MUSIC algorithm for DOA estimation using MIMO arrays

In this paper MUSIC algorithm by using of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) arrays is investigated and its performance is compared with conventional arrays. The parameters involved in this comparison are: the number of the snapshots and array elements, and the SNR values. MIMO configuration with spatially orthogonal signal transmission is equivalent to additional virtual sensors which extend the array aperture with virtual spatial tapering. These virtual sensors can be used to form narrower beams with lower sidelobes and, therefore, provide higher performance in target detection, angular resolution, and angular estimation accuracy. Simulation results on prototype data showed the superiority of MUSIC algorithm performance; that is without requirement to increase the SNR value or the elements and snapshots number, high performance is simply possible by means of MIMO arrays.