Recursive Computation of the Generalized Q Function

A recursive method of computing values of the generalized Q function is described. The Q function is also interpreted in terms of noncentral chi-square distributed random variables, and in terms of the difference between Poisson random variables.     

Likelihood-ratio detection of frequency-hopped signals

The optimum system for intercepting frequency-hopped signals uses a channelized receiver and a likelihood-ratio test (LRT). Previous results on the performance of the optimum system have been based on Gaussian assumptions, which are generally valid for transmissions having large time-bandwidth areas. Results, obtained by Monte Carlo simulation, for relatively small time-bandwidth transmissions are given here. The signal model is a simple one known as “pure frequency hopping.” Comparisons with the LRT show that energy detection loss increases when the time-bandwidth product of the transmission is increased by increasing the number of frequencies, even when the number of pulses is also increased. The loss decreases when only the number of pulses is increased. Over the parameter range observed, binary detection loss tends to increase with the number of pulses and decrease with the number of frequencies. Results are included for a moving-window version of the LRT. A parameter of the LRT is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The effect of using a design value not equal to the true SNR is shown     

A Practical Distribution-Free Detection Procedure for Multiple-Range-Bin Radars

A distribution-free detection procedure for a multiplerange-bin radar is described. This procedure is based on the ranks of observations, but does not require elaborate equipment for rapidly ranking large amounts of data. Proposed equipment is described and analysis and results are given comparing this new procedure with certain practical (nondistribution-free) procedures. Comparisons with some "best" theoretical procedures are also given.     

Mean-Level Detection Utilizing a Digital First-Order Recursive Filter

The use of a simple digital first-order recursive filter for mean-level detection is described. Performance characteristics are derived for the case where the background noise is stationary, and detection results are given for Swerling Case 2 fluctuating signals. Equations are derived for computing false-alarm performance in nonstationary backgrounds, and results are given for some special cases. Comparisons are made with performance of a conventional mean-level circuit in stationary and nonstationary noise.     

Adaptive Detection Algorithms for Multiple-Target Situations

The performance of a mean-level detector is considered for the case where one or more interfering target returns are present in the set of cells used in estimating the clutter-plus-noise level. A serious degradation of detection probability is demonstrated for all of the single-pulse Swerling target fluctuation models (i. e., cases 0, 2, and 4). Indeed, for fixed mean radar cross sections of the primary and interfering targets, the probability of detecting the primary target is asymptotic to values significantly less than unity as the signal-to-noise ratios of the returns approach infinity. A class of alternative adaptive detection procedures is proposed and analyzed. These procedures, based on ranking and censoring techniques, maintain acceptable performance in the presence of interfering targets, and require only a minor addition in hardware to a conventional mean-level detector.     

Cyclic code shift keying: a low probability of intercept communication technique

A low probability of intercept (LPI), or low probability of detection (LPD) communication technique known as cyclic code shift keying (CCSK) is described. We discuss the basic concepts of CCSK and describe a system based on the use of random or pseudorandom codes for biphase modulation. We use simulation to show that the bit error rate (BER) for CCSK can be closely estimated by using existing equations that apply to M-ary orthogonal signaling (MOS). Also, we show that significantly fewer computations are required for CCSK than for MOS when the number of bits per symbol is the same. We show that using biphase modulation results in waveforms that have a large time-bandwidth product and very low input signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and thus inherently have an LPI by a radiometer. We evaluate detection by a radiometer and show that LPI can be achieved by using codes of lengths greater than about 2/sup 12/ (i.e., by transmitting more than about 12 bits per symbol). Results illustrate the effect that the CCSK symbol length and error probability, and the radiometer integration time and probability of false alarm (PFA), have on detection by a radiometer. We describe a variation of CCSK called truncated CCSK (TCCSK). In this system, the code of length 2/sup k/ is cyclically shifted, then truncated and transmitted. Although shortened, the truncated code still represents k bits of information, thus leading to an increased data rate. We evaluate radiometer detection of TCCSK and it is shown that the probability of detection is increased compared with the detection of CCSK.     

Pulse-Position Modulation Based on Energy Detection

A pulse-position modulation (PPM) system based on energy detection is described. The system is shown to be applicable to a communication system in which the arrival times of signals are unknown. The decision statistics are chisquare distributed (either central or noncentral), and recursive methods of computing probabilities of error are derived. A simple digital processor for implementing the system is also described.     

Detectability of Spread-Spectrum Signals

Methods of detecting spread-sprectrum signals without knowledge of the pseudorandom code used to generate the signal are described. Exact and approximate methods of calculating relationships among detection probability, false alarm rate, and signal-to-noise ratio are given for radiometers and for channelized pulse-detection systems. The detection performance of the radiometer is compared graphically with that of pulse-detection systems, for two different kinds of pulse detection decision rules. Detection performance as a function of certain signal parameters is shown to be very different for a pulse-detection system than for a radiometer, and this difference in behavior provides a basis for selecting signal parameters that minimize the probability of detection. The reasoning that underlies the selection process is explained, and the process is outlined for each of several signal parameters.     

A Distribution-Free Doppler Processor

A distribution-free Doppler processor (DFDP) is described. This procedure is applicable to the detection of signals with unknown phase or signals which undergo a change in phase from one observation to the next. The procedure has the characteristic that the false-alarm probability is a constant, independent of the probability distribution of the received data when no signal is present. Also, an estimate of the Doppler frequency, when applied to a Doppler radar processor, is provided.     

Mean-Level Detection of Nonfluctuating Signals

Analysis of the performance of a mean-level threshold in the detection of nonfluctuating signals is performed. Formulas for the probability of detection are derived and a simple recursive method that can be used for computations is described. Binary integration is discussed, and it is shown that the loss in sensitivity due to the use of an adaptive threshold followed by binary integration is only a fraction of a decibel when compared with optimum binary integration. Binary integration results are given for both fluctuating and nonfluctuating signals.