Real-time hardware design for improving laser detection and ranging accuracy

Digital signal processing algorithms for estimating target range and backscatter intensity from laser detection and ranging systems are limited by the sampling rate of data collected and computation time requirements. An interpolating matched filter algorithm, deployed on a field programmable gate array, improves range accuracy while maintaining a low sampling rate and unity throughput. Research and simulation results comparing the effectiveness of different reference waveform models and interpolation factors are presented. A matched filter with zero padding interpolation using a Gaussian shape reference waveform and an interpolation factor of thirty-two showed an eighty-seven percent improvement in range accuracy over the peak detector design currently used in real-time LADAR systems.