New Researches in Electronic Defense Systems

New Researches in Electronic Defense Systems

Detection, Identification, and Localization of Dynamic Changes in Optical Fiber Based on OTDR Configuration with Boxcar Averager Processing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
mohsen talebpourArdakani 1
mahdi nasiri 1
mohammadisein ghezelayagh 2
hosein goodarzi 3
1 ihu university
2 imam hosein university
3 iuu university
10.22034/joeds.2025.498921.1082
Abstract
In the field of electronic warfare, information acquisition, detection, localization, and tracking of targets are critical aspects of support operations. In this context, concealment and resistance to jamming are fundamental requirements. This research proposes a novel method for detecting and localizing dynamic changes in optical fibers by designing and analyzing a radiation-free optical fiber sensor structure. The proposed method is based on an optical fiber arrangement with an OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) configuration and signal processing using the Boxcar Averager algorithm. The designed system includes a laser driver circuit with 20-nanosecond pulses, a photodiode for receiving reflected signals, and a suitable amplifier to enhance the signal. By applying the Boxcar Averager algorithm, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was improved by 10 dB, enabling the detection of small and dynamic changes such as displacement, pressure, and vibration in the optical fiber. This enhanced method can accurately identify localized changes in the refractive index, fiber length, and optical losses with high spatial precision. Signal processing from the OTDR was performed using LabView software, and the Boxcar Averager algorithm was employed to eliminate noise and extract the main signal. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system offers reliable accuracy in detecting and localizing dynamic changes, making it highly effective for applications such as structural health monitoring, security, and environmental change detection. 
Keywords
Fiber optic sensor
OTDR layout
Boxcar Averager signal processing
dynamic change localization