Fast localization of radio frequency emitters using wireless sensor networks

We investigate the use of a wireless sensor network for identifying the direction of a radio frequency (RF) transmission. Specifically, we consider the combined use of time difference of arrival (TDOA) and beamforming techniques to steer a beam in the desired direction and enhance radio frequency (RF) direction finding and follow-on signal reception. The TDOA lines-of bearing are calculated using a combination of the Cross-Ambiguity Function to calculate the actual time difference and the Newton-Raphson technique to focus the beamforming efforts. A Least Mean Squares (LMS) adaptive beamforming algorithm is then used to localize the target for further prosecution. Simulations indicate considerable improvement can be achieved using this combined method.