Detection of multiple signal echoes with a one bit correlator receiver

Two kinds of optimal receivers have been studied in term of signal to noise ratio (SNR) gain, probability of detection and of false alarm. They are both correlation based receivers using binary pseudo random sequences, where correlation is performed numerically. This receivers are especially adapted for road vehicle collision avoidance radar systems, because they offer a high SNR enhancement and permit detection of weak echoes. In the first receiver, which is called multi-bit correlation receiver, the received signal is quantified using full precision, therefore the system is linear. In the second receiver, which is called one bit correlator receiver, the received signal is quantified using one bit precision. It is presented as an economical and simple alternative for an optimal detection of known signals buried in noise. This receiver has nonlinear properties. The paper focuses on the behavior of this receiver for several signal echoes. The weaker echo could only be detected when its amplitude is weak enough compared to the noise power at the system input