Two-dimensional adaptive array for spatially separating and tracking uncorrelated sources

A new structure for the separation and tracking of uncorrelated sources through the use of a 2-dimensional adaptive array is proposed and investigated. The structure consists of a matrix preprocessing beamformer designed to result in outputs which are due to individual sources in the steady state. The preprocessing weights of the beamformer are calculated using the estimated locations of the sources and are updated periodically. Continuous estimation of the source locations is accomplished by using the beamformer outputs to adaptively eliminate correlated components in a reference element of the array while the structure proposed may have rather erratic initial convergence behavior, it has the advantages of being simple to be implemented, fast in tracking, and well suited for applications in mobile communication systems for increasing system capacity.