A method for generating pulse descriptor words (PDWs) including frequency and/or bandwidth data from time-varying signals received by a sensor includes filtering, at a plurality of blind source separation (BSS) modules, signals derived from the time-varying signals, each BSS module including a filtering subsystem having a plurality of filter modules. Each filter module has a frequency filter coefficient (alpha) and is parameterized by a center frequency (f). The method also includes transmitting at least one blind source separated signal from the BSS modules to a PDW generation module communicatively coupled to the filtering subsystem. The method further includes generating, using the PDW generation module and based on the blind source separated signal, at least one PDW parameter vector signal containing the frequency data. The method also includes updating, upon generating and based on the PDW parameter vector signal, values of alpha and/or f for each filter module.