Robust antenna array processing using M-estimators of pseudo-covariance

This paper addresses the problem of antenna array processing in nonGaussian noise and interference conditions. Such conditions arise due to man-made interference in indoor and outdoor mobile communication channels as well as in military communications. In this paper M-estimators of the array (pseudo-)covariance matrix based upon complex data set are introduced. Estimates of the noise and signal subspaces based on M-estimators are then used to robustify the subspace direction of arrival (DOA) estimation methods. In addition, eigenvalues based on M-estimators are used in MDL criterion, thus yielding a robust signal detection method. The reliable performance of the proposed methods are shown by simulations.