Application of spectrum analysis methods for accurate transmitter position estimation in complicated environments

A new positioning system intended for localization of fire-fighters and members of rescue teams is currently developed at the University of Pardubice. The system is based on TDOA method using a wideband OFDM signal to separate the direct signal of a bundle of delayed replicas, created in a multipath channel. In the paper, the received signal model is introduced and analyzed using selected spectrum analysis methods to estimate the signal delay. Nonparametric methods like a classical periodogram and Capon estimators were compared with the Burg parametric method for AR signals. New results regarding close replicas separation and the delay evaluation accuracy are presented.