A robust iterative algorithm for wireless MIMO array auto-calibration

An algorithm is presented for estimating complex transmit and receive array calibration gains in a MIMO communications system. Calibration values are computed from a series of distinct channel transfer function matrix estimates over a time-varying channel. The new method, called RIMM (robust iterative multiple-channel MUSIC), is an extension of a previous algorithm proposed by B. Friedlander and A.J. Weiss (see Proc. ICASSP, p.2681-4, 1988). Several significant weaknesses in the earlier algorithm are demonstrated, and robust solutions are presented. An auto-calibration experiment is presented using 2.43 GHz indoor channel probing data samples.