Abstract

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