Macrocell multiple-input multiple-output system analysis

We develop a semi-deterministic semi-stochastic channel model for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system under the macrocell environment with local-to-mobile and local-to-base scatterers. We show that employing closely-spaced antennas (e.g., phased array) at the base station is capable of achieving diversity via the local-to-base scatterers, which avoids impractical large aperture requirement for the spatial diversity at the base station. We evaluate the system performance in terms of ergodic capacity, average pairwise error probability (PEP), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); derive closed-form expressions for lower and upper bounds on the capacity and PEP; and show that the capacity, multiplexing and diversity gains are limited by the number of multipaths around the base station. The base-station array affects the lower bound on the capacity and the upper bound on the error probability through the same metric; thus, optimal design of the base station array based on this metric will optimize the two different information theoretic measures simultaneously. The fading correlation matrix also appears in the two bounds in the same form. To improve the performance of the macrocell MIMO system, we propose using artificial scatterers and discuss optimal design issues. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy of our analytical results and tightness of performance bounds.     

Performance analysis of direction finding with large arrays andfinite data

This paper considers analysis of methods for estimating the parameters of narrow-band signals arriving at an array of sensors. This problem has important applications in, for instance, radar direction finding and underwater source localization. The so-called deterministic and stochastic maximum likelihood (ML) methods are the main focus of this paper. A performance analysis is carried out assuming a finite number of samples and that the array is composed of a sufficiently large number of sensors. Several thousands of antennas are not uncommon in, e.g., radar applications. Strong consistency of the parameter estimates is proved, and the asymptotic covariance matrix of the estimation error is derived. Unlike the previously studied large sample case, the present analysis shows that the accuracy is the same for the two ML methods. Furthermore, the asymptotic covariance matrix of the estimation error coincides with the deterministic Cramer-Rao bound. Under a certain assumption, the ML methods can be implemented by means of conventional beamforming for a large enough number of sensors. We also include a simple simulation study, which indicates that both ML methods provide efficient estimates for very moderate array sizes, whereas the beamforming method requires a somewhat larger array aperture to overcome the inherent bias and resolution problem     

Polarimetric modeling and parameter estimation with applications toremote sensing

Develops and analyzes two parametric models in which electromagnetic plane waves carrying polarimetric information are received. The first model considers estimation of the polarimetric response of a surface by measuring the reflections of actively generated waves. The second considers estimation of the polarization of passively generated waves. Both models have applications to remote sensing. The authors propose a natural parametrization of the distribution of the received signal. Using the Cramer-Rao bound, they characterize the best possible accuracy of unbiased estimators of these parameters. Simple estimators are given. Both models are fitted into a common framework and compared     

Acoustic vector-sensor processing in the presence of a reflectingboundary

We consider the passive direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation problem using arrays of acoustic vector sensors located in a fluid at or near a reflecting boundary. We formulate a general measurement model applicable to any planar surface, derive an expression for the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) on the azimuth and elevation of a single source, and obtain a bound on the mean-square angular error (MSAE). We then examine two applications of great practical interest: hull-mounted and seabed arrays. For the former, we use three models for the hull: an ideal rigid surface for high frequency, an ideal pressure-release surface for low frequency, and a more complex, realistic layered model. For the seabed scenario, we model the ocean floor as an absorptive liquid layer. For each application, we use the CRB, MSAE bound, and beam patterns to quantify the advantages of using velocity and/or vector sensors instead of pressure sensors. For the hull-mounted application, we show that normal component velocity sensors overcome the well-known, low-frequency problem of small pressure signals without the need for an undesirable “stand-off” distance. For the seabed scenario, we also derive a fast wideband estimator of the source location using a single vector sensor     

Microstrip antennas with suppressed radiation in horizontal directions and reduced coupling

Microstrip (patch) antennas usually strongly radiate in directions along the ground plane. This effect causes unwanted radiation patterns and increased coupling among array elements. Dielectric polarization currents are identified as physical sources of this radiation. A general technique is proposed to compensate these currents and suppress radiation in horizontal directions.     

Performance comparison of subspace rotation and MUSIC methods fordirection estimation

The statistical performance of subspace rotation (SR) methods (such as the Toeplitz approximation method and a variant of ESPRIT) for direction estimation using arrays composed of matched sensor doublets is studied. The distributional properties of these methods are established, and a compact explicit formula for the covariance matrix of their estimation error is provided. Next, using this formula and a similar formula for MUSIC covariance matrix, it is shown that the SR methods are statistically less efficient than MUSIC, at least for a sufficiently large number of snapshots. The difference in statistical performance between the commonly used SR method and MUSIC may be substantial if the number of sensors in the array is large. An optimally weighted SR method which may approach the MUSIC level of statistical performance for one direction parameter (specified by the user) is introduced     

Line-source modeling and estimation with magnetoencephalography

We propose a number of source models that are spatially distributed on a line for magnetoencephalography (MEG) using both a spherical head with radial sensors for more efficient computation and a realistic head model for more accurate results. We develop these models with increasing degrees of freedom, derive forward solutions, maximum-likelihood (ML) estimates, and Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) expressions for the unknown source parameters. A model selection method is applied to select the most appropriate model. We also present numerical examples to compare the performances and computational costs of the different models, to determine the regions where better estimates are possible and when it is possible to distinguish between line and focal sources. We demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed line-source models over the previously available focal source model in certain distributed source cases. Finally, we apply our methods to real MEG data, the N2O response after electric stimulation of the median nerve known to be an extended source.     

Minimum-noise-variance beamformer with an electromagnetic vectorsensor

We study the performance of the minimum-noise-variance beamformer employing a single electromagnetic (EM) vector sensor that is capable of measuring the complete electric and magnetic fields induced by EM signals at one point. Two types of signals are considered: one carries a single message, and the other carries two independent messages simultaneously. The state of polarization of the interference under consideration ranges from completely polarized to unpolarized. We first obtain explicit expressions for the signal to interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in terms of the parameters of the signal, interference, and noise. Then, we discuss some physical implications associated with the SINR expressions. These expressions provide a basis for effective interference suppression as well as generation of dual-message signals of which the two message signals have minimum interference effect on one another. We also analyze the characteristics of the main-lobe and side-lobe of the beampattern of an EM vector sensor and compare them with other types of sensor arrays     

An Approach to Estimating Building Layouts Using Radar and Jump-Diffusion Algorithm

Estimating building layouts using exterior radar measurements is a challenging task involving electromagnetic modeling, many unknown parameters, and a limited number of sensors. We propose using the jump-diffusion algorithm as a powerful stochastic tool that can be used to estimate the number of walls, their unknown positions and other parameters. We develop an efficient iterative procedure that first uses low-frequency transmissions to obtain rough estimates of the building layout. These estimates are then used to initialize the estimation at higher frequencies, thus obtaining more accurate results. We show that with proper frequency selection, the building layout can be estimated using radar measurements at only a few frequencies. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm in practical situations.