An algorithm for time shift estimation of radio pulses received by spatially distributed sensors

Real-time recursive algorithms for estimation of the difference in arrival times of radio pulses received by spatially distributed sensors, such as antenna array elements, are proposed. The algorithms based on stochastic gradient descent optimization do not require large computational cost and any preliminary assessment of the signal parameters. They are effective in signal processing under a priori uncertainty, robust to impulse noise. Estimates evaluated by the algorithms converge to the optimal values at weak conditions. The processing can be carried out using both the pulse envelope and the unfiltered signal counts. The problem of measuring the time difference between the arrival of the pulses is considered as the problem of estimating the parameters their time alignment. The experimental results obtained using real and semi-real data, i.e. data from an experiment in an anechoic chamber.