Inter-pulse parameter estimation and recognition for radar warning receiver

Abstract

A radar pulse train demodulated from a received signal is characterised by a stream of pulses separated at time intervals referred to as the pulse repetition interval (PRI). Estimation and recognition of the PRI type from the received radar pulse train could be used by a radar warning receiver (RWR) on an aircraft that allows the pilot to decide on the appropriate course of action. A methodology is presented to implement an RWR processing element that estimates parameters and recognises the PRI types, such as constant, 2-level staggered, wobulation and jitter. Verification of the RWR processing element based on Monte Carlo simulation shows that the recognition rate obtained at signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) above 8 dB is close to 100% for constant PRI type and between 75 to 90% for the rest of the PRI types. The complex pulse train structure of the other PRI types contributes to lower recognition rate.