A half-spectrum search DOA
estimation method based on characteristic value gradient jump belongs to the field of array
signal processing, and comprises the following steps: modeling a received
signal to obtain an array output vector; calculating a received
signal covariance matrix; introducing a complex conjugate
covariance matrix and a scanning source to construct a new
covariance matrix, and constructing a
spatial spectrum function; constructing a characteristic value gradient
discrimination function, and adaptively estimating a
signal source number by using the characteristic value gradient
discrimination function; scanning angles are traversed by using a half-spectrum search method, and a signal
direction of arrival is verified and determined by combining an MVDR
algorithm according to a sharp spectrum peak formed by a
spatial spectrum function. According to the method, source number priori knowledge is not needed, the source number can be identified autonomously, the problem that
estimation is inaccurate under complex conditions in traditional half-spectrum search is solved, and the method has good robustness under the scene of
unknown source number. According to the method, the limitation that few traditional half-spectrum search angle
estimation is inaccurate is overcome, and a new thought is provided for half-spectrum search DOA estimation under the condition that the number of information sources is unknown.