Noncoherent multiuser detection using array sensors

We consider a linear multiuser array detector (MUAD) for synchronous direct-sequence code division multiple access channels. It consists of a bank of decorrelating detectors followed by a user-dependent combining and decision scheme. Unlike a previous linear MUAD, this detector does not require interfering user parameter estimates; hence it retains its near-far resistant characteristics even in the presence of interfering user parameter mismatch. Given the decorrelating detector outputs, minimum variance unbiased estimates can be derived for the users´ amplitudes, phases, and sensor phase offsets. Amplitude dependent and independent, coherent and noncoherent detection schemes for on-off keyed (OOK) signals are developed. Even when the phases and sensor phase offsets are unknown, this detector provides significant performance gains over the conventional coherent decorrelating detector