Frequency spectrum analyzer

Abstract

A frequency spectrum analyzer adapted for use in a real time signal processing radar system is disclosed. In such system a plurality of sets of radar returns, each one of such sets corresponding to radar returns from objects disposed in each one of a like plurality of range cells, is stored in a time compressor section, the radar returns in each one of the sets thereof being stored at the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of such radar system. After storage of such radar returns, a like plurality of chirp pulses is produced, each one of such pulses having a dispersive time K.tau.. Synchronously with each one of the chirp pulses, one of the plurality of sets of stored radar returns is retrieved from the time compressor section, in a time duration equal to K.tau.. Each one of the retrieved sets of radar returns is mixed with a corresponding one of the plurality of chirp pulses to produce a series of mixed signals which is coupled to a pulse compressor. Each one of the mixed signals is compressed into a pulse occurring at a time related to the Doppler frequency of any object in the range cell producing such associated radar returns. The time compressor section is used prior to pulse compression to effectively 'match' the radar dwell time, generally several milliseconds in duration, to the dispersive time of the chirp pulse, generally several microseconds in duration, thereby enabling the pulse compressor to include a practical surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay line. Further, the 'compressive' bandwidth, .beta., of the pulse compressor is equal to, or greater than, the dispersive bandwidth of the chirp pulses, thereby to maximize the power in the compressed pulses. Means are provided to adjust the dispersive time of the chirp pulse, thereby to correspondingly adjust the effective number of frequency resolution cells of the frequency spectrum analyzer.