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Software Implementation of Detection Algorithms for the MCSA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 August 2017

D. Kent Cullers*
Affiliation:
San Francisco State University, Ames Research Center, Mountain View CA 94035

Abstract

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The NASA Multichannel Spectrum Analyzer (MCSA) supplies data in several formats and in a wide range of frequency resolutions. To decide if an extraterrestrial signal is present, this data is searched using detection algorithms particularly sensitive to signals concentrated in frequency and/or time. The algorithms, whose ultimate sensitivities are determined by theoretical considerations, are also constrained by available computing power. At present, practical detection of repetitive pulses is possible at an average power about five times lower than that for incoherent CW detection. After a period of field testing, the best detection algorithms, presently implemented in software, will be converted to hardware to increase their speed.

Type
Section VI. Technological Progress in Radio Searches
Copyright
Copyright © Reidel 1985 

References

1. PROJECT CYCLOPS: A Design Study of a System for Detecting Extraterrestrial Life; Oliver, B.M., and Billingham, J., Eds., rev.ed. 7/73, NASA CR 114445 Google Scholar
2. SETI Science Working Group Report; Drake, F., Wolfe, J.H., and Seeger, C.L., Eds.; NASA Technical Paper 2244, 1984, p.49 Google Scholar