Joint polarization and DOA estimation based on improved maximum likelihood estimator and performance analysis for conformal array

The conformal array can make full use of the aperture,save space,meet the requirements of aerodynamics,and is sensitive to polarization information.It has broad application prospects in military,aerospace,and communication fields.The joint polarization and direction-of-arrival(DOA)estimation based on the conformal array and the theoretical analysis of its parameter estimation performance are the key factors to promote the engineering application of the conformal array.To solve these problems,this paper establishes the wave field signal model of the conformal array.Then,for the case of a single target,the cost function of the maximum likelihood(ML)estimator is rewritten with Rayleigh quotient from a problem of maximizing the ratio of quadratic forms into those of minimizing quadratic forms.On this basis,rapid parameter estimation is achieved with the idea of manifold separation technology(MST).Compared with the modified variable projection(MVP)algorithm,it reduces the computational complexity and improves the parameter estimation performance.Meanwhile,the MST is used to solve the partial derivative of the steering vector.Then,the theoretical performance of ML,the multiple signal classification(MUSIC)estimator and Cramer-Rao bound(CRB)based on the conformal array are derived respectively,which provides theoretical foundation for the engineering application of the conformal array.Finally,the simulation experiment verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Hybrid alternate projection algorithm and its application for practical conformal array pattern synthesis

Based on the fabricated 12-element cavity-backed microstrip sector cylinder array,a novel hybrid alternate projection algorithm（HAPA）,which combines analytical method with numerical techniques effectively,is proposed for synthesizing the pattern of practical conformal array.The algorithm applies the variable direction aperture projection method with mutual coupling correction techniques to provide the good initial excitations of elements to the enhanced alternate projection algorithm（EAPA）.In order to do further optimization,which improves the convergent speed of the algorithm significantly.Finally,the HAPA has been applied to the fabricated sector cylinder array with mutual coupling considered.The results of synthesized patterns,such as low sidelobe with null points formed pattern,beam scanning with low sidelobe pattern and the shaped beam pattern are presented.It demonstrates the validity of HAPA in practical conformal array synthesis.

A novel DOA estimation algorithm using directional antennas in cylindrical conformal arrays

In this paper, a novel direction of arrival(DOA) estimation algorithm using directional antennas in cylindrical conformal arrays(CCAs) is proposed. To eliminate the shadow effect, we divide the CCAs into several subarrays to obtain the complete output vector. Considering the anisotropic radiation pattern of a CCA, which cannot be separated from the manifold matrix, an improved interpolation method is investigated to transform the directional subarray into omnidirectional virtual nested arrays without non-orthogonal perturbation on the noise vector. Then, the cross-correlation matrix(CCM) of the subarrays is used to generate the consecutive co-arrays without redundant elements and eliminate the noise vector. Finally, the full-rank equivalent covariance matrix is constructed using the output of co-arrays,and the unitary estimation of the signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques(ESPRIT) is performed on the equivalent covariance matrix to estimate the DOAs with low computational complexity. Numerical simulations verify the superior performance of the proposed algorithm, especially under a low signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) environment.

Effective approach for conformal subarray design based on maximum entropy of planar mappings

In this paper,an effective algorithm for optimizing the subarray of conformal arrays is proposed.The method first divides theconformal array into several first-level subarrays.It uses the X algorithm to solve the feasible solution of first-level subarray tiling and employs the particle swarm algorithm to optimize the conformal array subarray tiling scheme with the maximum entropy of the planar mapping as the fitness function.Subsequently,convex optimization is applied to optimize the subarray amplitude phase.Data results verify that the method can effectively find the optimal conformal array tiling scheme.

Array gain for a conformal acoustic vector sensor array:An experimental study

An acoustic vector sensor can measure the components of particle velocity and the acoustic pressure at the same point simultaneously, which provides a larger array gain against the ambient noise and a higher angular resolution than the omnidirectional pressure sensor. This paper presents an experimental study of array gain for a conformal acoustic vector sensor array in a practical environment. First, the manifold vector is calculated using the real measured data so that the effects of array mismatches can be minimized. Second, an optimal beamformer with a specific spatial response on the basis of the stable directivity of the ambient noise is designed, which can effectively suppress the ambient noise. Experimental results show that this beamformer for the conformal acoustic vector sensor array provides good signal-to- noise ratio enhancement and is more advantageous than the delay-and-sum and minimum variance distortionless response beamformers.

Study on Clutter Model and Characteristics of Airborne Radar with Parabolic Conformal Phased Array

The studies on clutter modeling and suppression of airborne radar with a parabolic conformal array are uncommon due to the complexity of this type of antenna array configuration.The correct understanding of clutter characteristics for airborne radar with a parabolic conformal antenna array is the prerequisite and foundation of optimal suppression of this type of clutter.This paper establishes the model of clutter echo of airborne parabolic conformal phased array radar and analyzes the structure characteristics and the distribution features of this type of clutter.The simulation results show that this type of clutter has the following characteristics：1） The main lobe on the azimuth is seriously broadened,2） the power spectrum presents strong heterogeneity,and 3） the freedom degrees are high.Based on the existing related clutter suppression methods,we verified the correctness of the constructed clutter model.This work has an important guidance to further study on clutter suppression methods in airborne parabolic conformal array radar.

Low side lobe pattern synthesis using projection method with genetic algorithm for truncated cone conformal phased arrays

A hybrid method for synthesizing antenna＇s three dimensional （3D） pattern is proposed to obtain the low sidelobe feature of truncated cone conformal phased arrays. In this method, the elements of truncated cone conformal phased arrays are projected to the tangent plane in one generatrix of the truncated cone. Then two dimensional （2D） Chebyshev amplitude distribution optimization is respectively used in two mutual vertical directions of the tangent plane. According to the location of the elements, the excitation current amplitude distribution of each element on the conformal structure is derived reversely, then the excitation current amplitude is further optimized by using the genetic algorithm （GA）. A truncated cone problem with 8x8 elements on it, and a 3D pattern desired side lobe level （SLL） up to 35 dB, is studied. By using the hybrid method, the optimal goal is accomplished with acceptable CPU time, which indicates that this hybrid method for the low sidelobe synthesis is feasible.

Beamforming of Whole Airspace Phased Array TT&C System Based on Linear Subarrays

The whole airspace phased array telemetry,track and command(TT&C)system is regarded as the development tendency of next generation TT&C system,and the distribution of the antenna units and the beamforming technology have sparked wide interest in this field.A method for antenna distribution is proposed based on the linear subarrays technology.A symmetrical truncated cone conformal array is composed of the linear subarrays placed on the generatrix.The impact of truncated cone bottom radius and elevation angle on beamforming are studied and simulated.Simulation results verify the system design.

Clinical and scientific innovations in auditory brainstem implants

The auditory brainstem implant(ABI)was originally developed to provide rehabilitation of retrocochlear deafness caused by neurofibromatosis type 2(NF2).Recent studies of the ABI have investigated outcomes in non-NF2 cohorts,such as patients with cochlear nerve aplasia or cochlear ossification and more recently,intractable tinnitus.New technologies that improve the ABI-neural tissue interface are being explored as means to improve performance and decrease side effects.Innovative discoveries in optogenetics and bioengineering present opportunities to continually evolve this technology into the future,enhancing spatial selectivity of neuronal activation in the cochlear nucleus and preventing side effects through reduction in activation of non-target neuronal circuitry.These advances will improve surgical planning and ultimately improve patients1 audiological capabilities.ABI research has rapidly increased in the 21st century and applications of this technology are likely to continually evolve.Herein,we aim to characterize ongoing clinical,basic science,and bioengineering advances in ABIs and discuss future directions of this technology.