Improved target detection through extended dwell time algorithm

Output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) can be increased by extending the dwell time or coherent processing interval (CPI) over which target signal energy is integrated. However, over a long dwell time, nonlinear phase components in the slow-time signal limit the effectiveness of traditional Fourier-based processing methods to coherently integrate signal energy; thus, signal energy is often coherently integrated on a sub-CPI basis. This paper investigates a new extended dwell temporal signal processing algorithm that utilizes the signal energy in adjacent sub-CPIs in a unique way to improve the detection of weak, slow-moving targets. In many cases, the extended dwell algorithm more than doubles the probability of detection of low radial velocity targets over conventional noncoherent integration.