Millimeter-Wave Angle Estimation of Multiple Targets Using Space–Time Modulation and Interferometric Antenna Arrays

A new method of angle estimation of multiple targets using a distributed interferometric antenna array and wideband space–time modulation generating a dynamic array pattern is presented in this work. Interferometric array measurements of angle of arrival are generally ambiguous in the presence of two or more targets. We propose a new method of mitigating ambiguities in interferometric measurements by multiplying the angle pseudo-spectra from multiple antenna baselines, resulting in detections at only the angles of the targets. Using a single linear frequency-modulated transmitter and a receive interferometric array with
$N$
elements, we show a simple and computationally efficient technique to estimate the angle of up to
$\mathcal {O}(N^{2})$
targets. We describe the theory behind the technique, present detailed simulations, and provide an experimental verification using a three-element millimeter-wave measurement system.