Improved two-dimensional DOA estimation algorithm for two-parallel uniform linear arrays using propagator method

sIn this paper, we study the problem of two-dimensional direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation with two parallel uniform arrays (ULA). The computational loads of the propagator method (PM) can be significantly smaller since the PM does not require any eigen-value decomposition of the cross correlation matrix and singular value decomposition of the received data. We propose an improved two-dimensional DOA estimation algorithm for two-parallel uniform linear arrays using PM. Compared with Wu's algorithm, the proposed algorithm has better angle estimation performance, and lower complexity. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can achieve automatically paired two-dimensional angle estimation. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

► This paper discusses the problem of two-dimensional direction of arrival estimation.
► An algorithm based on propagator method is proposed for the estimation.
► The theoretical error of the algorithm is analyzed.
► The Cramer–Rao bound for the direction of arrival estimation is derived.
► A method is presented to eliminate the angle ambiguity problem.