Lookup tables-based detection of range spread targets in compound Gaussian environment with multiple-pulse non-coherent integration

Abstract

The paper deals with detection of range spread targets embedded in K-distributed clutter with unknown parameters. A two-step detection algorithm based on multiple-pulse cell-averaging scheme and using lookup tables is proposed. First, the threshold factors that maintain a constant probability of false alarm for various clutter parameters are offline computed and stored. Then, at the detection stage, the most appropriate threshold factor is selected through the estimation of actual environment parameters. We assume that the target energy is spread over a finite number of cells, according to the multiple dominant scattering (MDS) centers model. Next, an expression for the overall reflected target energy, following the multiple-pulse integration, is derived. Finally, we proposed a specific binary hypothesis test by taking into account the number of primary cells, the target energy profile and the number of pulses. The performances analysis of the proposed detector is carried out using Monte Carlo simulations for different clutter parameters and various MDS models. The obtained results are then compared to those of the order statistics-based generalized likelihood ratio test (OS-GLRT). Simulations indicate that the performances of the proposed detector are closely related to the radar resolution, the target energy profile and the number of integrated pulses.