Millimeter-Wave Angle Estimation of Multiple Targets Using Space-Time Modulation and Interferometric Antenna Arrays

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel millimeter-wave angle estimation method for multiple targets using space-time modulation and interferometric arrays, effectively resolving ambiguities and estimating angles with high efficiency.

Contribution

It proposes a new ambiguity mitigation technique by combining measurements from multiple baselines, enabling estimation of up to N^2 targets with a simple, computationally efficient approach.

Findings

Successfully estimates angles of multiple targets with high accuracy.

Demonstrates effectiveness through simulations and experimental validation.

Achieves up to N^2 target estimation with N-element array.

Abstract

A new method of angle estimation of multiple targets using a distributed interferometric antenna array and wideband space-time modulation is presented in this work. Interferometric array measurements of angle of arrival are generally ambiguous in the presence of one or more targets. We propose a new method of mitigating ambiguities in interferometric measurements by multiplying the angle pseudo-spectra from multiple antenna baselines, resulting in detections at only the angles of the targets. Using a single linear frequency modulated (LFM) transmitter and a receive interferometric array with $N$ elements we show a simple and computationally efficient technique to estimate the angle of up to $\mathcal{O}(N^2)$ targets. We describe the theory behind the technique, present detailed simulations, and an experimental verification using a three-element millimeter-wave measurement system.