Parameter Estimation of Rapidly Moving Sources Using Planar Array and MLE

Planar array of antennas allows us to resolve a point source in both azimuth and elevation. Unfortunately, extracting the angular information from a planar is often a lot more difficult task than for linear arrays. The problem is even more complicated when the number of parameters increases, such as angle, delay, angular velocity, and polarization. It is often preferred to use special antenna geometry to reduce the computational complexity associated with the planar array. The drawback to that approach is that it produces complex algorithms, and the resolution is not always the same in both azimuth and elevation. This paper studies the planar antenna array case when the emitting point source is rapidly moving. In this case, additional parameters such as angular velocities in azimuth and elevation are also estimated. The additional information helps predict the next position of a moving object which is essential in radar and wireless communications. Now, it is evident that the problem's complexity grows exponentially to estimate the parameters of interest. In this presentation, we assume a white Gaussian background noise. The Maximum Likelihood Estimator formulation is used together with a decoupling technique to provide preliminary estimates to reduce computational complexity.