Improved Performance Two-Dimensional Direction of Arrival Estimation Algorithm with Unknown Number of Noncoherent Sources

Two-dimensional direction of arrival estimation is a computationally complex problem that has been the focus of research in the area of array signal processing for several decades now. This paper proposes a novel2D DOA azimuth and elevation angle estimation algorithm for multiple RF noncoherent sources using an L-shaped array antenna configuration. The proposed method employs a MUSIC-like estimation algorithm in conjunction with QR decomposition to improve the accuracy of 2D DOA estimation and provide much lower computational complexity when compared with existing methods such as the Capon method. It does not require knowing the number of sources in advance and pairs the estimated azimuth and elevation angles automatically for multiple sources. Simulation results are presented to validate the efficacy of the proposed method and its performance is compared with the Capon method.