Three-level coincidence-correlator detectors

Nonparametric three-level coincidence-correlator (CC) detectors are considered for the detection of random signals in noise in two-input systems. Based on the maximum-efficacy criterion the structure of the optimum detector is obtained, together with the corresponding efficacy. The results allow the evaluation of practical detection schemes in this class of detectors, in terms of their performance relative to the constrained optimum and to the unconstrained optimum three-level CC detector. Some specific three-level CC detectors which are simple extensions of the polarity coincidence correlator are examined and a numerical comparison is made for Gaussian noise.