Target-clutter identification by lattice processors

Conventional processors for analysing pulsed Doppler returns employ either fixed digital filter schemes for target location, or FFT processors for identifying target velocities. In this paper a new configuration is proposed for processing radar returns which employ a lattice structure. Based upon the underlying probability distribution of the complex reflection coefficients; closed form analytical expressions, maximising detection probabilities for given false alarms, are presented which allow the use of a lattice as a detector by setting thresholds on the associated reflection coefficients in order to identify a signal from background noise. Using clutter models for ground clutter and weather clutter it is shown that in some circumstances the lattice can be used to identify a target in clutter environment.