Optimum Sparse Array Design for Multiple Beamformers with Common Receiver

The problem of optimum sparse array beamformer design to maximize output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in the case of multiple narrowband sources was recently investigated. This was based on seeking both optimum sensor placement as well as optimum a single beamformer for all sources in the array field of view. In this paper, we consider multiple beamformers with a common sparse array. That is, we deal with a more prevalent case in radar and communications where each source is assigned its own beam. This could be the case for both switched and simultaneous or staring beams. The paper considers optimum sparse array design for both narrowband and wideband sources. Analysis and simulation examples demonstrate that the optimum sparse array configuration depends on both the arrival angle and the frequency of the incoming signal and it plays a vital role in determining the performance of multiple beamformer receivers.