Direction Finding Algorithm with Virtual Antenna Array

Background: Direction finding (DF) based on MUSIC algorithm has been studied and implemented in the wireless communications lab. Simulation results, measurement setup are shown in the figures below. Most of the direction finding (DF) algorithms require multiple antennas with at least í µí¼†/2 spacing. Also, performance of the DF algorithms mainly relies on  Number of antennas in the antenna array, and  Spacing between the antennas Problems:  Spacing limitations of the field measurements with hand-held spectrum analyzers makes implementing high number of antennas in the array  Mutual coupling effect grows as the number of antennas increases Proposed solution: 4, 6, or 8 antennas are virtually implemented for DF algorithm, by sliding 2 antennas along the same line (Figure at right side). By implementing this technique,  Higher antenna array realizations is achieved by only 2 antennas,  Mutual coupling effect is minimized since only 2 antennas are in use for each measurement,  Simple switch is implemented for practical implementation.