Design, Implementation, and Demonstration of a Staggered PRT Algorithm for the WSR-88D

Abstract

This paper describes the implementation of the staggered pulse repetition time (PRT) technique on NOAA's research and development WSR-88D in Norman, Oklahoma. The prototype algorithm incorporates a novel rule for the correct assignment of Doppler mean velocity that is needed to accommodate arbitrary stagger ratios. Description of the rule, consideration of errors, and choice of appropriate stagger ratios are presented. The staggered PRT algorithm is integrated with the standard processing on the WSR-88D, some details of which are included in the paper. A simple ground clutter canceller removes the pure complex time series mean (DC) component from autocovariance estimates; censoring of overlaid echoes and thresholding are equivalent to those used on the WSR-88D. Further, a cursory verification of statistical errors indicates good agreement with theoretical expectations. Although the staggered PRT algorithm operates in real time, it was advantageous to collect several events of staggered PRT time series data for further scrutiny. Results presented from one of the events demonstrate the potency of the staggered PRT to mitigate range and velocity ambiguities.