Spectral Domain Sparse Representation for DOA Estimation of Signals with Large Dynamic Range

Area of Science:

• Signal Processing
• Array Signal Processing
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Conventional Bartlett spectra for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation suffer from limited dynamic range, hindering weak signal detection amidst strong ones.
• This limitation stems from uniform weighting applied to antenna array signals in standard Bartlett spectral estimation.
• Apodization offers a method to enhance the dynamic range of Bartlett spectra by employing multiple window functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the Spectral Domain Sparse Representation (SDSR) approach by integrating Apodization into Bartlett spectral estimation.
• To evaluate the performance of the extended SDSR approach for direction-of-arrival estimation.
• To compare the Apodization-based SDSR approach against existing methods.

Main Methods:

• Proposed an extended Spectral Domain Sparse Representation (SDSR) incorporating Apodization for Bartlett spectra generation.
• Evaluated the performance of the extended SDSR approach in direction-of-arrival estimation.
• Compared the extended SDSR approach with a two-step SDSR method and a standard low sidelobe window function approach.

Main Results:

• The Apodization Bartlett-based SDSR approach demonstrated superior performance in direction-of-arrival estimation.
• Single-step processing using the extended SDSR approach achieved better results compared to other methods.
• The enhanced dynamic range from Apodization significantly improved the detection of weak signals.

Conclusions:

• The extended SDSR approach, utilizing Apodization with Bartlett spectra, offers a more effective method for direction-of-arrival estimation.
• This single-step processing technique provides improved resolution and accuracy, particularly in scenarios with strong interfering signals.
• The findings suggest a promising advancement in array signal processing for enhanced DOA estimation capabilities.