Computer Algorithm for Coding Gain

Coding gain is described as used in space communications engineering, and an empirical formula for coding gain is presented. The formula is designed to fit available performance data for Viterbi soft-decision decoding of various nonsystematic convolutional codes and to have a functional form suitable for computer implementation.     

Optimal Inputs for Nonlinear Process Parameter Estimation

The sensitivity of observed data to an unknown parameter is enhanced by utilizing optimal inputs. The derivation is given for the optimal input of an nth-order nonlinear differential equation. To obtain the optimal input, the solution of 4n two-point boundary value equations is required. Numerical resutis are given for a second order linear example. The optimal return is compared with the return obtained for a step input. The existence of a critical time length is demonstrated.     

An Automatic Timing Receiver System Based on the Loran-C Navigational Network

This paper describes some new concepts in dealing with the circuitry for Loran-C automatic timing systems. The conventional analog techniques associated with phase-adjusting networks have been replaced by an incremental digital phase-shifting device. The Loran-C period generator includes facilities for delay compensation by means of an epoch monitor producing a 1-Hz output coincident with the master station TOC (time of coincidence). The required initial time information has to be accurate within ± 20 ms. The automatic format identification and decoding equipment together form a system which takes into account the information of every Loran-C pulse. Owing to the use of digital signal treatment, the synchronization accuracy is limited only by the resolution of the incremental phase shift. The automatic cycle selection device is based on sampling techniques where the derivative of the envelope is calculated. The time of coincidence has to be precalculated and fed into the thumbwheel memory of the epoch monitor, which is automatically initiated when the synchronizing operations are concluded. For VLBI purposes and transcontinental use, the accuracy of this system will be better than 1 ?s when post corrections, supplied by the U.S. Naval Observatory, are taken into account.     

Linear FM Signal Formats for Beacon and Communication Systems

This paper examines the capabilities of the class of linear FM spread-spectrum signals within the context of potential communications systems usage in order to establish some performance criteria and bounds that permit comparison with other spread-spectrum formats. A systematic basis is provided for parameter selection for this class of signals by examining the interaction a mong the frequency-modulation indices, time-bandwidth product, and cross-talk criteria that determine the number of effective linear FM signals (or channels) that can be used within the constraints of a bounded time-frequency region. A general expression is derived relating N, the number of useful signals, R2, a cross-talk parameter, ToWo, the mean time-bandwidth product, and ?max and ?min, the maximum and minimum FM rates of the signal set. Canonic signal processor structures are described for ensembles of linear FM signals that have either constant duration or constant bandwidth. It is then shown that the signal modulation format can be modified in accordance with classical paired-echo theory to expand the utility of this class of signals in both synchronous and nonsynchronous operations to yield the equivalent of time-division and code multiplexing. Possible applications for this signal format are discussed.     

Modified Generalized Sign Test Processor for 2-D Radar

The modified generalized sign test processor is a nonparametric, adaptive detector for 2-D search radars. The detector ranks a sample under test with its neighboring samples and integrates (on a pulse-to-pulse basis) the ranks with a two-pole filter. A target is declared when the integrated output exceeds two thresholds. The first threshold is fixed and yields a 10-6 probability of false alarm when the neighboring samples are independent and identically distributed. The second threshold is adaptive and maintains a low false-alarm rate when the integrated neighboring samples are correlated and when there are nonhomogeneities, such as extraneous targets, in the neighboring cells. Using Monte Carlo techniques, probability of false-alarm results, probability of detection curves, and angular accuracy curves have been generated for this detector. The detector was built and PPI photographs are used to indicate the detector's performance when the radar is operated over land clutter.     

Aircraft Interrogation Scheduling with ASTRO-DABS

In the ASTRO-DABS concept for surveillance and data link, aircraft are interrogated by one of three geostationary transmitter satellites, each covering 1/3 of the contiguous United States. Interrogation scheduling involves a roll call such that aircraft responses to receiving satellites do not overlap (garble). A simple approach is developed which utilizes range ordering of aircraft with respect to transmitter satellites, but is independent of receiver satellite locations and aircraft distribution. Bounds on roll-call duration are established, showing that interrogation of 80 000 aircraft requires between 4.0 and 6.4 seconds with the ASTRO-DABS transmission format. If aircraft distribution is regionally concentrated (i.e., clustered), the roll-call duration nears the lower bound, since fewer gaps between interrogations are needed to preclude garbling.     

Sampled-Data Control System Analysis Using the Poisson Summation Rule

A technique is presented which simplifies the analysis of sampled-data control systems. The use of a finite-term approximation to the Poisson summation rule, in conjunction with digital computer evaluation, is presented as a good alternative to use of the Z transform whenever frequency-domain analysis is required. The Poisson summation rule is reviewed and its application to sampled-data system analysis is discussed. The form of the computer program used in the analysis is presented, along with a design criterion to evaluate the accuracy of the technique. A detailed example of a typical application is presented.     

The Segmented Aperture Synthetic Aperture Radar (SASAR)

A new concept in synthetic aperture radar, called SASAR, which uses a segmented aperture, is described. Use of the segmented aperture allows appreciable extra receiving antenna gain to be realized. Each subarray of the receive antenna is equal in length to the transmit antenna; the system performance is increased approximately by a factor equal to the number of subarrays. To allow array combination of the subarray signal outputs requires a phase-shift factor (varying with azimuth) to be applied to each subarray signal. A digital implementation of this preprocessor is sketched out; it uses a push-down storage stack to store the range histories for a synthetic aperture from each subarray. Appropriate phase shifts are added to the stacks and a sum of stack values then provides the combined output range history sequence. Possibilities of using analog delay lines for preprocessing are also discussed. Pattern errors due to subarray size and receive array near field are examined and constraints are given.