Low-complexity estimators for distributed sources

In antenna array applications, the propagation environment is often more complicated than the ordinary assumption of plain wavefronts. Here, a low complexity algorithm is suggested for estimating both the DOA and the spread angle of a mobile source subject to local scattering, using a uniform linear array. The parameters are calculated from the estimates obtained using a standard algorithm such as root-MUSIC to t a two-ray model to the data. The algorithm is shown to give consistent estimates and the statistical performance is studied analytically and through simulations. As a by-product, the asymptotical performance of root-MUSIC in the presence of spatially colored noise is derived.