A new approach to SDMA using spreading sequences as array weights

A novel receiver is proposed which replaces traditional approaches to SDMA. This new approach does not perform traditional digital phase shifting nor does it rely on adaptive techniques however multiple beams are produced in directions of interest. An array correlation matrix is computed, array weights are not adjusted, and an a priori knowledge of the signal environment is not required. Instead, a new spreading technique is utilized that uniquely defines all received directions of interest. This receiver can create contiguous beams or it can selectively look in any specific directions of interest. This new receiver is based upon a paradigm shift in traditional DBF methods. This different approach blends the virtues of switched beam and adaptive array technologies while avoiding many of their weaknesses. This solution does not achieve simultaneous reception by any previously known approaches. The new receiver has the same spatial resolution as fixed beam or adaptive arrays while simultaneously looking in all directions of interest