Experiences using DOA methods with a small digital beamforming antenna

Results and performance obtained when using direction of arrival estimation techniques on measured data from a small S-band digital beamforming antenna is discussed. The antenna is a receiving array with 12 digital channels in a horizontal linear array. To obtain high angular resolution, model based algorithms, which are more or less sensitive to array calibration errors, is used. Data has been obtained both at measurements in an anechoic chamber, where the experimental set up can be controlled, and outdoor by illuminating a test area with radar pulses from a separate wide coverage antenna, where the conditions are less ideal with clutter and many ground targets present.