Experimental analysis of antenna coupling for high-resolution DOA estimation algorithms

In array signal processing, high-resolution parameter estimation algorithms are known to be sensitive to phase, amplitude and mutual coupling distortions. We present experimental results showing that these high-resolution estimation methods can achieve their theoretically expected performances only if the non-ideal array behavior is appropriately modelled and compensated. Using a simple previously proposed distortion compensation technique, we show that it is possible to improve the estimation error considerably, and that actual array response modelling and compensation is indeed an essential element of any high-resolution DOA estimation method.