Implementation of null steering algorithms in a compact analog array

Abstract

In this thesis, the implementation of null steering algorithms in a compact analog array is demonstrated and validated. The performance of the null steering algorithms is validated through extensive simulation and hardware implementation. The results of the techniques of null steering, including controlling the complex weights, usually have to rely on simulations to study system performances, design trade-offs, and system optimization, which by itself can be quite complex and a time-consuming task. Even after extensive simulations, it is not easy to get insights as to what parameters determine system performance in different system parameters, and the interactions on system parameters. Therefore, experimentation and deployment on a real system is required. Few studies have proposed null steering algorithms studies using real implementations. With this motivation, this work presents comprehensive performance comparison of some of the available null steering techniques using an analog array. The contributions of this thesis are: optimize the performance of null steering algorithms taking into account realistic considerations in the simulations and demonstrating the benefits through extensive simulations; and verify the performance of the null steering system through experimental implementation using a simple, compact, lightweight, low cost, high gain, high throughput analog antenna array.