ADAPTIVE ALGORITHMS IN RADIO DIRECTION FINDING

Abstract

Conventional radio direction finding methods suffer a lack in performance under certain configurations of the radio frequency environment. A typical example is the case of two or more transmitters spaced closely in terms of azimuth angle. Several adaptive algorithms have been introduced to enhance the angular resolution and accuracy of radio measurement. Compared to the traditional methods these algorithms provide considerably higher accuracy in determining the direction of arrival and higher grade of radiating source separation can be achieved. In this paper a brief overview of conventional and two adaptive estimation methods is provided as a literature summary, which is followed by a qualitative analysis and comparison of these three methods in terms of dynamic range and resolution as new results. Finally software simulation results are presented to demonstrate the advantages of adaptive methods as well as their sensitivity to versatile performance degrading conditions.