Performance analysis of complex pseudo-spectrum based velocity filtering for fluctuating target track-before-detect

Abstract

Complex pseudo-spectrum (CPS) based track-before-detect (TBD) method is capable of improving the detection performance through the use of phase information in integration process. However, existing CPS based approach is derived for non-fluctuating target detection. Its analysis and design are not suitable for fluctuating target detection. This paper considers multiframe detection of fluctuating targets via CPS based velocity filtering in complex Gaussian noise. The common Swerling 1 and 3 models are used to describe target amplitude fluctuation from scan to scan. The theoretical output envelope of the fluctuating target is derived in detail. The velocity filter bank of CPS based approach for fluctuating targets is investigated and designed according to the derived target envelope. A numerical strategy is provided for filter bank design in the case of target fluctuation. The theoretical receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in the case of Swerling 1 and 3 fluctuations are derived in detail, respectively. Simulation experiments are provided to evaluate the validity of CPS based TBD in dealing with Swerling 1 and 3 types of fluctuating targets.