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Performance Evaluation of DOA Algorithms for Non-uniform Linear Arrays in a Weather-Impacted Environment
  • Bongani Prudence nxumalo
Bongani Prudence nxumalo
University of Kwazulu-Natal

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Spectrum scarcity has necessitated the migration of radio frequencies from the lower to the higher frequencies. This has resulted in radio propagation challenges due to the adverse environmental elements otherwise unexperienced at lower frequencies. A re-design and re-evaluation of the performance of traditional lower frequency technologies and algorithms for implementation at higher frequencies especially for non-uniform linear antenna arrays are therefore necessary. Specifically, the performance of Direction of Arrival (DOA) algorithms for non-linear antenna arrays on weather impacted environments needs to be quantified and new algorithms developed to counteract the migration challenges. This work investigates the performance of Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR), Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) and the proposed Advanced-MUSIC (A-MUSIC) non-uniform linear array (NLA) algorithms on a weather-impacted wireless channel. The results indicate that the developed NLA achieves better DOA estimation than the conventional NLA albeit at a reduced performance for both, in a weather-impacted scenario.