3D passive source localization by a multi-array network: Noncoherent vs. coherent processing

Abstract

This paper investigates the three-dimensional passive source localization problem by a system of multiple antenna arrays. It is well-known that centralized and coherent processing of all sensor antenna outputs offers a performance benefit in comparison to decentralized processing, where the latter is easier to implement. We compare the Cramér-Rao bound on the source locations for both cases, review the decentralized direct position determination approach and outline the near-field source localization approach generalized to the three-dimensional problem. Finally, we discuss the trade-off between performance benefit and implementation complexity.