Impact of Low-Resolution ADC on DOA Estimation Performance for Massive MIMO Receive Array

In this paper, we present a new scenario of direction arrival (DOA) estimation using massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) receive array with low-resolution analog-to-digital convertors (ADCs), which can strike good balance between performance and circuit cost. Based on the linear additive quantization noise model (AQNM), effect ADCs methods, such as Root-MUSIC method, is analyzed. Also, closed-form expression Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) derived to evaluate loss caused by ADCs. The simulation results show that methods achieve corresponding CRLB. Furthermore, 2-3 bits are acceptable for most applications if 1dB loss.