An Angle Estimation Algorithm without Prior Knowledge for AESA Cooperative Detection Node

Abstract

The conventional monopulse angle estimation relies on the storage of the monopulse angle estimation curve, which leads to massive consumption of the rare memory resources. In consideration of the characteristic of the cooperation target angle estimation application, the angle estimation algorithm without prior knowledge for active electronically scanned array (AESA) cooperative detection node is proposed. First of all, a rough angle estimation is obtained based on digital multi-beam forming and demodulation. Then the sum-difference receiving beams are formed at the rough angle. Subsequently, the direction of the sum-difference receiving beams is constantly adjusted according to the amplitude and phase characteristics of the sum-difference beams. Finally, when the direction of the sum-difference beams is consistent with the actual azimuth of the target cooperative detection node, the high-precision angle estimation value is achieved. The theoretical model and performance of the proposed algorithm is elaborated. The validation experiment is developed on an actual AESA cooperative detection equipment. Under the background of the parameter settings used in the experiment, the convergence time of the proposed algorithm is microsecond, and the root mean square error of the estimation value is less than 0.005°.