Spectrum model-order determination via significant reflection coefficients

A new model-order determination method for maximum entropy or autoregressive power spectra is presented. The method is based upon a simple F- (variance ratio) test for the reflection coefficients. The method is applicable to Burg-MEM, non-linear-MEM and unrestricted least squares methods and their many variants as well as to spectra derived via maximum entropy from autocorrelation estimates or measurements. The method will be tested on simulated signals - both wide-band: power-law processes and narrow band: sinusoids in noise.