Electromagnetic signal processing: An estimation/identification application (Q1820746)

The response of an object subjected to high energy, transient electromagnetic fields sometimes called an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is an important issue in the survivability of electronic systems (e.g. aircraft, computer systems, etc.), especially when the field has been generated by a high-altitude nuclear burst. The characterization of transient response information is a matter of national concern. In this paper, estimation and identification techniques are applied to: (1) improve signal processing at a test facility, and (2) parameterize a particular object response. First, the application of identification-based signal processing techniques to improve signal levels at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) electromagnetic test facility is discussed. Models of test equipment are identified and then utilized in processing schemes to enhance or recover the desired signals. Parametric models of objects under test are identified from the enhanced data in order to extrapolate responses to threat levels.