Accurate DOA estimation via sparse sensor array

An accurate direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm with sparse sensor array is proposed. By dividing the nonuniform linear sparse array (NLSA) into two uniform linear sparse arrays (ULSA), the subarray response vectors yield a property of rotational invariance in the estimation of rough DOA without ambiguity using the so-called generalized ESPRIT. According to the estimated rough DOA, the accurate DOA of each source is then obtained by the proposed alternating null-steering technique (ANST). Simulation results that demonstrate the performance of the algorithm are provided.