band as defined by IEEE is a frequency range from 8 to 12 GHz. IEEE uses letters to signify a range of frequencies from 1 to 170 GHz. The X-Band is most often used for radar applications as it has a short wavelength which allows for higher resolution imaging for target identification and discrimination. It is used for civil, military and government radar applications including weather monitoring, air traffic control, maritime vessel traffic control, defense tracking and vehicle speed detection for law enforcement. 

In addition to radar, the X-Band is also used for satellite and terrestrial communications. The frequency range from 8.175 to 8.215 GHz is usually used by meteorological satellites for monitoring weather conditions. The ITU has also allocated 10 to 10.5 GHz for amateur radio operations and 10.45 to 10.5 GHz for amateur satellite operations. 

The X Band has extremely low rates of atmospheric attenuation in comparison to frequencies above 10 GHz, which makes this band suitable for the harshest weather conditions, providing exceptionally high link availability for SATCOM and weather monitoring radar solutions.

Click here to see the other IEEE/Radar Letter Frequency Bands.