Sensor Configuration and Activation for Field Detection in Large Sensor Arrays

The problem of sensor configuration for the detection of correlated random fields using large sensor arrays is considered. Using error exponents that characterize the asymptotic behavior of the optimal detector, the detection performance of different sensor configurations is analyzed and compared. The dependence of the optimal configuration on parameters such as sensor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), field correlation, etc., is examined, yielding insights into the most effective choices for sensor selection in various operating conditions. Simulation results validate the analysis based on asymptotic results for finite sample cases.