The effect of imperfect dual-polarized array elements on DOA and polarization estimation

In this paper, a realistic array data model for multi-port elements is used that includes array element imperfections. Based on this data model, Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to investigate the systematic bearing error. Therefore, the direction finding accuracy of two real arrays is compared: a conventional single-port array and a dual-polarized array. It turns out, that the dual-polarized array offers performance benefits because it is less affected by the signal polarization. Hence, systematic errors can be significantly reduced. The presented investigations can be applied to arbitrary multi-port arrays to evaluate their accuracy.