Detection Performance of Hard-Limited Phase-Coded Signals

The performance of a complex phase-coded waveform digital processor with hard-limiting constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) is presented. Processing losses relative to ideal matched-filter performance are computed and verified by hardware measurement. The losses considered include the consequences of hard limiting, envelope algorithm implementation, range cusping, and the associated effects of code length, IF filter bandwidth, and in-phase and quadrature channel phase offset. The range resolution properties of two closely spaced targets are also considered.