Angle of Arrival Estimation via Small IoT Devices: Miniaturized Arrays vs. MIMO Antennas

This tutorial discusses the problem of angle arrival (AoA) estimation from small Internet Things devices. It reviews limitations and challenges existing miniaturization strategies, which involve classical antenna arrays. As larger distance between antennas is typically needed for increased precision, without loss accuracy a significant problem. The article demonstrates that use electrically does not directly solve problem, since smaller may require to avoid coupling elements. Therefore, this work proposes new technique perform AoA in platforms: multiple-input multi-ple-output (MIMO) antenna. MIMO are commonly used increase communication throughput; however, few works have studied their usage line-of-sight environments. proposed solution offers performance similar state-of-the-art arrays, but at substantially reduced size. A study carried out confirm validate technique's efficacy. Size reduction up 75 percent compared linear arrays achieved with mean absolute errors than 0.11°. method also resolution 5° peak error 0.3° two simultaneous impinging signals.