Signal Processing for Digital Beamforming and Beam Shaping for Direction-of Arrival Estimation

This talk provides a brief introduction on digital beamforming and direction of arrival estimation techniques used in phased array radar systems. Beamforming is a way to focus the radiation energy on a desired direction. The talk will start with pattern synthesis techniques, from Fourier based algorithms to general null steering algorithms and optimization-based algorithms. Then we will turn our focus on dynamic/adaptive beamforming/beam steering methods, such as delay and sum, MVDR, and LCMV algorithms. We will also extend the discussion of beamforming algorithms to space time adaptive processing method used in radar systems to suppress both clutter and jammers. Finally, we will discuss direction-of-arrival estimation algorithms, including beam scanning, MUSIC, ESPRIT, and monopulse algorithms. This talk will discuss techniques to design and simulate phased array systems, using radar systems as a practical example. The outline for the session includes the following sections: 1. Introduction and motivation for phased array modelling 2. Overview of design and analysis of complex transmit and receive arrays, including subarray structures 3. Pattern synthesis techniques, including null steering and beam spoiling 4. Beamforming techniques, including conventional and adaptive beamformers, with both narrowband and wideband implementations. 5. Direction of arrival estimation techniques