In this chapter, some common terms representing the characteristics and performance of EW receivers will be discussed. These terms include sensitivity, dynamic range, probability of intercept (POI), and throughput rate. Although used on a daily basis, some of these terms are not clearly defined and others have too many definitions. This chapter will discuss the different definitions and try to clarify them. Among all the terms, emphasis will be placed on receiver sensitivity and dynamic range. Important concepts used to design receivers will also be included. In the discussion of receiver sensitivity, the effect of video bandwidth will be included. The sensitivity is a function of the ratio of radio-frequency (RF) bandwidth to video bandwidth. Curves will be provided to predict the receiver sensitivity. Most of the receiver measurements will be discussed in Chapter 12. However, the measurement of false alarm rates will be discussed in this chapter, because it is closely related to the sensitivity of the receiver. The equations used to calculate the sensitivity of a receiver are also used to calculate the false alarm rate. Examples will be presented to demonstrate utilization of the equations and curves.

Chapter Contents:

• 2.1. Introduction
• 2.2. Thermal Noise and Noise Figure
• 2.3. Tangential Sensitivity
• 2.4. False Alarm Rate and Probability of Detection
• 2.5. Effect of Video Bandwidth on False Alarm Rate and Probability of Detection
• 2.6. Example of Receiver Sensitivity Calculation
• 2.7. Problems of False Alarm Rate Measurements
• 2.8. Experimental Setup for False Alarm Measurements
• 2.9. Theoretical Calculations of False Alarm Rate
• 2.10. Example of False Alarm Rate Measurement
• 2.11. Introduction to Dynamic Range
• 2.12. One-dB Compression Point
• 2.13. Single-Signal Dynamic Range
• 2.14. Two-Tone Spur-Free Dynamic Range and Third-Order Intermodulation
• 2.15. Intercept Points of Cascade Amplifiers
• 2.16. Graphic Method of Determining Noise Floor and Intercept Point
• 2.17. Two-Signal Instantaneous Dynamic Range
• 2.18. Probability of lntercept
• 2.19. Throughput Rate, Shadow Time, and Signal Delay Time
• 2.20. Summary
• References

Inspec keywords: probability; microwave receivers

Other keywords: EW receivers; video bandwidth; radio-frequency bandwidth; receiver sensitivity; microwave receivers; throughput rate; false alarm rates; receiver measurements; probability of intercept; dynamic range

Subjects: Other topics in statistics; Radio links and equipment