Development of Algorithms for Characterizing Interleaved Emitter Pulse Trains with Complex Modulations

This SBIR develops clustering and de-interleaving algorithms to process non-contiguous clusters of pulses, collected from acquisition scanning receivers periodically sampling (spectrally, spatially, and temporally) subsets of the signal environment, to better perform Emitter Identification (EID). The end result will be improved correct EID, with confidence level, and a corresponding reduction in the size of candidate emitter lists and ambiguities. It addresses a wide variety of challenging emitter signal classes for which current approaches are noted to have problems (RF agility, pulse repetition frequency (PRF) agility, pulse-width agility (PW), combinations of RF/PRF and/or PW agilities, and complex modulations). It also addresses multiple interleaved PRFs of different pulse-widths and modulations generated from single emitters. The approach leverages and refines existing RAS algorithms and software modules (C/C++ and MATLAB) such as clustering using multiple parameters measured on a single pulse, time based de-interleaving, RF Agile clustering, and cluster correlation grouping clusters collected in non-contiguous time intervals. Approaches are assessed and selected for PHASE II software development and demonstration within the SEWIP Block II architecture. During and after Phase II, RAS will work with SEWIP Block II prime Lockheed Martin and the government to define, install and demonstrate the technology on a suitable test-bed.