Improvements in Broadband Processing of Passive Arrays for Target Detection in Low SNR conditions

This paper aims to enhance the target detection capability of passive arrays by improving the broadband processing approach. These passive arrays are used for underwater surveillance and detection of both surface and subsurface targets. Three types of energy detection techniques for broadband processing have been discussed namely CED, PED using Maxima and ED using Euclidean norm. MATLAB simulations of these techniques have been developed and applied on beamformer output of a uniform circular array. The simulation results showed that ED using Euclidean norm is the most suitable energy detection technique for broadband processing in terms of detecting multiple targets accurately in low SNR conditions.