An Evaluation of the Watson-Watt And Butler Matrix Approaches For Direction Finding
Abstract
In this report, an evaluation of the Watson-Watt and Butler matrix approaches for tactical wideband radio direction finding applications is described. This evaluation was carried out using theoretical derivations and computer simulations, concentrating on the effects of various error mechanisms including internal noise, terrestrial and isotropic noise, cochannel interference, and multipath. A maximum likelihood (ML) approach was also derived and evaluated for comparative purposes to determine the accuracy trade-off between using an N-channel approach versus the three channel Watson-Watt approach and the two channel Butler matrix approach. The results indicate that the Watson-Watt approach is superior to the Butler matrix approach for current applications. In the future, this choice may need to be reassessed as lower cost receivers and faster processing equipment make more sophisticated approaches such as ML attractive alternatives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA371289
Entities
People
- William J. Read
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada