A conditional rank test for nonparametric detection

A one-input nonparametric detector employing the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and conditional testing is described. The rank test is applied to input samples which are larger in absolute value than a positive constant, so that the number of samples ranked is a random variable. A conditional test allows nonparametric operation; the detector is shown to maintain efficient performance with reduced ranking requirements, especially when used in conjunction with the technique of "mixed" statistical tests.