Abstract: A lightning strike detection and mapping system which determines the range and bearing of each valid lightning strike by (1) computing the Fourier Transform, and more preferably the discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) of the X and Y waveforms, classifying the lighting strike based on the DFTs, and estimating the range of the lightning strike based on a type-dependent weighted sum of the DFT coefficients; (2) detecting whether the X or Y waveform is a doublet waveform and classifying the lightning strike based on the detection of a doublet; (3) performing range correction based on type classification and tail activity; and (4) reconstructing clipped waveforms in order to extend the dynamic range of the system.

Abstract: A system for classifying detected lightning strikes detects signals representative of a lightning strike and processes such signals to generate a frequency signature thereof which is used to classify the lightning strike represented by the detected signals into a type. In a preferred embodiment, the type is selected from a plurality of predetermined types based on the frequency signature. In an alternate embodiment, a pulse width of the lightning strike is determined from the detected signals and used in combination with the frequency signature to classify the lightning strike into its type.

Abstract: A sampled data lightning strike detection and mapping system receives a signal waveform representative of a lightning strike and digitizes samples of the waveform to generate a train of digital data samples. The digital data samples are monitored to identify a trigger sample which exceeds a predetermined threshold. The trigger sample governs the commencement of processing of digital samples of the train for detection and mapping of the lightning strike. Upon determination of an invalid lightning strike from the digital data samples, the processing is aborted and the monitoring operation resumed until a next trigger sample is identified.

Abstract: A sampled data lightning strike detection and mapping system receives first and second signal waveforms representative of a magnetic field, and a third signal waveform representative of an electrical field, the first, second and third signal waveforms each including a pulse shaped portion and a trailing shaped portion. Samples of the first, second and third signal waveforms are digitized to generate first, second and third trains of digital data signals representative of their respective signal waveforms. A sample which exceeds a predetermined threshold level from the first and second trains is identified as a trigger sample and the train including the trigger sample is designated as the trigger train.

Abstract: A sampled data lightning strike detection and mapping system receives a signal waveform representative of a lightning strike and other electrical activity and samples the waveform to generate a train of data samples representative thereof. The data samples of the train are processed by a first processor to detect the lightning strike and estimate a location thereof. A predetermined number of data samples of the train are processed by a second processor to generate a plurality of frequency signals representative of a frequency spectrum of the processed data samples. The system includes a display which is driven by the first processor to display an indication of the lightning strike based on the estimated location thereof and further driven by the second processor to display a representation of the frequency spectrum. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second processors are embodied in a common signal processor.

Abstract: A sampled data lightning strike detection and mapping system receives a signal waveform representative of a lightning strike and samples the waveform to generate a train of data samples representative thereof. A data sample of the train is identified as exceeding a predetermined threshold and designated as the trigger sample. The system recovers a predetermined number of data samples, preceeding the trigger sample, of the train for processing to detect and map the lightning strike.