Correlation Based Classification of Complex PRI Modulation Types

Abstract

Classification of pulse repetition interval (PRI) modulation type is an important task of electronic warfare systems. Correct classification of the PRI modulation of an emitter can lead to significant knowledge about the observed emitter and can facilitate an electronic warfare system with applying its functions. Several methods have been proposed in the literature for identifying standard PRI modulation types (random, stable, jittered, dwell \& switch, sliding, wobulated). The last two types, i.e. sliding and wobulated, are also called complex and the classification of their subtypes, i.e. sawtooth, triangle, sine, and saturated sine, remains unaddressed. This paper addresses the classification of complex PRI modulation subtypes. The proposed algorithm evaluates the correlation between a received signal and several ideal complex PRI modulated signals in order to detect such complex modulations. The performance of the proposed classification algorithm is demonstrated using simulated signals.