An adaptive algorithm for separating and tracking multiple directional sources in linear arrays

An algorithm for spatially filtering out, enhancing, and tracking individual directional sources in an adaptive array is proposed and investigated. In this algorithm, the sources are separated by using an adaptive beamformer whose outputs are processed by using the LMS algorithm to track distinct sources individually. From the LMS weights used, the source locations can be estimated. Whenever significant changes in these are detected, the beamformer is updated so that its outputs will be due to different sources in the steady state. With this algorithm, the problems of look-direction errors in look-direction constrained arrays and of large signal power in power inversion arrays are eliminated, and the enhancement of multiple moving sources becomes a natural process. Furthermore, because the sources are individually tracked and the beamformer is only updated occasionally, the algorithm possesses fast tracking behavior, and its implementation complexity is comparable to that of beamformer-based adaptive arrays using the LMS algorithm