Performance analysis of a noncoherent monopulse processor in the presence of target glint and receiver imbalances

Phase imbalances in receiver channels of a monopulse radar can affect its performance adversely. One of the methods suggested to alleviate this problem is the noncoherent processor using linear detection. The amplitude based angle (ABA) processor, which uses a square-law detector, is considered and explicit expressions are derived for the indicated angle as a function of various imbalances in the receiver channels. Its performance is then compared with that of the exact processor, using shift in null position and deviation in slop of the angle sensitivity curve as criteria. Another serious problem in monopulse processing is the variation of the apparent angular location of targets or glint. The ABA processor is analysed and it is shown both analytically and by computer simulations that its performance in the presence of glint is superior to that of the conventional or exact processor