A comparison of the maximum entropy method and the periodogram method applied to the spectral analysis of computer-simulated radar clutter

The maximum entropy method (MEM) for spectral analysis is described and compared to Welch´s procedure using the first fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. Comparative results are presented for the application of these two spectral analysis techniques to computer-generated radar clutter data produced using a model developed by Hawkes and Haykin. These results show that the resolution capabilities of the MEM are superior to Welch´s procedure. This feature is particularly notable in the analysis of very short clutter data records.