Approaches to sonar beamforming

The processing of signals received from an array of sensors, termed beamforming, can result in the improved performance of systems designed for the detection and estimation of propagating signals. Several approaches to sonar beamforming are presented. The basic concepts behind the beamforming of signals obtained from an array of sensors are presented and demonstrated. Conventional and modern beamforming approaches are motivated and defined, and the advantages and drawbacks of each are discussed. The potential power of modern beamforming techniques is illustrated through a computer simulation evaluating the ability of several beamforming techniques to resolve between two closely spaced sources. The need of beamforming algorithm evaluation in conditions characteristic of the undersea environment is highlighted