Abstract Spread spectrum pulse compression is a signal processing algorithm that enhances critical system performance parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio, peak power requirements, minimum detectable signal, and total dynamic range. For this research, a digital, real-time, Barker coded, bi-phase modulator was designed and constructed, as well as a simple ultrasonic test tank containing both synthetic targets and excised goat's liver. Upon reception and demodulation of the spread spectrum ultrasonic echo, cross-correlation with a sidelobe suppression filter was performed. Due to limitations such as narrow bandwidth, and very short minimum ranges, a practical ultrasonic pulse compression system must be restricted to short code lengths. For 13 bit Barker code compression, the expected increase in signal-to-noise ratio of 11 dB was realized, at the same time greater than 30 dB of instantaneous dynamic range was maintained.
1998 IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control 45:349-355
© 1998, by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. All rights reserved.