Multiple target detection through DFT processing in a sequential mode operation of real or synthetic arrays

A multiple target detection technique based on the discrete processing of data collected in a sequential mode operation is presented. In this approach, the firing of the elements is sequential, with one or more elements receiving. The data are collected over all the existing (n₁, n₂) paths. An information sequence is computed by combining equiphase data. After windowing, interpolation, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) processing, a scatterer is detected as a peak in the amplitude spectrum. No phase-shifting or tapering hardware is needed. Three examples are presented: (1) a real array operating in parallel mode, (2) a real array operating in sequential mode, and (3) a synthetic array operating in sequential mode. Discrete Fourier transform (DFT) processing in sequential mode significantly improves the detection performance