Analysis of DOA estimation for directional and isotropic antenna arrays

A comparison analysis between two different types of antenna arrays in direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation is presented. This study was undertaken to point out any difference in the process of DOA estimation between isotropic and directional antenna array. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous work that analysed the DOA estimation between these two antenna arrays. The approach taken was to estimate all predetermined angle-of-arrival (AOA) correctly by using MUSIC, a spectral-based DOA algorithm. Results obtained show that, to perform the DOA estimation, isotropic antenna array depends entirely on DOA algorithm, whereas directional antenna array required both the DOA algorithm and the position of the main beam at any instant. This work concludes that, in practical application, it is essential to consider both the performance of DOA algorithm and the beam pattern to ensure the DOA estimation is carried out correctly.