Covariance-Based Direction-of-Arrival Estimation With Real Structures

Parametric methods for direction-of-arrival (DoA) estimation have become very popular due to their low computational complexity and good accuracy. Among parametric DoA algorithms, ESPRIT is one of the most widely used, since it presents low computational complexity in comparison to other parametric methods. Covariance-based DoA (CB-DoA) estimation algorithm provides an even lower complexity alternative to ESPRIT, while imposing the same constraints on the geometry of the receiving array. This letter presents a new algorithm, based on the CB-DoA approach, comprising only real operations. The constraints on the algorithm are the same imposed to the unitary ESPRIT algorithm, allowing a reduction of about 67% on the required computational effort, for equivalent error measure.