A novel scheme for Adaptive Post detection Integration with an improved azimuth resolution performance

A new Adaptive Post detection Integration (API) algorithm, designated as Conditioned Adaptive Post detection Integration (C-API), is proposed and analyzed. The proposed C-API algorithm overcomes the problem of azimuth resolution degradation in the traditional API, especially for high signal to noise ratios (SNRs), which has not been exploited in any other literature before. Also it gives a robust performance against asynchronous pulse interference. The proposed C-API calculates an estimate for the SNR at the autocorrelation edges at the output of the integration stage of the API. This estimate is then used as a condition strategy to verify the result of the traditional API output. By doing so, a trimming for the autocorrelation edges at the final output is achieved, especially at high SNRs, leading to a remarkable improvement in azimuth resolution without affecting the detection capability. Computer simulation is provided to validate the superiority of the proposed C-API algorithm against the traditional API and the Adaptive Binary Integrator (ABI).