The influence of speckle on high resolution range profile recognition based on the matching score

Abstract

Template database is the key to radar automation target recognition based on High Resolution Range Profile (HRRP). From the traditional perspective, average HRRP is a valid template for it can represent each HRRP without scatterer Moving Through Range Cell (MTRC). However, template database based on this assumption is always challenged by measured data. One reason is that speckle happens in the frame without scatterer MTRC. Speckle makes HRRP fluctuate sharply and not match well with the average HRRP. We precisely introduce the formation mechanism of speckle. Then, we make an insight into the principle of matching score. Based on the conclusion, we study the properties of matching score between speckled HRRP and the average HRRP. The theoretical analysis and Monte Carlo experimental results demonstrate that speckle makes HRRP not to match well with the average HRRP according to the energy ratio of speckled scatterers. On the assumption of ideal scattering centre model, speckled HRRP has a matching score less than 85% with the average HRRP if speckled scatterers occupy more than 50% energy of the target.