Pulse-to-Pulse Coherent Doppler Sonar Signal Processing Techniques

Abstract

In this paper we present and discuss techniques for the computation of the mean and spectral variance of a pulse-to-pulse coherent sonar signal, leading to the measurement of mean water velocity and turbulence. The use of an autocovariance algorithm associated with a dual-pulse repetition rate (PRF) method is recommended. The dual-PRF method allows removal of velocity ambiguities due to signal sampling and also offers a convenient means for the estimation and removal of the receiver noise which otherwise would strongly bias the spectral variance measurements. The performances of the method are illustrated by presentation and discussion of data acquired in a tidal flow.