Finite wordlength optimization of finite impulse response moving target indicator filters for radar applications

The authors apply two finite-impulse response (FIR) filter design techniques that find the optimum finite-wordlength (FWL) coefficients to meet an arbitrary frequency-domain criterion to the design of moving-target indicator filters. These FWL FIR filters are truly optimum in the weighted-least-square sense. Examples show that discrete optimization increases the signal-to-clutter improvement ratio (I _SC) by up to 20 dB, compared to simple rounding. The designer has the choice of increasing performance for the specified wordlength or of minimizing wordlength (minimum cost, maximum speed) for the specified performance. In addition, these techniques provide the flexibility to handle stationary and moving clutter simultaneously