Performance Equations for an Optimized Multiping Data Processor.

摘要

The continuing need for improved detection performance by surface ship sonars has led to the proposed development of large, high-powered Conformal/Planar Array sonar systems. These systems enhance detection through increased surveillance coverage, higher resolution capability and higher transmitted power levels. Two distinct aspects of data processing are evident. First, reduction of data volume within a single sonar ping interval and second, the intraping processing of data collected over several ping intervals. The multiping processing may be considered as the digital automation of the detection function normally carried out by a sonar operator. It involves a simple track and implies a degree of classification but is to be distinguished from the accurate track and detailed classification functions. The current report is the third in a series on multi-ping processing. The first (1) considered an M/N processor; one which required M geometrically correlated single ping threshold crossings within a span of N ping intervals. The performance of this processor was below expectations and was adjudged inadequate due to the poor use of available amplitude information. In the second report; (2) a formulation of optimum multi-ping detector is undertaken which closely follows well developed radar design techniques for the processing of pulse trains. The formulation takes into account the stationarity differences between the sonar problem and the ideal radar problem. The intent of the current report was to extend the work of the second to include a quantitative performance evaluation using current best estimated of the statistical distribution of sonar signals.