A methodology for employing modulation quality factors in the analysis of LPI waveforms

A methodology which demonstrates the use of low probability of intercept (LPI) quality factors in assessing the detectability of a candidate LPI waveform by a variety of wideband nonlinear intercept receivers is presented. The methodology described focused on the modulation format of the LPI waveform and described the quality of its covertness in terms of a modulation quality factor. A technique for modeling the signal, the intercept receiver, and the communication receiver so that their essential characteristics could be incorporated into a modulation quality factor is described. The utility of this quality factor is illustrated by an example and performance curves demonstrate the concept.<>