Multipath Exploitation in Emitter Localization for Irregular Terrains

Abstract

Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems have many operational challenges while locating radar emitter's position around irregular terrains such as islands due to multipath scattering. To overcome these challenges, this paper addresses exploiting multipath scattering in passive localization of radar emitters around irregular terrains. The idea is based on the use of multipath scattered signals as virtual sensor through Geographical Information System (GIS). In this way, it is presented that single receiver (ESM receiver) passive localization can be achieved for radar emitters. The study is initiated with estimating candidate multipath scattering centers over irregular terrain. To do this, ESM receivers' Angle of Arrival (AOA) and Time of Arrival (TOA) information are required for directly received radar pulses along with multipath scattered pulses. The problem then turns out to be multiple-sensor localization problem for which Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA)-based techniques can easily be applied. However, there is high degree of uncertainty in location of candidate multipath scattering centers as the multipath scattering involves diffuse components over irregular terrain. Apparently, this causes large localization errors in TDOA. To reduce this error, a reliability based weighting method is proposed. Simulation results regarding with a simplified 3D model are also presented.

Passive Radar Source Localization Based on Cuckoo Search NVTDOA

“…According to equation (19), the sufficient conditions for accurately estimating K i+1,i are as follows:…”

“…Kim et al [16] proposed a way for a single drone to use a known database to provide rough location services for targets in the battlefield when the satellite positioning system is not working properly. To improve the performance of the location system in scenarios with a small number of receivers or when there are technical restrictions to deploy them in LoS condition, in reference [17][18][19][20], a localization algorithm based on time difference of arrival (TDOA) virtual sensors is proposed, where the reflection points are regarded as TDOA virtual sensors. And the algorithm is applied to localization of UAV in urban scenarios, ground vehicles, emitters, and RF emitters.…”

Doppler Position Location: Single Observation Point Feasibility Regions

“…In [15], authors address the radar emitter localization problem, using the multipath scattering around irregular terrain scenarios. They use AOA and TOA information to estimate candidate multipath scattering centers using a Geometric Optic based search algorithm.…”

On the accuracy of an emitter localization method based on multipath exploitation in realistic scenarios

“…Recently, on the other hand, researchers have intended to find out a way of exploiting multipath in emitter localization. These studies can be grouped into two main categories: (a) multiple sensor (receiver) localization system [12][13][14][15], (b) single receiver localization system [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. Today, multipath-assisted localization of emitters by using the single receiver localization system remains an interesting subject of investigation.…”