LFM signal number estimation by intrinsic bandwidth

Broadband signal number estimation is an important and challenging problem in array signal processing. A novel method is proposed in this paper by the highlight of broadband signalpsilas intrinsic bandwidth. Based on the variances of power and time-of-arrival (TOA), signal rank, which is time-variable, is estimated. It then utilizes the information to separate LFM signals which is encountered for example in active radar and sonar where LFM signals are transmitted. The algorithm can also be used in signal endpoint detection and a real data experiment shows the ability. Numerical simulations prove the method is able to estimate signal number effectively.