Constrained linear least squares approach for TDOA localization: A global optimum solution

In this paper, we formulate the time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) emitter localization problem as a quadratically constrained linear least squares problem. We show that the constrained least squares problem has a unique global minimum and develop a computationally efficient algorithm for finding the emitter location estimates that corresponds to the global minimum. The approach is robust and more resilient to moderate and large sensor measurement noise than other existing TDOA location techniques. Computer simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed algorithm.