Probability of detection for a GO CFAR radar processor using envelope detection approximation
By:  Joseph Jean Pierre Haché
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 128
Description: The greatest-of logic for a constant false alarm rate processor (GO CFAR) is a commonly used method for the adaptive setting of a radar detection threshold in the presence of clutter edges. Instead of using a true envelope detector x = I2 + Q2, which is difficult to implement, envelope detection approximations of the form Xe = aMax (I),(Q) + bMin (I),(Q) and xe = a(I)+b(Q) (no Max and Min operators) where a and b are constants, are often used to detect a signal decomposed into its in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components. Closed form expressions are derived for the probability density function (pdf) of a radar range cell containing a detected target signal in the presence of noise using both approximations. These can then be used to calculate the probability of detection (PD). They can also be used to calculate the probability of false alarm (PFA) if the means of I and Q are set to zero. Closed form expressions are obtained analytically and by curve-fitting the numerically derived pdf of the target cell. Finally, using Monte Carlo techniques, this thesis also compares the GO CFAR detection performance using envelope detection approximations xe, xe and the true envelope detector x for zero mean white Gaussian noise input samples I and Q.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Phillip E. Pace.

"September 1994."

Thesis (M.S. in Electrical Engineering) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1994.

Includes bibliographical references.

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

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Canadian Forces (Air) author.