On the application of the higher order virtual array concept for small antenna arrays

Recently, the fourth order virtual array concept (q = 2) has been extended to an arbitrary even order m = 2q with q ≥ 2. The intention of this paper is to investigate the direction finding performance related to GPS based on 4th, 6th and 8th order processing methods compared to common 2nd order array processing methods. The presented results are based on real measurement data which has been recorded with our GPS antenna array (IKARUS) and our 8-channel recording system (ECHSE). We have used a 3-element antenna array because it is the smallest possible planar circular antenna. Additionally, the 3-element configuration exhibits useful properties regarding the virtual sensor positions.