Mean-Level Detection Utilizing a Digital First-Order Recursive Filter

The use of a simple digital first-order recursive filter for mean-level detection is described. Performance characteristics are derived for the case where the background noise is stationary, and detection results are given for Swerling Case 2 fluctuating signals. Equations are derived for computing false-alarm performance in nonstationary backgrounds, and results are given for some special cases. Comparisons are made with performance of a conventional mean-level circuit in stationary and nonstationary noise.