SE3112 Combat Systems Engineering I- Intro to Sensors

This is the first course of a survey of military sensor technology. It introduces the student to the nature of physical observables and propagators, the effects of the propagation medium on sensor performance, the relationship between signals and noise, and the characteristics of critical sensor functions (including detection, estimation, imaging, and tracking). It is designed to provide a framework for more detailed analysis of specific sensor systems in the follow-on course SE4112.

Prerequisite

SE1002

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

2

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the role of sensors from a systems perspective, and explain the interaction and propagation characteristics of electromagnetic, acoustic, and nuclear radiation.
• Describe the effects of the natural environment on sensors.
• Analyze and quantify the impact of the atmospheric and weather-related phenomena on sensor performance.  
• Describe and quantify the impact of multipath and ducting phenomena on detection sensors.
• Use radiometric analysis to obtain the range equation for a sensor.
• Discuss key sensor functions and concepts such as search, detection, estimation, modulation, and tracking (both active and passive). 
• Analyze and quantify sensor performance measures related to these functions to include carrier-to-noise requirements for detection and estimation problems; resolution requirements for detection and identification by imaging sensors; differences between modulation formats; and characteristics of tracking systems and filters.
• Analyze and explain the performance of a simple automatic control system.