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Sales Bulletin

Attention: All Furuno Distributors/Subsidiaries

SB No: FSB19-0008

Number of Pages: 20

Date: April 5, 2019

Unique, Advanced Technology in FURUNO Radar

1. Unique, Advanced Technology in FURUNO Radar

2. UHD & Auto by Digital Processing

3. RezBoost™

4. Target Analyzer by Doppler and Analog

4.1. Target Analyzer by Doppler – DRS4D-NXT and DRS6A-NXT

4.2. Target Analyzer by Analog – FAR-15xx and FAR-2xx8 (Non-IMO Mode)

5. ACE – Automatic Clutter Elimination

6. Sensitive Receiver & Long Pulse TX

6.1. Catching Small Targets in Short Range

6.2. Sharp Resolution in Long Range

7. Fast ARPA Target Tracking (TT)

8. Auto Acquire by Doppler

INDEX

9-52 Ashihara-cho, Nisinomiya, 662-8580, Japan

www.furuno.co.jp

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1. Unique, Advanced Technology in FURUNO Radar

The latest FURUNO Radar models for commercial to recreational market segments have unique, advanced technology.

UHD & Auto by Digital Processing (See Section 2)

RezBoost™ (See Section 3)

Target Analyzer by Doppler (See Section 4.1)

Target Analyzer by Analog (See Section 4.2)

ACE – Automatic Clutter Elimination (See Section 5)

Sensitive Receiver & Long Pulse TX (See Section 6)

Quick ARPA Target Tracking (TT) (See Section 7)

Auto Acquire by Doppler (See Section 8)

The table in the next page shows the compatibility of these technologies by model types and later sections describe each

detail.

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Unique, Advanced Technology – Compatibility Table

✓: Available / – : Not available

Radar UHD & Auto

by Digital RezBoost™

Target Analyzer

by Doppler

Target Analyzer

by Analog ACE

Sensitive Receiver

& Long Pulse TX

Fast ARPA

Target Tracking (TT)

Auto Acquire

by Doppler

DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A

✓ - - - - - - -

DRS4D-NXT / DRS6A-NXT

✓ ✓ ✓ - - - ✓ ✓

DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class

✓ - - - - ✓ ✓ -

FAR-3000

- - - - ✓ ✓ ✓ -

FAR-2xx8

- - - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -

FAR-15x8

- - - ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ -

FAR-15x3

- - - ✓ ✓ - ✓ -

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2. UHD & Auto by Digital Processing

Radar UHD & Auto by Digital

DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A ✓

DRS4D-NXT / DRS6A-NXT ✓

DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class ✓

FAR-3000 -

FAR-2xx8 -

FAR-15x8 -

FAR-15x3 -

Conventional analog Radar required manual tuning and adjustment every time the Radar is operated. The best setting

of yesterday is not necessarily appropriate today because manual adjustment was sensitive to environmental conditions.

Operators needed to keep adjusting the Radar.

With the first generation of DRS series, DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A, digital signal processing

eliminated this limitation. All the TX/RX signals are processed inside the Radar dome or gearbox

including the tuning and adjustment. Everything is processed digitally, and fine-tuned echo images

are available in Ultra High Definition (UHD) automatically, i.e. without manual adjustment.

This digital signal processing has also been utilized in the latest generation of DRS series Radar Sensors:

DRS4D-/6A-NXT and DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class.

E.g. 1 – DRS6A X-Class (Left)

Noise and clutter are automatically

eliminated from the screen, and only the

targets such as boats are clearly shown on the

screen. This is very suitable to navigation

purposes.

E.g. 2 – DRS25A X-Class (Below)

For automatic rain clutter adjustment

Rain Clutter Not Adjusted Rain Clutter Automatically Adjusted

In this example, rain clutter is not adjusted, i.e. manual

setting value is set to [0]. Rain is detected by the Radar.

With automatic rain clutter elimination, rain is removed

from the screen and targets under the rain clearly appear.

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3. RezBoost™

Radar RezBoost™

DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A -

DRS4D-NXT / DRS6A-NXT ✓

DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class -

FAR-3000 -

FAR-2xx8 -

FAR-15x8 -

FAR-15x3 -

FURUNO’s RezBoost™ processing technology that was developed for the FCV-628/588 Fish Finders

and the built-in Fish Finder used in the TZTL12F/15F has been applied to enhance Radar echoes starting

from the dome type model DRS4D-NXT, followed by DRS6A-NXT. Achieving equivalent bearing

resolutions for longer antenna arrays is possible by suppressing unnecessary echoes.

How is the echo sharpened?

Step 1 – Detect location(s)

Identify the object location(s).

Step 2 – Sharpen echo

Side echoes are slimmed to improve the target echo

resolution on the screen.

This makes Radar images 2 times sharper than conventional Radar, so that close targets can be separately shown on

the screen. On the other hand, there are some cases where conventional fat echoes are preferred. To this end, four (4)

different mode selections are available: Standard, Enhanced 1, Enhanced 2, and Enhanced 3. The following

screenshots show how echoes are enhanced in each of these modes.

Location

Off the coast of Kobe, Japan:

There are many separated targets located next to each other

to show the difference in echo resolution.

Note:

The antenna XN12A (4 ft) was used for open array.

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Summary

(1) The DRS4D-NXT displays clearer resolutions in RezBoost™ modes separating mooring dolphins. The

difference from the Standard mode is significant. (See Case 1)

(2) The DRS6A-NXT Standard mode and DRS6A X-Class shows good, reasonable resolutions due to longer antenna

length than dome types. (See Case 2.1)

(3) However, the DRS6A-NXT RezBoost™ modes starts showing all the mooring dolphins separately with improved

resolutions. (See Case 2.2)

Case 1 – Comparison by RezBoost™ Modes with DRS4D-NXT

Range: 0.5 NM

Standard Enhanced 1

Conventional echo images Sharper than Standard by 1.2 times:

Equivalent to 3.4° beam width

Enhanced 2 Enhanced 3

Sharper than Standard by 1.5 times:

Equivalent to 2.7° beam width

Sharper than Standard by 2 times:

Equivalent to 2.0° beam width

Case 2.1 – Before Comparison by Standard Modes with DRS6A-NXT

Before comparing the DRS6A-NXT RezBoost™ modes, the following table shows what the standard echoes look like with

the DRS6A-NXT (Standard), DRS6A X-Class (NO RezBoost™ function), and DRS4D-NXT (Standard). You can see

that both the DRS6A-NXT (Standard) and DRS6A X-Class show the similar resolution, superior to the dome type

DRS4D-NXT due to longer antenna length. The RezBoost™ starts clearly showing mooring dolphins separately in Case

2.2.

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Range: 0.5 NM

DRS6A-NXT (Standard) DRS6A X-Class DRS4D-NXT (Standard)

Case 2.2 – Comparison by RezBoost™ Modes with DRS6A-NXT

Now, the RezBoost™ modes of DRS6A-NXT are compared. You can see the resolutions gradually improve.

Range: 0.5 NM

Standard Enhanced 1

Conventional echo images Sharper than Standard by 1.2 times:

Dolphins at top start showing good separation.

Enhanced 2 Enhanced 3

Sharper than Standard by 1.5 times:

Dolphins at right start showing good separation.

Sharper than Standard by 2 times:

Dolphins are separated more sharply.

Note:

When RezBoost™ is set to higher value such as [Enhanced 3], echoes from thin targets such as seawalls may look

partially interrupted while sharpening the echoes too highly. Make sure to find the most appropriate setting depending

on the conditions.

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4. Target Analyzer by Doppler and Analog

Radar Target Analyzer by Doppler Target Analyzer by Analog

DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A - -

DRS4D-NXT / DRS6A-NXT ✓ -

DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class - -

FAR-3000 - -

FAR-2xx8 - ✓

FAR-15x8 - ✓

FAR-15x3 - ✓

4.1. Target Analyzer by Doppler – DRS4D-NXT and DRS6A-NXT

The Target Analyzer feature allows you to easily

identify moving or important targets with two (2)

helpful modes. Approaching (moving) targets, rain, and

other targets are color coded to make identification

Target Mode Rain Mode

Approaching targets: RED

Others : GREEN

Approaching targets: RED

Rain : BLUE

Others : GREEN

easier, as outlined in the tables at right. This function is achieved by instantly identify target’s speed with Doppler signal

processing. A demonstration of the Target Analyzer’s function is shown below, showing two (2) moving targets in RED.

Target Analyzer (Target Mode) – ON Target Analyzer - OFF

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You can identify many approaching targets depicted in red

at a glance in the busy traffic area.

Which target(s) is/are approaching?

You cannot identify the approaching target at a glance.

Red : Approaching targets to own ship at a velocity of 3 knots or more.

Green : Other targets, i.e. stationary targets, land mass, or approaching targets, at a velocity of less than 3 knots.

The following illustration explains how the DRS4D-/6A-NXT identifies approaching targets and their speed in order to

show them in either RED or GREEN. In this example, all vessels are moving at the same speed (SOG), thus having the

same vector length. Considering the different courses (COG) and locations of each boat in relation to own ship, however,

the velocity component to own ship (radial velocity) will be different. With Target Analyzer, the target with the radial

velocity 3 knots and over will be defined as approaching and shown in RED. Other targets, including the moving ones

with the radial velocity under 3 knots and stationary ones, will be shown in GREEN. In this example, two (2) targets

are shown in RED, alerting you to pay careful attention to those targets over the others.

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Note on Target Speed Limitation

A target with the radial velocity over 50 knots (approx.) may be shown in GREEN rather RED.

Tips – Chasing Targets

Target Analyzer works when you follow boats from behind. As shown in the examples below, the target with the velocity

component 3 knots and over will be defined as approaching and shown in RED. In the following example, own ship is

chasing three (3) vessels.

RED and GREEN dotted arrows show the

difference between the speed of own ship

and the other targets.

Target Color Descriptions

(1) GREEN Own ship is moving slower than this target.

(2) GREEN Own ship is moving slightly faster than this target, thus the velocity

component to own ship is under 3 knots.

(3) RED Own ship is moving much faster than this target, thus the velocity

component to own ship is over 3 knots.

Advanced Operation – Rain Mode

Unique Doppler signal processing offers another benefit: The Rain

Mode is the other mode of Target Analyzer that differentiates rain

and targets in colors. As shown in the example at right, it is useful to

identify approaching targets (RED) under the rain (BLUE).

Target Analyzer – Rain Mode: ON / Echo Trail: OFF

Auto Mode Target Analyzer – Rain Mode

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4.2. Target Analyzer by Analog – FAR-15xx and FAR-2xx8 (Non-IMO Mode)

Overview

The FAR-15x3, FAR-15x8 (Non-IMO mode), and

FAR-2xx8 (Non-IMO mode) achieve the Target

Analyzer feature by utilizing advanced image

processing inside the powerful processor.

While the Target Analyzer on the DRS4D-/6A-NXT offers

the simple color variation and runs on Auto mode (Auto

Gain/Sea/Rain) to help immediately focus on the

approaching target, the FAR-series models are

customized for more professional use with more

color variations.

Targets are classified into five (5) categories with different colors, which will make it easier for operators to

concentrate on watching and monitoring all of the targets around the boat carefully. A variety of color types

on the screen will also aid an operator to make appropriate adjustments, because the operator can immediately find the

type of targets to be focused on at a glance.

Target Type Target Color (different by presentation mode)

Single-Color Mode Multi-Color Mode

Moving target

(Approaching) Magenta White

Moving target

(NOT approaching) Red Magenta

Stationary target Defined by user such as Yellow

Sea Dark green

(incremental color variation)

Rain Gray

(incremental color variation)

Note:

The Target Analyzer function is available on Non-IMO operation only, i.e. FAR-2xx8 (Non-IMO), FAR-15x8 (Non-IMO

mode), and FAR-15x3.The FAR-2xx8 and FAR-15x8 (IMO mode) are NOT allowed to have multiple color variations by

regulation.

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Defining Approaching Targets

Basic Process

The Radar checks the motion of targets shown on the screen by sampling targets for 6 times of scan to define the moving

targets and others, then it colors them according to the classified target types.

Moving or Not

Consistently moving targets for 6 scans are regarded as moving.

Approaching or Not

If the newer echo is located relatively closer to Own Ship than the older echo, it becomes a candidate for an approaching

target. However, only targets expected to crash to Own Ship will be regarded as approaching. If the target crosses

in front of Own Ship but very far beyond, it will not be regarded as approaching, but just moving.

Scenes from Navigation

Here are some screens from navigation with Target Analyzer. In this example, the echo is in the single YELLOW color

mode: [BRILLIANCE (1/2)] – [1 ECHO COLOR] – [YEL] (yellow).

(1) Right after the Target Analyzer

is turned on, all the echoes are

still in yellow.

(2) After several antenna sweeps,

moving (not approaching)

targets turned into RED.

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(3) In the area with heavy marine traffic, the color of approaching targets changed to MAGENTA.

(4) The following scene has approaching targets in MAGENTA, moving targets (not approaching) in RED, and

stationary targets in YELLOW.

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Summary – Comparison

The following table summarizes and compares the Target Analyzer function of DRS4D-/6A-NXT with FAR-15xx/2xx8.

General DRS4D-/6A-NXT FAR-15xx and FAR-2xx8

Concept Simple with Auto Adjustment by Doppler! Commercial grade with advanced image

processing! (Manual adjustment available!)

Basic Process Doppler signal processing Image processing

Necessary

Sensors

GPS (COG/SOG): Mandatory

HDG: Recommended for better accuracy

GPS: Mandatory

HDG: Mandatory

Detectable

Target Types

(1) Approaching with the velocity component

over 3 knots

(1) Moving and approaching

(2) Moving but not approaching

(3) Sea

(4) Rain

Time to Detect Immediately defines approaching targets,

utilizing Doppler shift

Sampling targets for 6 times of scan to define

moving targets: Consistently moving targets for 6

scans are picked up. Stationary targets such as

lands are also identified.

Definition:

Approaching

Targets

(See the larger illustration in Section 2)

If the newer echo is located relatively closer to

Own Ship than the older echo, it is regarded as

approaching.

Note:

Only targets expected to crash will be regarded as

approaching. If the target crosses in front of Own

Ship but very far beyond, it will NOT be regarded

as approaching.

Target Speed

Limitation

Approaching targets with the velocity

component over approx. 30 knots (v1.02) or

approx. 50 knots (v1.03) may be shown in

Green (not defined as approaching).

There is no detailed definition on target speed

limitation. As an example, however, when the

target speed is so fast that the echo location

changes quickly, it may not be shown in a different

color.

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Presentation DRS4D-/6A-NXT FAR-15xx and FAR-2xx8

Target Color:

Moving and

Approaching

Red Magenta (single-color presentation mode)

or White (multi-color presentation mode)

Target Color:

Moving but NOT

Approaching

Green Red (single-color presentation mode)

or Magenta (multi-color presentation mode)

Target Color:

Stationary Green Defined by user such as Yellow

Target Color:

Sea Green Dark green (incremental color variation)

Target Color:

Rain

Green (Target Mode)

Blue (Rain Mode) Gray (incremental color variation)

Comparison DRS4D-/6A-NXT FAR-15xx and FAR-2xx8

Advantage

(1) Just a single scan to define approaching

targets

(2) Rain mode also available

(3) Consistent performance in both short and

long range scales

(1) Achieved even with magnetron (no Doppler)

(2) Rain and target are shown in different colors

(3) Lower risk of misjudging of stationary and

moving targets thanks to longer sampling time (6

scans)

Limitation

(1) Speed limitation of approaching targets:

The approaching target velocity component

should be over 3 knots and under approx. 30

knots (v1.02) or 50 knots (v1.03)

(1) Longer time to analyze target (6 scans)

(2) In long range scales, it may take longer to

define moving targets because target echoes can

be small with shorter pixel motions on the screen.

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5. ACE – Automatic Clutter Elimination

Radar ACE

DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A -

DRS4D-NXT / DRS6A-NXT -

DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class -

FAR-3000 ✓

FAR-2xx8 ✓

FAR-15x8 ✓

FAR-15x3 ✓

ACE stands for Automatic Clutter Elimination, implemented in FAR-series above. These commercial Radar models

have conventionally been adjusted manually for each setting through navigation in long ranges and for long days.

However, the most critically difficult point is elimination of clutter from sea and rain because environmental conditions

always change by time and location. The latest FAR-15xx/2xx8/3000 series can automatically eliminate clutter while the

gain is still adjustable manually.

The basic technology to identify clutter and actual targets with analog Radar has been established through accumulated

history in utilizing Radar in rough sea conditions for fishing operation in Japan. This helps automatically identify and

remove clutter as the ACE function.

ACE – OFF ACE – ON

Rain clutter covers all over the screen. Clutter is eliminated and the screen shows targets clearly.

If the echo looks too weak or strong, the gain can be

manually adjusted while automatically eliminating clutter.

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6. Sensitive Receiver & Long Pulse TX

Radar Sensitive Receiver & Long Pulse TX

DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A -

DRS4D-NXT / DRS6A-NXT -

DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class ✓ (Max. 1.2 μs)

FAR-3000 ✓ (Max. 1.2 μs)

FAR-2xx8 ✓ (Max. 1.2 μs)

FAR-15x8 ✓ (Max. 1.2 μs)

FAR-15x3 - (Max. 0.8 μs)

6.1. Catching Small Targets in Short Range

The highly sensitive receiver and wide dynamic range, conventionally utilized in IMO-class commercial Radar, are

utilized even in the latest DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class. This makes even the 6 kW model improve the detection performance.

Even the compact Radar like X-Class does NOT miss small targets in short ranges, which will contribute to collision

avoidance. In the following example of 6 kW models, small yachts are fully detected with the X-Class. (Range setting in

2 NM, targets around 1 NM)

DRS6A X-Class DRS6A

6.2. Sharp Resolution in Long Range

The DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class, as well as FAR-3000/2xx8/15x8 can transmit a long pulse of 1.2 μs stably. While

conventional models with smaller gearboxes than commercial models could not transmit that long pulse due to heating,

even the X-Class models have achieved it with a compact gearbox. The 1.2 μs helps improve the target detection at

long range, not missing far targets. It supports long range navigation and bird and rain/cloud detection. The following

screenshots, examples from DRS6A and DRS6A X-Class, compare how well the Radar catches targets.

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DRS6A X-Class (1.2 μs) DRS6A (0.8 μs)

7. Fast ARPA Target Tracking (TT)

Radar Quick ARPA Target Tracking (TT)

DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A -

DRS4D-NXT / DRS6A-NXT ✓

DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class ✓

FAR-3000 ✓

FAR-2xx8 ✓

FAR-15x8 ✓

FAR-15x3 ✓

A selected target can be quickly acquired on the Radar

models above. This is achieved by Doppler signal

processing for the DRS4D-/6A-NXT and powerful

processor for the others.

The FAR-series and DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class internally keeps tracking targets thanks to their powerful processors. When

a target is selected on the screen, the display immediately starts showing the ARPA TT symbol for tracking.

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8. Auto Acquire by Doppler

Radar Auto Acquire by Doppler

DRS2D/4D/4A/6A/12A/25A -

DRS4D-NXT / DRS6A-NXT ✓

DRS6A/12A/25A X-Class -

FAR-3000 -

FAR-2xx8 -

FAR-15x8 -

FAR-15x3 -

With the conventional ARPA Target Tracking feature, target acquisition and tracking were done automatically, but

only within a set guard zone. The DRS4D-/6A-NXT, however, is different. Thanks to Doppler signal processing, targets

in any direction within a 3 NM range can be automatically acquired and tracked. The table below compares the

differences between the new Auto Acquire by Doppler and conventional target tracking.

Items DRS4D-/6A-NXT Conventional Models

Auto Acquisition in Guard Zone Available Available

Auto Acquire by Doppler Acquiring approaching targets within 3 NM

Velocity component: Over 3 knots as shown NOT available

In the example at right, targets within 3 NM are acquired and tracked

automatically. Their velocity components are over 3 knots. The vector

lines from the ARPA Target Tracking symbols show the directions in

which the targets are moving. In addition to echo trails, the Auto Acquire

by Doppler feature allows the operator to see the approaching target’s

direction in relation to own ship.

Note:

This feature uses RED and GREEN target symbols. Targets that have

triggered the CPA/TCPA alarm are shown in RED symbols much like conventional ARPA Target Tracking.

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Advanced Operation – Combination with Target Analyzer

Combination of Target Analyzer with Auto Acquire by Doppler

enables the ability to show approaching targets in RED with the

vector of automatically tracked targets, so that the moving direction

of surrounding targets can be more easily identified. The vector

length representing the speed element also helps to identify targets

approaching fast. In the example at right, two (2) targets are heading

to own ship, while the target at left is expected to go across behind

own ship. The example at right shows that two (2) targets are approaching.

You can see that the target with the longer vector is approaching faster.

In addition, with the CPA/TCPA alarm set to on, acquired targets expected to

approach within a preset range are shown in red symbols to alert you, as

shown in the example at left.

Note on Target Speed Limitation

The target with the velocity component over 50 knots (approx.) may NOT be automatically acquired.

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