Effects of mutual coupling on super-resolution DF in linear arrays

Abstract

The traditional narrowband array signal processing model is expanded by incorporating the effects of mutual coupling via a closed-form expression for the array impedance matrix. The mutual coupling matrix affects the incident signal like a set of narrowband beamformers; this interpretation is explored. The array's super-resolution direction finding (SRDF) behavior/performance in the presence of mutual coupling is explored. Simulation results examine the effects of mismatch in antenna termination impedance upon DF performance, using parameters from a typical mobile cellular radio environment scenario. The results indicate that array DF performance can be improved by mismatching the array terminations, thus reducing the effect of mutual coupling.<>