The Higher Order Ambiguity Function Used For Non-Linear Sensor Array Fault Resiliency In The Presence Of Multiple Sources

In many practical applications, sensor array elements fail for a multitude of reasons. To avoid the deleterious effects of including the failed sensors, they are often simply excluded from signal processing chain. However, depending on how many array elements fail, the performance of the array could degrade significantly which negatively impacts spatial spectrum estimation. For naval vessels, failed array elements may not be replaced for a long period of time simply due to cost or maintenance schedules which can leave the array in a degraded state. This work focuses on developing a method to regain some of the lost array capability which can be applied in-situ until an appropriate maintenance period. By using a higher order ambiguity function (HAF) and Basis Pursuit De-Noising (BPDN) techniques, an algorithm is developed that is shown with simulated data to regain nearly all lost array performance as assessed by spectrum estimate correlation when up to half of the array elements have failed.