PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF DIRECTION OF ARRIVAL ESTIMATION FOR A 3-D UNIFORM VOLUME ARRAY

In this thesis, performance analysis of direction of arrival estimation using an antenna array is performed. We apply methods and concepts commonly used in 1-d linear and 2-d planar arrays to create a 3-d isotropic, uniform volume array. We compare and contrast the effectiveness of a 1-d, 2-d, and 3-d uniform isotropic array to observe the advantages of each. We incorporate the effect of element factor when using half-wave dipole antenna elements rather than isotropic point sources for the elements in our array. We also consider the polarization of the incident wave impinging upon the array. We build three 3-d orthogonal arrays of colinear dipoles and evaluate their performance using two estimation techniques over varying angles of incidence and power levels. The estimation techniques utilized are the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR), which are compared against the Cramér–Rao bound (CRB). Performance analysis of these arrays corresponding to the two estimation techniques is performed and summarized. The results show the benefits and limitations of a uniform 3-d antenna array over others.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant, United States Nav