High-speed spectrum analyser using a pulse-compression technique

The paper describes a spectrum analyser intended for use with a mobile short-range frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar. The device employs a pulse-compression technique to perform a fast spectrum analysis giving a serial time output. The bandwidth and duration of the output signal are such as to permit direct modulation of an ordinary radar display. The speed of the analyser is approximately equal to that of an equivalent multiple-filter device incorporating a serial-readout sampling switch. The particular device described analyses a spectrum of width 3Mc/s in 80¿s. The analyser gives a serial output over 40¿s, the bandwidth of the output being about 2Mc/s. The fractional frequency resolution of the device is approximately 1/60.