Analysis of the CA CFAR algorithm as applied to detection of stationary Gaussian signals against a normal noise background

The problem of radar signal detection against unknown or time variable noise background is discussed. Performance characteristics of the cell-averaging constant false alarm rate (CA CFAR) algorithm are considered as applied to detection of a stationary Gaussian signal against a normal noise background. Specifically, the detection probability is analyzed in dependence on the number of the reference cells and signal-to-noise ratio. Recommendations are presented as for selecting the optimum number of the reference and guard cells.