Performance analysis of multiple signal detection using the ESPRIT algorithm

An array antenna system with an innovative signal processing algorithm "Estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariant technique" (ESPRIT) is used in this paper to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) for multiple targets. The DOA angles are derived indirectly from the generalized eigenvalues of the auto-correlation and cross-correlation matrices. The estimated autocorrelation and cross correlation matrices in this study are based on a combination of temporal averaging and spatial smoothing method. Two different methods of estimating the multi-signal DOA are: (1) Choice of appropriate pairs of generalized eigenvalues from the two sub-arrays according to their relative distance from the unit circle, and (2) Choice of appropriate pairs of generalized eigenvalues from the two sub-arrays according to their Euclidean distances [1]. Since the performance of the second approach provides a better estimation, it is used in this simulation study. A 19-element array antenna is used in this simulation study. Extensive computer simulations are used to demonstrate the performance of the processing algorithms. The DOA performance as a function of signal to noise ratio (SNR) and varying numbers of snapshots is presented in this paper.