Phased Array Antenna Spatial Interpolation for DOA Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-resolution angle estimation algorithms for phased array antennas are sensitive to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) variations, leading to inaccurate direction of arrival (DOA) estimates, especially when SNRs among antenna elements are not uniform.
Innovation Solution
A spatial interpolation method for linear phased array antennas that identifies and compensates for 'bad-conditioned' antenna elements by calculating and comparing received signal powers, selecting these elements based on a threshold, and re-estimating the incidence angle using algorithms like MUSIC or ESPRIT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution angle estimation algorithms are used, then DOA estimation accuracy is improved, but sensitivity to SNR variations increases causing unreliable estimates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting bad-conditioned antenna elements before performing DOA estimation. The system identifies elements with abnormal received signal power levels (too high or too low) and excludes them from the estimation process, thereby preventing SNR variations from degrading the reliability of high-resolution angle estimation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different antenna elements differently based on their individual signal conditions. Instead of uniformly processing all elements, the system selectively identifies and excludes specific elements with poor signal conditions (bad-conditioned elements) while maintaining normal processing for well-conditioned elements, thus optimizing overall estimation reliability.
2Productivity
If all antenna elements are used for estimation, then data utilization is maximized, but bad-conditioned elements degrade overall estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting and removing bad-conditioned antenna elements from the estimation dataset. The system calculates received signal power for each element, compares it against threshold criteria to identify abnormal elements, and excludes these elements from subsequent DOA estimation, thereby preventing them from degrading overall accuracy while retaining all good-conditioned elements for maximum data utilization.
3Measurement precision
If signal calibration is performed to improve DOA accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the cheap short-living objects principle by using a simple, computationally inexpensive method for identifying and excluding bad-conditioned elements. Instead of implementing complex calibration procedures, the system uses basic received signal power calculation and threshold comparison, which are computationally lightweight and easy to implement, thereby improving accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a spatial interpolation method for a linear phased array antenna relates to a spatial interpolation method for a linear phased array antenna including a plurality of transmission antenna elements and a plurality of reception antenna elements and includes Step 1 in which the plurality of reception antenna elements receive a reflected wave reflected from a target, Step 2 in which an incidence angle of the reflected wave incident on the plurality of reception antenna elements is estimated using an angle estimation algorithm, Step 3 in which a bad-conditioned antenna element is selected from among the plurality of reception antenna elements, and Step 4 in which a received signal of the bad-conditioned antenna element is compensated for and the incidence angle of the reflected wave incident on the plurality of reception antenna elements is re-estimated using an angle estimation algorithm.