Low Probability of Intercept Triangular Modulated Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Signal Characterization Comparison using the Spectrogram and the Scalogram

Abstract

Digital intercept receivers are currently moving away from Fourier-based analysis and towards 9 classical timefrequency analysis techniques for the purpose of analyzing low probability of 10 intercept radar signals. This paper presents the novel approach of characterizing low 11 probability of intercept frequency modulated continuous wave radar signals through utilization 12 and direct comparison of the Spectrogram versus the Scalogram. Two different triangular 13 modulated frequency modulated continuous wave signals were analyzed. The following metrics 14 were used for evaluation: percent error of: carrier frequency, modulation bandwidth, 15 modulation period, chirp rate, and time-frequency localization (x and y direction). Also used 16 were: percent detection, lowest signal-to-noise ratio for signal detection, and plot (processing) 17 time. Experimental results demonstrate that overall, the Spectrogram produced more 18 accurate characterization metrics than the Scalogram. An improvement in performance may 19 well translate into saved equipment and lives. 20