This paper addresses the performance characterization of a direction of arrival (DoA) estimator in the low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) region. The case of a sensor array simultaneously collecting signals emitted at multiple carrier frequencies by a single source is considered. A maximum likelihood (ML) approach is used as a reference method for DoA estimation and its accuracy is characterized in terms of mean square error (MSE). It is well known that for SNR values included in the so-called threshold region, the DoA estimation accuracy decreases rapidly, due to the presence of outliers. This effect can be possibly mitigated when multiple frequency channels are jointly exploited. However, the capability to predict this performance degradation is fundamental either for assessing the robustness of an existing sensor or for supporting its design. Therefore, the scope of this paper is to introduce appropriate approximations to the MSE of a multifrequency ML DoA estimator in order to provide a reliable characterization of its performance in the threshold region. Two models for the source signals are considered and separately discussed, namely the deterministic (or conditional) and stochastic (or unconditional). An extensive simulated analysis is reported to prove the tightness of the approximations and to characterize the benefits steming from the exploitation of signals emitted at multiple carriers.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Threshold Region Performance of Multicarrier Maximum Likelihood Direction of Arrival Estimator


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2019-12-01


    Size :

    3117088 byte




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Practical aspects of using a maximum likelihood estimator

    Iliff, K. W. / Maine, R. E. | NTRS | 1975





    Store Separation Film Analysis Using a Maximum Likelihood Estimator

    Hoff, J. C. / Society of Flight Text Engineers | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997