Instantaneous broadband radar signal pulse detector

Abstract

A pulse detection radar signal receiver is disclosed which includes at least one pulse detection channel that has an RF amplifier and a feedback signal path coupling the output to the input thereof for recirculation of signals therethrough. The feedback path includes a signal-to-noise (S/N) enhancer circuit and an inhibiting means, preferably disposed in series therewith. The S/N enhancer circuit is operative to adaptively focus a narrow enhancement bandwidth about the frequency of an input signal, which has a power level greater than a predetermined threshold level, for enhancing signals which have frequencies within said enhancement bandwidth and for attenuating signals which have frequencies outside said enhancement bandwidth. The enhanced and attenuated signals are provided to the input of the RF amplifier for recirculation therethrough. Thus, after one or more recirculations through the loop, an RF pulse signal, which is substantially at one carrier frequency, may be amplified and the RF noise signals, which are broadband in nature, may be attenuated. Accordingly, a weak RF pulse signal, after a number of recirculations, may become distinguishable from the broadband RF noise signals. When the RF pulse signal is detected, the inhibiting means is operated to squelch the circulated signals, momentarily, from passing through the feedback path.