Topics in radar signal processing. I - Overview and coherent processing techniques

A survey is presented of some of the principal processing features of a modern pulsed search radar. Emphasis is placed on system considerations and performance characteristics, the A/D conversion process being the only hardware aspect addressed. It is noted that this operation is the key to transforming analog IF radar signals into an accurate equivalent complex digital representation. Attention is given to matched filters and pulse compression and to clutter rejection, with descriptions given of moving target indicators and pulse Doppler processors. It is pointed out that many techniques which in the past have been considered too cumbersome or impractical to implement can now be included at reasonable levels of complexity and cost.