The new lightning detection system in China: its method and performance

The State Grid Electric Power Research Institute designed an Intelligent cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning Identification (3I) mode and proposed a full wave digital lightning identifying method based on the field programmable gate array (FPGA). By incorporating FPGA, complex programmable logic device (CPLD) and digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable-full wave-digital lightning detection system to obtain the characteristic signal and full wave data of cloud-to-ground lightning is developed in parallel flow-line-mode. Intelligent identification and mass storage of cloud-to-ground lightning radiation wave signal can be achieved. As the identification model can be adjusted conveniently, the cloud-to-ground lightning signal can be identified accurately. Both the characteristic and full wave data, which are of great significance for the research on the propagation of lightning radiation field and further statistics of lightning parameters, can be treated and stored synchronously. Being of high detection efficiency and applicable to various region, the new lightning detection system can provide a platform integrating lightning location, quantification, pre-warning, protection and analysis for lightning observation and investigation.