Error in parameter estimation in a multi-tier weak radio signal detection process with n simultaneous signals having continuous phase

Abstract

This paper quantifies error in the estimation of signal parameter values in a multi-tier weak radio signal detection process with N simultaneous signals having continuous phase. Estimates of the zero crossings are obtained from sampled data values of the instantaneous frequency of the combined signal. The instantaneous frequency is sampled with different sample periods, and values of the error in the signal parameter estimates are obtained for each case. As an example, for instantaneous frequency data with N = 2, a strong signal of 850MHz, and sample period of 1/(200π) microseconds, the frequency of a weak signal can be estimated (i) to within a few Hz for f 2 = 855 MHz; (ii) to within a few tenths Hz for f 2 = 852 MHz; and (iii) to within a few hundredths Hz for f 2 = 851 MHz. This approach provides a method to quantify the capability of this method for identification of zero crossings and extraction of signal parameters. This work has applications for electronic warfare receivers for detection and characterization of weak signals with unknown parameters. Next steps are to incorporate noise into the models.