A High-Performance Antenna Array Signal Processing Method in Deep Space Communication

Abstract

In future deep space communication missions, VLBI(Very Long Baseline Interferometry) based on antenna array technology remains a critical detection method, which urgently requires the improvement of synthesis performance for antenna array signals. Considering this, focusing on optimizing the traditional antenna grouping method applied in the phase estimation algorithm, this letter proposes a "𝐿/2 to 𝐿/2" antenna grouping method based on the maximum correlation signal-to-noise ratio(SNR). Following this idea, a phase difference estimation algorithm named "Couple" is presented. Theoretical analysis and simulation verification illustrate that: when 𝜌 < −10𝑑𝐵, the proposed "Couple" has the highest performance; increasing the number of antennas can significantly improve its synthetic loss performance and robustness. The research of this letter indicates a promising potential in supporting the rising deep space exploration and communication missions.