An SPW computer simulation analysis of an RF signal detection system

This paper presents the results of a computer simulation analysis of an RF signal detection system. The functions of the RF receiver are to monitor the RF spectrum, detect the presence of RF pulse signals, and to generate an output pulse signal. The output signal is used to measure the threshold stability and the pulse width of the detected signals. The receiver was modeled as a complex baseband system using the Signal Processing WorkSystem (SPW). The analysis was performed to (1) predict the system performance of an ideal detection system; (2) verify results obtained with a prototype engineering model; and (3) to evaluate design modifications proposed to improve the accuracy of the output signal generation. The analysis results indicate that the simulation model provides an accurate representation of the receiver. The simulation results differ from analytic results by less than 0.05 dB. The simulation results predict the ideal receiver operating characteristic (ROC) should be 0.8 dB more sensitive than the prototype engineering model. The simulation results predict a threshold stability accuracy that is less than 2 nsec different than the prototype engineering model results. Finally, the simulation results predict that the proposed design changes would enhance the pulse generation accuracy. This result was confirmed by modifying the prototype engineering model.