On optimal rank quantization threshold of nonparametric radar detectors

Results on the optimal rank quantization threshold (ORQT) of the quantized rank detector (QRD) are presented. The Pitman´s asymptotic relative efficiency (ARE) of the QRD relative to the square law detector in Gaussian noise is derived. It is shown that ORQT which maximizes this ARE is approximately 0.8(N+1), where N is the number of reference cells. For the integration of a finite number of pulses the ORQT which optimizes the detection performance is 0.8N to N . In the case of Weibull noise, the range of ORQT extends downward. The value of the ORQT in sweep-to-sweep correlated noise is approximately the same as that in independent noise