Integrated Cross-Correlation and Genetic Algorithm to Improve TDOA-Based Locating System in Preventing Radio Interference

The rapid development of wireless broadband communication technology has affected the location accuracy of radio monitoring stations that employ time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) location technology worldwide. In this study, TDOA-based location technology was implemented in Taiwan for the first time according to International Telecommunications Union requirements regarding monitoring and location application. To improve location accuracy, various scenarios, such as a three-dimensional environment (considering an unequal locating antenna configuration), were investigated. Subsequently, the proposed integrated cross-correlation and genetic algorithm was evaluated in the metropolitan area of Tainan. The results show that the locating performance is improved significantly with genetic algorithm in the 3D free space. Hence, the interference transmitter characterized as having low transmitted power, burst and weak signal and metropolitan interference is easily identified, analyzed (located) and prevented.