Robust target localization with multiple sensors using time difference of arrivals

When an unknown target emits a radio signal, its position can be localized by a network of sensors (or radar receivers) using the time difference of arrival (TDOA) information. In this paper, we consider the maximum likelihood formulation of this target localization problem and provide efficient convex relaxations for this nonconvex optimization problem. In addition, we propose a robust target localization method based on semidefinite programming when the sensor locations are not exactly known. Simulation results confirm the efficiency and superior performance of the convex relaxation approach as compared to the existing least squares based approach.