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SETI Pulse Detection Algorithm: Analysis of False-alarm RatesSome earlier work by the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Science Working Group (SWG) on the derivation of spectrum analyzer thresholds for a pulse detection algorithm based on an analysis of false alarm rates is extended. The algorithm previously analyzed was intended to detect a finite sequence of i periodically spaced pulses that did not necessarily occupy the entire observation interval. This algorithm would recognize the presence of such a signal only if all i-received pulse powers exceeded a threshold T(i): these thresholds were selected to achieve a desired false alarm rate, independent of i. To simplify the analysis, it was assumed that the pulses were synchronous with the spectrum sample times. This analysis extends the earlier effort to include infinite and/or asynchronous pulse trains. Furthermore, to decrease the possibility of missing an extraterrestrial intelligence signal, the algorithm was modified to detect a pulse train even if some of the received pulse powers fall below the threshold. The analysis employs geometrical arguments that make it conceptually easy to incorporate boundary conditions imposed on the derivation of the false alarm rates. While the exact results can be somewhat complex, simple closed form approximations are derived that produce a negligible loss of accuracy.
Document ID
19830026702
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Levitt, B. K.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
August 15, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: The Telecommun. and Data Acquisition Rept.
Subject Category
Computer Programming And Software
Accession Number
83N34973
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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