Underdetermined DOA Estimation of Moving Sparse Nested Arrays under the Coexistence of Mutual Coupling and Nonuniform Noise

In order to enhance the performance of direction of arrival (DOA) under the coexistence of mutual coupling and unknown nonuniform noise, we propose a moving sparse nested array (MSNA) with limited physical sensors, and then provide an improved DOA estimation algorithm depending on the suppression of nonuniform noise and the processing of the mean value of the precise estimate. Owing to space spacing between adjacent sensors, the proposed array can give larger aperture and reduced mutual coupling compared with the existing nested arrays. For solving the ambiguity for DOA estimation introduced by such spacing and reducing cost, the two-component subarrays of the proposed array are provided by the array motion. Based on it, the improved algorithm can obtain unique and high-accuracy estimation with such suppression and processing. Simulation results verify the superiority of the proposed MSNA and the improved algorithm for high-accuracy DOA estimation with mutual coupling reduction, cost saving and nonuniform noise mitigation.