Robust Underwater Acoustic Channel Estimation Method Based on Bias-Free Convolutional Neural Network

Abstract

In recent years, the study of deep learning techniques for underwater acoustic channel estimation has gained widespread attention. However, existing neural network channel estimation methods often overfit to training dataset noise levels, leading to diminished performance when confronted with new noise levels. In this research, a “bias-free” denoising convolutional neural network (DnCNN) method is proposed for robust underwater acoustic channel estimation. The paper offers a theoretical justification for bias removal and customizes the fundamental DnCNN framework to give a specialized design for channel estimation, referred to as the bias-free complex DnCNN (BF-CDN). It uses least squares channel estimation results as input and employs a CNN model to learn channel characteristics and noise distribution. The proposed method effectively utilizes the temporal correlation inherent in underwater acoustic channels to further enhance estimation performance and robustness. This method adapts to varying noise levels in underwater environments. Experimental results show the robustness of the method under different noise conditions, indicating its potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of channel estimation.