Abstract

Low probability of intercept radar signals, which are often challenging to detect and characterize, have as their objective #x2018;to see and not be seen#x2019;. Digital intercept receivers are currently moving from Fourier-based techniques to classical time-frequency techniques for the analysis of low probability of intercept radar signals. This paper presents the novel approach of characterizing low probability of intercept frequency hopping radar signals through utilization and direct comparison of the Wigner Ville Distribuion versus the Choi Williams Distribution. Two different frequency hopping low probability of intercept radar signals were analyzed (4-component and 8-component). The following metrics were used for evaluation: percent error of: carrier frequency, modulation bandwidth, modulation period, and time-frequency localization. Also used were: percent detection, lowest signalto- noise ratio for signal detection, and plot (processing) time. Experimental results demonstrate that overall, the Wigner Ville Distribution produced more accurate characterization metrics than the Choi Williams Distribution. An improvement in performance could potentially translate into saved equipment and lives.