Source Detection and Bearing Estimation Using Sparse Antenna Arrays

The capabilities of unequally spaced sparse linear antenna arrays for solving the source detection and parameter estimation problems are studied. A novel detection and estimation probability (DEP) characteristic for a qualitative description of the capabilities of a sparse antenna array is proposed and a technique for its computation is given. The problem of finding the maximum length of a sparse array with a fixed number N of elements, for which the acceptable characteristics of the signal source detection are preserved, is considered. It is shown that the DEP with a slight increase in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) remains the same as for the standard N -element antenna array with a half wavelength spacing, but the accuracy of bearing estimation increases proportionally to the size of the array. For example, the DEP is retained when the array length is increased more than one hundred times and the SNR is increased by 1–2 dB.