Dynamically Reconfigurable Direction-Finding Antenna Array for Unmanned Arial Systems

Abstract

One of the more accurate but complex methods of radio direction finding uses the Correlation Methods found in the MUSIC algorithms. Critical to this method is the characterization of the antennas array manifold. The antenna array manifold can be realized in any number of N-antenna elements configured either circularly, or linearly. Once the antenna array is established, the array manifold is characterized where a correlation compares the response to the array manifold to find the best match in order to determine the direction of arrival. Historically, antenna array manifolds are static antenna arrays fixed to the side of aircraft, ships or ground vehicles. In this paper we propose to use of the correlation DF technique using the MUSIC method with a dynamically re-configurable antenna array manifold optimizing the accuracy and improving the frequency response of the direction of arrival. In our application, the benefits of a reconfigurable antenna array outweigh the mechanical complexity of its implementation, and we will first simulate and validate accuracy of the system using the same array at multiple distances and frequencies.