RF Processing, STC

Sensitivity Time Control

Processing
To avoid saturation of the receiver an attenuation can be
applied to the incoming signal. This attenuation will be
reduced by time in relation to range. The attenuation is
in the case of the SCANTER 2001 applied to the limiter.

1/9

Receiver STC
 X2 ASC/CAL
X4 NS LED BITE
X5 STC 1 LED AFC LOCK
MAGNETRON PORT X6 STC 2 X1 POWER/COM

X14 FWP OUT X9 MAG SAMPLE

X13 FWP IN
X3 VIDEO
WG-SLICE
X11 LO
CIRCULATOR
X10 FWP

X12 IF NOISE
ANTENNA PORT

CIRCULATOR LOW NOISE FRONT END

LIMITER/STC DUMMY LOADS
NOISE SOURCE CIRCULATOR

2/9

Receiver STC
 Magnetron

WG-slice Magnetron Sample

LO Sample

Dummy
Load
Dummy
Load
Limiter/STC Noise LNFE
source
Antenna
Isolator
Antenna

3/9

Receiver STC
 Overall dynamic range ≥ 125 dB

Logarithmic IF range ≥ 105 dB Saturation region

> 25 dB
Active logarithmic region > 70 dB

STC attenuation

/V C
dB / ST
75 SC
. A
in
M
Bias
15 dB

Noise floor
System MDS (level depends upon processing chosen)
RF input
-120 -110 -100 -90 -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 10 20 [dBm]
BW Noise Floor Limiter
3 MHz -103 dBm cutoff
8 MHz -99 dBm
20 MHz -95 dBm
50 MHz -91 dBm

4/9

Receiver Transfer Characteristic

 Att. [dB]

50

40

30

20

10

0 Range
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
-10

-20

-30

-40

-50

5/9

STC Curve
 50
t o-
-20

-20
0 to
1

10
to
30

to 30
50

-50 -20 10 30 50
dB dB dB dB dB

6/9

STC Curve
 Att. [dB]

50 STC curve, 0 dB offset

40
STC curve, +20 dB offset
STC curve, -30 dB offset
30

20

10

0 Range
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
-10

-20

-30

-40

-50

7/9

STC Curve and Offset

 Att. [dB]

50

40

30

20

10

0 Range
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
-10

-20

-30

-40

-50

8/9

STC Curve and SCM, 1 sweep

 9/9

STC Curve, SCM

Intentionally left blank
Intentionally left blank
Adaptive Sensitivity Control
(ASC2)
RF Processing
Configurations
LAN Setup
Static Map Tool
Blanking and Attenuation
Block Schematic

Modules
ASC – Adaptive Sensitivity Control
ASC Module
Antenna Generates input power map
(range and azimuth), i.e.
Attenuation Map.
Determines the input clutter
Pin
levels as a function of range
and azimuth.
Limiter

Loaded with a MAL-curve and

Pin - D
a Blanking Map. In the former
Logarithmic mentioned the attenuations
receiver
and ranges are determined.
Antenna used, height of the
Input stage of VP3: v (0 to 1 V) D’ antenna, radar transceiver,
Noise sea state, propagation
Pulse width discrimination cancellation
ASC2
conditions are factors
and affecting the MAL-curve
3 out of 4 sweep to sweep settings.
correlation

Further processing in VP3 and SCD 1/20

Function, ASC2
The ASC2 consists of a blanking map and an
attenuation map.

The attenuation map of the ASC optimises detection in the entire

instrumented area:
48 NM (approx. 89 km) or
96 NM (approx. 178 km) - Long Range

This is done by full-automatic adaptation (in range and azimuth) to

changes in the weather situation.

This automatic adaptation prevents any need for operator settings

of the radar during normal operation.

2/20

ASC2 Function
Range
A range of 48 NM (89 km) / 96 NM (178 km) and an azimuth of 360º are represented by a number of cells

Cell size Range

[m] [m]

180 90.000

160 80.000

140 70.000
1024 range cells
120 60.000
in both ranges
100 50.000

80 40.000

60 30.000

40 20.000

20 10.000

0 200 400 600 800 1000 Cell number

32 cells
Attenuation Range = Blanking Range pr. step

The range is parted up in 1024 cells. The cells closest to the centre are 10 m long
and the most far away cells are 165 m long.
3/20

ASC2 Range
Azimuth - Attenuation Map and Blanking Map

512 azimuth cells

360° are parted up in 512 cells (approx. 0.7º each).

With 1024 range cells the map consists of 512 k cells (524.288 cells).
4/20

ASC2 Azimuth
MAL curve (minimum attenuation level)
Attenuation
[dB]

50

25

Range
0
5 10 15 20 25 [km]

-25

-50

A custom defined MAL curve

attenuates the considerable
returns from close targets

5/20

ASC2 MAL Curve

 GSHHS

Utilizing the SMT program a blanking

map for local area is being created and
loaded into the ASC2

A map (selected from GSHHS shore line database) gives information to the ASC module about blanking.
Blanked areas (land, shores, buildings....) will not affect the attenuation calculations performed by the ASC module.

Besides the GSHHS database it is possible to import formats like CGM, DXF, TCF and TXT

GSHHS: Global Self-consistent, Hierarchical, High-resolution Shoreline database

6/20

ASC2 Static Map

Test Cell

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Samples

5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5

4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

TEST TEST
3 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.5 3 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.5
CELL CELL

2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

Cells containing a target

Test cell

Cells containing noise and clutter only 100 samples from the test cell and the
surrounding 24 cells are randomly chosen
7/20

ASC2 Test Cell

1.1 4.2
2.1 The clutter level in the test 4.3
3.1 cell is assumed to be like 5.1 85% fractal
4.1 the clutter level in this cell 5.2
5.1 5.3
1.2 1.1
2.2 2.1
3.2 3.1
4.2 4.1 The clutter level of the cells
5.2 1.2
are compared with the chosen
Clutter Reference Level and
1.3 2.2
adjusted according to this setting
2.3 Signal level sorting 3.2
3.3 1.3
17
4.3 2.3
5.3 3.3
1.4 1.4
12
2.4 2.4

Level [dB]
3.4 3.4 10

4.4 4.4

Clutter ref. level

5.4 5.4 6
1.5 1.5

Cell 5.1

Cell 3.2

Cell 2.5

Cell 5.1

Cell 3.2

Cell 2.5
2.5 2.5
3.5 3.5
4.5 4.5
5.5 5.5 BEFORE AFTER

8/20

ASC2 Ordered Statistics

The ASC2 takes over the function of the STC.
The attenuation calculated by the ASC2 will be applied to the
limiter in the receiver

Since the ASC2 contains site specific data, any replacement

modules must be loaded with software before the radar is

taken into operational use (Blanking Map and MAL-curve).

As the VP3 is replaced as well, a noise threshold adjustment

must be performed
9/20

ASC2 and STC

Receiver STC Adaptive Sensitivity Attenuation Map
Control
10/20

ASC, Receiver STC versus ASC

 X9/X15 SATA – Not used

RESET

X14/X20 COM/DEBUG Interface

X10/X16 STC Output

X11/X17 Not used

X12/X18 ASC Test Output

X13/X19 LAN

11/20

ASC2, Module
 ASC2 A / Video Processor 3 / ASC2 B
Clk. OK Attenuation OK
HW
Clk. failure Attenuation saturated
ASSY
SW 262816
SW status:
BITE OK HW HW
Flashes = OK
BITE error SW SW
X2

SATA - Not used X9 X3 X15 SATA - Not used

RESET RESET
Video Processor 3 / ASC2 A X4
X14 X20
ASSY
COM/DEBUG X5 COM/DEBUG
262815 INTERFACE INTERFACE
HW

SW
X10 X6 X16
X9 X2 STC OUTPUT STC OUTPUT
VIDEO B IN
SATA - Not used X3 X11 X7 X17
VIDEO A IN
RESET Not used Not used
X4
X14 VIDEO EXT. OUT X12 X8 X18
COM/DEBUG X5 ASC TEST OUTPUT ASC TEST OUTPUT
INTERFACE Not used
X10 X6 X1
STC OUTPUT Not used
X11 X7
PROCESSED
Not used
VIDEO OUT
X12 X8 LAN LAN
COMP.
ASC TEST OUTPUT
VIDEO OUT
X1
X13 RESET X19
COM/DEBUG
INTERFACE
LAN ASC2 A VP3 ASC2 B

X13 RESET

ASC2 A VP3

Same VP3 connections as ASSY 262815

12/20

ASC2, 2 Modules
LAN Example

SCANTER 2001
On TC3:
Transceiver(s)

ASC2 A
SCANTER
Service Display L AN

Hardware config / Modules config /

SCANTER 2001 SCANTER 2001
ASC2 (A or B) / LAN / IP address
LAN
Set IP address
RxTx #1

RxTx #2
ASC2 A

ASC2 A

Connect LAN cable

Check using Ping command

13/20

ASC2, LAN Setup

SMT Client

14/20

ASC2, Create Blanking Map

SMT Client

Modified Map

15/20

ASC2, Modify Blanking Map

SMT Client

Modified Map

16/20

ASC2, Upload Blanking Map

 17/20

ASC2, RTCM Menu

Blanking Map Blanking Input Power Map

18/20

ASC2, Test Output

 Using test output

of the ASC2 to see

attenuation caused

by the MAL curve

and the adaptive

attenuation

19/20

ASC2, Test Output

 RAM

FPGA
D dB
Att. Blank
Attenuation A to
Map Map
C V.

Seri
Digital Digital Test "Video"
Attenuation ali Actual Att.
(VP3)
zer

Analogue A
V
Video D OS Input
(NC) C
to + Map
OS D Analogue
dB A Test
C Out

Digital Video
(VP3)

PPC MAL(r)
Stabilized Azimuth Control

Triggers

Embedded
Power PC
SDRAM A,D,C

FPGA Confiuration/ MPU

GSHHS datebase CFG
JTAG

CompactFlash PC Card Ethernet CAN-Bus

ATA Xilinx RS-232
256 MB System PHY Controller Debug
ACE

CAN
Ethernet
Bus

20/20
Test
JTAG

ASC2, Block Schematic

Intentionally left blank
Intentionally left blank
Intentionally left blank
Static Clutter Map (SCM2)
RF Processing
Configurations
LAN Setup
Static Map Tool
Attenuation
Block Schematic

Modules
 Provides range and azimuth dependent
attenuation to the limiter (two dimensional
Antenna clutter map).
The attenuation is combined with the
selected STC curve and the chosen STC
offset.

+/- 45 dB The Static Clutter Map is divided in 500 k

Limiter
cells - 1024 cells in range and 512 cells in
azimuth.

Logarithmic The STC is accordingly divided in 1024

receiver
range cells.

Video Trigger
processing SCM2
Azimuth

STC Curve
STC Offset

1/18

Function SCM2
Range Azimuth

1024 range cells 512 azimuth cells

The range of 5.000 (10.000) m is divided in 1024 cells The azimuth is divided in 512 cells

The cells are 5 (10) m long Each azimuth cell covers 0.7º

With 1024 range cells and 512 azimuth cells the map consists of 500 k cells (524.288 cells).

2/18

Attenuation Map
 -5 -2 -2

8 -5 -2 -35
8 -35
-20 8
-20

8 8 25 25
15 15 25 25
15

Every cell or selected area can be assigned a certain attenuation

3/18

Attenuation Cells
 Information from STC curve
Triggers & and STC Offset
Azimuth

8 bit value Low

Processor D/A Limiter current
Total attenuation pass
for each cell

Trigger and azimuth

Dual Port RAM select the cells

Contains the Static Clutter Map

uploaded from PC.
NV-RAM Is uploaded to DP-RAM at start-up
and changes

4/18

Static Clutter Map

 The attenuation calculated by the SCM, i.e. the addition of

the attenuation dedicated each cell,

the attenuation determined by the STC curve, and
the overall attenuation determined by the STC Offset

will be applied the limiter in the receiver - one value for each cell

Since the SCM contains site specific data, any replacement

modules must be loaded with the Static Clutter Map before the
radar is taken into operational use

5/18

Replacement
 X9/X15 SATA – Not used

RESET

X14/X20 COM/DEBUG Interface

X10/X16 STC Output

X11/X17 Not used

X12/X18 Test Output

X13/X19 LAN

6/18

SCM2, Static Clutter Map

 Clk. OK Attenuation OK
HW
Clk. failure Attenuation saturated

SW SW status:
BITE OK
Flashes = OK
BITE error

Video Processor 3 / SCM2 A SCM2 A / Video Processor 3 / SCM2 B

ASSY ASSY
262815 262816
HW HW HW

SW SW SW
X2 X2
X9
VIDEO B IN
X3 SATA - Not used X9 X3 X15 SATA - Not used
SATA - Not used
VIDEO A IN RESET RESET
RESET X4
X4
X14 X14 X20
VIDEO EXT. OUT
COM/DEBUG COM/DEBUG X5 COM/DEBUG
X5 INTERFACE INTERFACE
INTERFACE Not used
X10 X6 X16
X10 X6
STC OUTPUT STC OUTPUT
STC OUTPUT Not used
X11 X7 X17
X11 X7
PROCESSED Not used Not used
Not used
VIDEO OUT
X12 X8 X18
X12 X8
COMP. TEST OUTPUT TEST OUTPUT
TEST OUTPUT
VIDEO OUT X1
X1
COM/DEBUG
INTERFACE
LAN LAN
LAN

X13 RESET X19

X13 RESET

SCM2 A VP3 SCM2 B

SCM2 A VP3

Same VP3 connections as ASSY 262815

7/18

SCM2, 2 Modules
 LAN Example

SCANTER 2001
Transceiver(s) On TC3:

SCANTER ASC2 A
Service Display
L AN

Hardware config / Modules config /

ASC2 (A or B) / LAN / IP address
SCANTER 2001 SCANTER 2001

LAN Set IP address

RxTx #1

RxTx #2
SCM2 A

SCM2 A

Connect LAN cable

Check using Ping command

8/18

SCM2, LAN Setup

SMT Client

9/18

SCM2, Create a Site

SMT Client

10/18

SCM2, Create a Site

SMT Client

11/18

SCM2, Attenuation Grid

SMT Client

12/18

SCM2, Attenuation
SMT Client -3 dB +45 dB +5 dB No Pattern

13/18

SCM2, Map with Attenuation

SMT Client

14/18

SCM2, Map with Attenuation/Grid

SMT Client

Finished/modified map

15/18

SCM2, Upload Map

 16/18

SCM2, RTCM Menu

 17/18

SCM2, Applied Attenuation

 RAM

FPGA
D dB
Att. Blank
Attenuation A to
Map Map
C V.

Seri
Digital Digital Test "Video"
Attenuation ali Actual Att.
(VP3)
zer

Analogue A
V
Video D OS Input
(NC) C
to + Map
OS D Analogue
dB A Test
C Out

Digital Video
(VP3)

PPC MAL(r)
Stabilized Azimuth Control

Triggers

Embedded
Power PC
SDRAM A,D,C

FPGA Confiuration/ MPU

GSHHS datebase CFG
JTAG

CompactFlash PC Card Ethernet CAN-Bus

ATA Xilinx RS-232
256 MB System PHY Controller Debug
ACE

CAN
Ethernet
Bus

18/18
Test
JTAG

SCM2, Block Schematic

Intentionally left blank
 Video Processor VP3
Video Processing
Video Signals
Functions
Block Schematic
Adjustments
Decimation
Retiming Factor

Modules
 X2 VIDEO B from receiver

X3 VIDEO A from receiver

X4 EXT. VIDEO OUT

X5 VIDEO to ASC B (X4)

X6 VIDEO to ASC A (X4)

X7 PROCESSED ANALOGUE VIDEO

X8 COMPOSITE ANALOGUE VIDEO

X1 COM / DEBUG (RS232)

S1 RESET

1/28

Video Processor VP3, Connector Layout

 RF

STC IF, 100 MHz

Receiver * Raw video, logarithmic
Sensitivity time control (STC)

Raw video

Raw video  digital video

Auto-adaptive Noise cancellation (3 of 4 correlation)
Sensitivity Control Video Processor
Raw video Fast time constant (FTC)
Decimation 1, 2, 4, 8

Raw video
Analogue, Analogue, Digital,
processed composite processed
video video video

Sea Clutter Azimuth decimation

Discriminator 2 and 3 scan correlation

Radar Signal Distribution * Buffers and drivers

* Minimum configuration
2/28

Video Signals
 X3 Video from receiver A X2 Video from receiver B

X4 Ext. video
out Diversity mode
S/H + A/D S/H + A/D

BITE

Noise cancellation Noise cancellation

X6 Video to X5 Video to
ASC A (X4) FTC FTC
ASC B (X4)

Decimation Decimation

Memory Memory

Sliding window Sliding window

integration Combiner
integration

Azimuth
Retiming Trigger
Status

D/A Protocol control D/A

B-Trigger

X7 Processed Digital video X8 Composite

analogue video RSD & SCD analogue video

3/28

Video Processing, VP3

 Video 1

Video 2

Video 1 OR Video 2

Video 1 AND Video 2

Video 1 ADD Video 2

4/28

Definitions
Transmitting pulses up to 60 ns: Discrimination of received pulses < 25 ns

< 25 ns > 25 ns < 25 ns > 25 ns < 25 ns > 25 ns > 25 ns

›››

Transmitting pulses above 60 ns: Discrimination of received pulses < 50 ns

< 50 ns > 50 ns > 50 ns < 50 ns < 50 ns > 50 ns > 50 ns

›››

5/28

Pulse Width Discrimination

 Sweep
n
n
n+1
Video
n+2
n
n+1
n+2
n+3
n
n+1
n+3
n
n+4
n+2
n+1
n
n+4
n+3
n+5
n+2
n+1
n+2
n+6
n
n+5
n+1
n+3
n+4
Range
Raw video

Sweep
n
n+1
n
Video
n+2
n
n+1
n
n+2
n+3
n+1
Noise
n
n+4
n+2
n+1
n+3
nn+1
n+5
n+2
n+4
n+3
n+6
n+1
n
n+2
n+5
n+3
n+4
Range
Target
n Processed video
n+1
n+2 ”3 out of 4” noise cancellation
n+4n+3
n+6n+5

6/28

Noise Cancellation, 3 out of 4 /I

 7/28

Noise Cancellation, 3 out of 4 /II

Fast Time Constant (FTC) is a differentiation (high pass
filtering) of the video signal.

This differentiation makes it possible to present targets that

normally would be hidden in large objects like rain and rain
clouds.

8/28

Fast Time Constant (FTC)

 Tau = RC
C
D

Uin Uout Uin Uout

Discharge
R

t
u = E (1 - e RC )

9/28

Fast Time Constant (FTC)

 Video

• Normal
Target 1 Target 2 Range

• The two targets are represented on the radar image

as two clearly defined spots (above threshold).

Video

• Normal
Rain
Target 1 Target 2
Range

• The two targets are represented on the radar image but not
clearly defined due to noise caused by the rain.

10/28

FTC
 Video

• Rain - Differentiation Target 1 Target 2

Range

• The differentiation of the signal makes positive and negative going

spikes on leading and trailing edge, respectively.

Video

• Rain - Differentiation
FTC Target 1 Target 2
Range

• The negative going spikes are clipped and the two

targets are again clearly defined on the radar image

11/28

FTC
 FTC is numerical differentiation with clamping of negative values to zero

40
Radar video before FTC (+20 added)

35

30

25

20
Radar video after FTC (+10 added)
Time const. 200 ns
15

10

Radar video after FTC

Time const 400 ns
5

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

12/28

FTC
Sweep Integration - 4 sweeps

RANGE

4 (average of 1, 2, 3 and 4)

5 (average of 2, 3, 4 and 5)

6 (average of 3, 4, 5 and 6)

7 (average of 4, 5, 6 and 7)

n (average of n, n-1, n-2 and n-3)

13/28

Sweep Integration
 15
14.686
12.5
single0i
10
4 sweeps single1i  4
7.5
single2i  8

single3i  12 5

2.5
3
2.1910 0
0 100 200 300 400 500
0 i 499

10
9.773
4 sweeps 9
8
integrated inco_int i 7
gives an 6
improved S/N 5
5.793 4
0 100 200 300 400 500
0 i 499

14/28

Sweep Integration
Frequency Diversity means sequential transmission
on two different frequencies

Transmitter 1
f1

Diplexer Antenna f1 f2

Transmitter 2
f2

15/28

Frequency Diversity (FD)

 SWG Antenna

Time Diversity

Squint angle F2

Squint angle F1

2 degrees squint angle between

F1 beam F2 and F1 results in a 17 ms
1
Baem m F

am
1

time difference on target at 20 rpm

F
Be Bea

e
amF2

F2

B
F2
am
am
Be
Be

Target

16/28

Frequency Diversity (FD)

 • Video integration (here 8 sweeps, each with S/N = 3 dB) increases
PD.
• Frequency Diversity decorrelates consecutive sweeps, thereby
enhancing PD.
Swerling Case 1 – Single Freq. Swerling Case 2 - Freq. Div.

0.03 0.03
0.03 0.03

0.025 0.025

0.02 0.02

0.015 Py 0.015
Py

0.2 PN y 0.2 PN y

0.01 0.01

0.005 0.005

0 0

 11 9
 2.53810 0.005  5.87910 0.005
0 50 100 0 50 100
0 y 100 0 y 100

17/28

Frequency Diversity (FD)

 Improvements on the radar image

Mono frequency Frequency diversity

128 by 128 km 128 by 128 km

Time diversity 5-6 dB

Improvements using FD: = at least 10 dB
2 x power on target + reduced target fluctuations 5-6 dB
18/28

Frequency Diversity (FD)

 Ch Ch Ch Ch
Video Video
A Processor
B A Processor
B
Fallback to A: Video from Unit 1 Fallback to A: Video from Unit 2
Fallback to B: Video from Unit 2 Fallback to B: Video from Unit 1

Radar Signal Radar Signal

Distribution Distribution

Unit 1 Unit 2
active active 19/28

Fallback. Dual FD
 A B A B

Ch Ch Ch Ch
Video Video
A Processor
B A Processor
B
Fallback to A: Video from Unit # 1, RT Group A Fallback to A: Video from Unit # 2, RT Group A
Fallback to B: Video from Unit # 1, RT Group B Fallback to B: Video from Unit # 2, RT Group B

Radar Signal Radar Signal

Distribution Distribution

Unit 1 Unit 2
active active 20/28

Fallback. Dual Redundant FD

 Shift Range
0 – 2 km: ex. 2 km > 2 km:
AND ADD

Beam 1

Beam 2

Result
21/28

FD, Shift Range

 X3 Video from receiver A X2 Video from receiver B

X4 Ext. video
out Diversity mode
Noise
threshold S/H + A/D S/H + A/D
Noise
cancellation
3 of 4/Off BITE

FTC on/off Noise cancellation Diversity Mode Noise cancellation

+ value AND
ADD
X6 Video to Video AND/ADD (shift range) X5 Video to
ASC A (X4) FTC FTC
resolution Fallback to Ch. A ASC B (X4)
Fallback to Ch. B
+
Squint Decimation Fallback enables/disabled Decimation
compensa-
tion angle

Memory Sweep Memory

integration

Sliding window Sliding window

integration Combiner
integration

Digital Composite
Retiming Factor video
video on/off
Off/NAP21

D/A Protocol control D/A

X7 Processed Digital video X8 Composite

analogue video RSD & SCD analogue video

22/28

Adjustments
 X3 X2
X4 From From
Video ext. receiver receiver
T0A Triggers video B
T0B out video A

Not used with ASC2

X6. Video to ASC A (X4)
If <0 If >0
Range X5. Video to ASC B (X4)
offset
S/H S/H
Select
latest
+ +
A/D A/D
Noise
can-
cellation
If >0 A Video B
processing
If <0

Retiming
delay B-Trigger (VP3)
B-Trigger
delay

Not used if SCD Present

X7. Processed
D/A
analogue video

Composite video
range Protocol
control D/A X8. Composite video1
Video adjustment
Processor Digital video
Digital video
Type 3
enable delay
VP3 Status/Azimuth

Fixed delay Sea Clutter

Discrimination
B-Trigger (SCD) - Not used
B-Trigger X8. Processed
delay D/A
analogue video

Composite video Protocol

VP3-SCD Timing MFB Rev. 7

range D/A X7. Composite video1

control
Sea adjustment1
Clutter Digital video
2008-mar-27

Discriminator Status/Azimuth
SCD
Note1 Customer specific 23/28

Adjustments, Triggers
 8 bit samples

80 MHz

Average of 2 Average of 4 Average of 8

samples samples samples
8 bit samples

40 MHz

8 bit samples

20 MHz

8 bit samples

10 MHz
24/28

Decimation
 Basic Range

32k (32768) cells

Video Resolution Range Resolution, Cells

80 MHz Cell 1.873 m  1.8 m

40 MHz 3,746 m  3,75 m

20 MHz 7,49 m  7,5 m

299700000
10 MHz fx2 14,99 m  15 m

Video Resolution Basic Range

80 MHz 61378.6 m  61 km / 33.1 NM

32k (32768) Cells
40 MHz 122757.1 m  123 km / 66.3 NM

20 MHz 245514.2 m  246 km / 132.6 NM

Rng. Res. x 32768
10 MHz 491028.48 m  491 km / 265 NM

25/28

Retiming Factor
Video Sample Retiming Range Basic Range PRF for
Resolution Interval Factor Resolution 32k samples

80 MHz 12.5 ns 2-8 1.8 m 61 km / 33.1 NM 2.44 kHz

40 MHz 25 ns 1-4 3,75 m 123 km / 66.3 NM 1.22 kHz

20 MHz 50 ns 1-2 7,5 m 246 km / 132.6 NM 610 Hz

10 MHz 100 ns 1 15 m 491 km / 265 NM 305 Hz

Example: Video Resolution: 40 MHz, Retiming Factor: 1, PRF: 8 kHz

PRF 8 kHz and 40 MHz video equals (125 x 10-6 / 25 x 10-9) 5000 samples
5000 samples and 3.75 m in Range Resolution equals (5000 x 3.75) 18.75 km / 10.1 NM

5000 cells / 18.75 km 32k (32768) cells / 123 km

Cells

PRF

Retiming Factor 2
2500 cells / 9.4 km
Cells

PRF

26/28

Retiming Factor
Example: Video Resolution: 40 MHz, Retiming Factor: 1, PRF: 2 kHz

PRF 2 kHz and 40 MHz video equals (500 x 10-6 / 25 x 10-9) 20 000 samples
20 000 samples and 3.75 m in Range Resolution equals (20 000 x 3.75) 75 km / 40.5 NM

20 000 cells / 75 km 32k (32768) cells / 123 km

Cells

PRF

Retiming Factor 2

10 000 cells / 37.5 km

Cells

PRF

27/28

Retiming Factor
Example: Video Resolution: 40 MHz, Retiming Factor: 1, PRF: 1.22 kHz

PRF 1.22 kHz and 40 MHz video equals (820 x 10 -6 / 25 x 10-9) 32 768 samples
32 768 samples and 3.75 m in Range Resolution equals (32 768 x 3.75) 123 km / 66.3 NM

32768 cells / 123 km 32k (32768) cells / 123 km

Cells

PRF

Retiming Factor 4
8192 cells / 30.7 km
Cells

PRF

28/28

Retiming Factor
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Intentionally left blank
Intentionally left blank
Video Processing, SCD
Sea Clutter Discriminator

Processing
 Antenna The Sea Clutter Discriminator shall be able
to receive digital video from the video
processor (VP3) and perform clutter
discrimination based on the statistics
behaviour of signals.
Magnetron Limiter

Control Receiver

This is done in order to reduce the

VP3 ASC probability of false alarms (Pfa), thus
increasing the reliability of the radar
SCD image under bad weather conditions.

Digital Analogue B-Trigger

video video

To work properly the SCD requires an evenly distributed clutter level.

This is accomplished by the Adaptive Sensitivity Control module (ASC2). 1/16

Sea Clutter Discriminator, Function

The SCD performs
sliding window
scan-to-scan
correlation for
each range-azimuth
cell. This is done to
discriminate between
clutter and targets that
are of interest to the
operator.

2/16

Function
 The SCD incorporates three channels:

• One channel performs sliding window scan-to-scan correlation over 3

consecutive scans in order to discriminate between clutter and extremely
small targets with speeds up to e.g. 8 knots - the actual speed limit is
determined by the antenna rotation speed, the pulse width and the
range.

• A second channel performs sliding window scan-to-scan correlation over

2 consecutive scans in order to discriminate between clutter and small
targets with speeds up to e.g. 16 knots - the actual speed limit is also
here determined by the antenna rotation speed, the pulse width and the
range.

• A third channel without scan-to-scan correlation to detect targets of

medium and large size (RCS) at any speed.

3/16

Function
 Gating Output
Circuit Video

Discriminator

A>B OR
Fast
speed
target B
threshold

Input Azimuth 1-bit Scan Memory (scan n-1)

A
Video Decimation 2 of 2
A>B correla-
Medium tion
speed (AND)
target B
threshold

A 1-bit Scan Memory (scan n-2)

3 of 3
correla-
A>B 1-bit Scan Memory (scan n-1)
Slow
tion
speed (AND)
target B
threshold

4/16

Block Schematic
Range

8192 range cells

Selectable number of range cells:
8192, 4096 or 2048

VP3 Range Resolution SCD Resolution [m] / Instrumented Range [km]

Frequency Resolution Decimation Decimation Decimation Decimation Decimation
[MHz] [m] 1 2 4 8 16

40 3.75 3.75 / 31 7.5 / 62 15 / 123 30 / 123 60 / 123

20 7.5 7.5 / 62 15 / 123 30 / 123 60 / 123 120 / 123

10 15 15 / 123 30 / 123 60 / 123 120 / 123 240 / 123 5/16

Range Cells
Azimuth

The azimuth is parted up in 4k cells (4096),

each cell is 0.0879º wide.

Cell width = sin 0.0879 x range (NM) x 1.852 x 1000 [m]

Cell width
[m]

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40
4096 azimuth cells 20 Range

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 [NM]
0 18.5 37 55.6 74,1 92.6 111 130 [km]
With 8192 range cells the Sea Clutter map
consists of 32 M cells (33554432 cells).
6/16

Azimuth Cells
 Medium and Slow Speed Targets
3-scan correlation (slow speed targets)

To be categorized as a slow speed target,

it moves max. ½ resolution cell for every 3
measurements (2 scans or 6 s @ 20 rpm).

3600 x 7.5
= 4.5 km/h or 2.4 knots
½ resolution cell 6x
15 m 1000

2-scan correlation (medium speed targets)

To be categorized as a medium speed target,

it moves max. ½ resolution cell for every 2
measurements (1 scan or 3 s @ 20 rpm).

3600 x 7.5
= 9 km/h or 4.9 knots
M 3x
66 .3 N 1000
m/
.8 k
e: 122
g
Ran
Processing range and antenna rotation speed affects the speed limits.
As the mentioned speed limits are based on very short pulse width
compared to the resolution cells, the practically used pulse width will
20 rpm affect the speed limits as well.
3 s per rotation

If the range is changed to ex. 61.4 km/33.2 NM the resolution cells will change to 7.5 m depth -
a range decimation of 2 will increase the depth to 15 m (and with that a total of 4096 range cells) 7/16

Scan Correlation
Pulse width: 500 ns (corresponding length = 75 m) Range: 60 km
Sample rate: 40 MHz (resolution cells = 3.75 m) RPM, antenna: 20 (3 s per rotation)
SCD decimation: 2 (SCD resolution cells = 7.5 m)

Threshold Target Returned echo (PW = 500 ns)

Level
Resolution cells (10 x 7.5 m)

1
Scan n-2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0

Clutter
3s
1 1
Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0

3s
1
Speed of Target Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0

The target moves 9 cells

(approx. the PW of 75 m)
AND

during 2 scans (6 s).

75 m in 6 s equals Gate signal No gate signal

12.5 m/s or
24.3 knots 8/16

Slow Speed, Small Targets - Radial 1

Pulse width: 500 ns (corresponding length = 75 m) Range: 60 km
Sample rate: 40 MHz (resolution cells = 3.75 m) RPM, antenna: 20 (3 s per rotation)
SCD decimation: 2 (SCD resolution cells = 7.5 m)

1 1
Scan n-2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 Scan n-2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0

3s 3s
1 1
Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0

3s 3s
1 1
Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0

Gate signal Gate signal

Speed of The target moves 6 cells (45 m) The target moves 2 cells (15 m)
Target during 2 scans (6 s). during 2 scans (6 s).

45 m in 6 s equals 15 m in 6 s equals
7.5 m/s or 14.6 knots 2.5 m/s or 4.9 knots 9/16

Slow Speed, Small Targets - Radial 2

Pulse width: 150 ns (corresponding length = 22.5 m) Range: 60 km
Sample rate: 40 MHz (resolution cells = 3.75 m) RPM, antenna: 20 (3 s per rotation)
SCD decimation: 2 (SCD resolution cells = 7.5 m)

Scan n-2 1 2 3

The target moves 2 cells (15 m)

3s during 2 scans (6 s).

Scan n-1 1 2 3
15 m in 6 s equals 2.5 m/s or 4.9 knots

3s

Scan n 1 2 3

Gate signal

10/16

Slow Speed, Small Targets - Radial 3

Pulse width: 500 ns (corresponding length = 75 m) Range: 60 km
Sample rate: 40 MHz (resolution cells = 3.75 m) RPM, antenna: 20 (3 s per rotation)
SCD decimation: 2 (SCD resolution cells = 7.5 m)

1
Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1
0

3s 3s
1 1
Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0
Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0

Gate signal Gate signal

The target moves 9 cells (approx. the PW of 75 m) The target moves 1 cell (7.5 m) during 1 scan (3 s).
during 1 scan (3 s). 7.5 m in 3 s equals 2.5 m/s or 4.9 knots
75 m in 3 s equals 25 m/s or 48.6 knots

1
Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 The target moves 6 cells (45 m)
during 1 scans (3 s).
3s
45 m in 3 s equals
1
Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 15 m/s or 29.2 knots

Gate signal 11/16

Medium Speed, Small Targets - Radial 1

Pulse width: 150 ns (corresponding length = 22.5 m) Range: 60 km
Sample rate: 40 MHz (resolution cells = 3.75 m) RPM, antenna: 20 (3 s per rotation)
SCD decimation: 2 (SCD resolution cells = 7.5 m)

Scan n-1 1 2 3
The target moves 2 cells (15 m)
during 1 scan (3 s).

3s 15 m in 3 s equals 5 m/s or 9.7 knots

Scan n 1 2 3

Gate signal

12/16

Medium Speed, Small Targets - Radial 2

Beam width [º]: 0.7º (approx. -10 dB) Azimuth res.: 4096 (resolution cell = 0.088º)
Beam width [m]: 80 m (at 6.5 km range) RPM, antenna: 20 (3 s per rotation)

Scan n-2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Target at 6.5 km
80 m beam width at this range
8 cells within beam width
3s
Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

3s
Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Speed of Target
The target moves 7 cells
AND

during 2 scans (6 s).

70 m in 6 s equals
11.7 m/s or 22.7 knots
Gate signal
13/16

Slow Speed, Small Targets - Tangential 1

Beam width [º]: 0.7º (approx. -10 dB) Azimuth res.: 4096 (resolution cell = 0.088º)
Beam width [m]: 16 m (at 1.3 km range) RPM, antenna: 20 (3 s per rotation)

Scan n-2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

3s
Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

3s
Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Speed of Target
The target moves 7 cells
AND

during 2 scans (6 s).

14 m in 6 s equals
2.3 m/s or 4.5 knots
Gate signal
14/16

Slow Speed, Small Targets - Tangential 2

Beam width [º]: 0.7º (approx. -10 dB) Azimuth res.: 4096 (resolution cell = 0.088º)
Beam width [m]: 200 m (at 16.4 km range) RPM, antenna: 20 (3 s per rotation)

Scan n-2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

3s
Scan n-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

3s
Scan n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Speed of Target
The target moves 7 cells AND
during 2 scans (6 s).

175 m in 6 s equals
29.2 m/s or 56.7 knots
Gate signal
15/16

Slow Speed, Small Targets - Tangential 3

 r ea
A
ra
Medium and large targets
u tte
A>B Any speed l
Fast C
speed High RCS due to considerable stern wave
B
target and/or size
threshold

A
Small targets
A>B Medium speed
Medium
speed
Increased RCS due to a certain stern wave
target B or planing
threshold

Clutter level
A Signal strength
Small targets
A>B Low speed Clutter statistics
Slow Low RCS
speed
target B
threshold Antenna height
Weather conditions
Target size of interest 16/16

Threshold Levels
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 Processing
Summary

Processing
• Signal strength and thereby PD can be improved by:
Radar echo integration (VP3)
Frequency and time diversity echo combination (double power and
Swerling cases) (VP3)

• Noise and clutter and thereby PFA can be reduced by:

Sweep to sweep correlation; noise cancellation (VP3)
Pulse width discrimination (VP3)
Frequency and time diversity processing (VP3)
Scan to scan correlation (SCD)

• Radar sensor overall dynamic range is improved (i.e. made larger) by

Receiver programmable range dependent sensitivity control (STC)
Auto-adaptive range and azimuth dependent sensitivity control (ASC)

1/8

Improving Video
 t
rge
Ta
ut +
Cl ise
r
te
No

Processing
Single Frequency
 Sweep Integration
 Noise Cancellation
 SCD Processing

2/8

Single Frequency
 Clutter
Reduction & Summation of
Target 9.17 + 9.44 MHz Pulse &
Enhancement Squint Angle Compensation

Processing
Dual Frequency
 Sweep Integration
 Noise Cancellation
 SCD Processing

3/8

Dual Frequency
 Noise &
Clutter
Reduction. 4 Sweeps Integration
Increased
S/N Ratio

Processing
Dual Frequency
 Sweep Integration
Noise Cancellation
 SCD Processing

4/8

Sweep Integration
 3 out of 4 Echo Correlation

No
Noise
Processing
ter

Dual Frequency
ut
Cl

 Sweep Integration
 Noise Cancellation
 SCD Processing

5/8

Noise Cancellation
 Clean Target
No Noise
Separation of Targets in 3
No Clutter
Individual Target Velocities
(3 Individual Scan
Correlations) &
Clutter Discrimination

Processing
Dual Frequency
 Sweep Integration
 Noise Cancellation
 SCD Processing

6/8

SCD Processing
Video Processing Summary
Single Dual Sweep Noise Sea Clutter
Frequency Frequency Integration Cancellation Discriminator

7/8

Summary
Customer requirement
to PD and PFA on minimum
value of RCS out to a
specified max. range.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Requirement

2 2
S PT  G A   σ 4  2  R
  2 4
 ( FP  e )  GVP
N 4    (k  T  B  FR )  LAll (4   )  R

8/8

Back to the Radar Equation