Phase based 2D passive source localisation using receiver networks

Abstract

In this study the authors introduce a novel method for passive source localisation that exploits phase variance. This method performs phase detection and estimation without relying on precise antenna geometry. The method uses a network of coherent receivers to estimate a continuous wave transmitter source in a two-dimensional plane with a network of statically and arbitrarily placed receivers with known positions. First the authors develop the mathematical formulation of the method. Next they establish the relationship between knowledge of the transmitter phase at arbitrarily placed receiver locations and a countable number of ambiguous transmitter locations. The authors then develop a more realistic scenario involving multi-path, noise and other signals in the receiver bandwidth and present numerical results for three different geometries. Finally, the authors compare the numerical results with those achieved with traditional phase difference of arrival.