Fast Parameter Estimation of Linear Frequency Modulation Signals in Marine Environments Based on Gradient Optimization Strategy

Multi-buoy sonar systems achieve target localization by receiving broadband Linear Frequency Modulation signals emitted from the transmitter. Accurate estimations of the parameters of Linear Frequency Modulation signals significantly enhance the localization accuracy. Linear Frequency Modulation signals can be focused into the fractional domain through Fractional Fourier Transform, but this increases the computational complexity. In marine environments, the low signal-to-noise ratio and multipath effects degrade the parameter estimation accuracy further. To address these issues, this paper proposes a fast estimation algorithm based on the Fractional Fourier Transform and a Gradient Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer. This algorithm leverages the impulsive characteristics of Linear Frequency Modulation signals after Fractional Fourier Transform transformation, using the Fractional Fourier Transform as the fitness function. The Gradient Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer algorithm includes three enhancement strategies: chaotic mapping initialization, a Golden Sine Algorithm, and an adaptive t-distribution variational operator. The simulation results demonstrate that the Gradient Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer algorithm improves the issues of low diversity in the search agents, imbalanced global and local search capabilities, and susceptibility to local optima. A comparative analysis and statistical testing confirm that under a low signal-to-noise ratio and multipath effect conditions, the Gradient Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer algorithm not only ensures real-time parameter estimation but also improves the estimation accuracy. The results of the parameter estimation provide reliable data support for subsequent target localization.