Patent ID: 8095185
Filing Date: 2012-01-10
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A method of estimating an angular parameter of a signal arriving at an antenna array, the method comprising the steps of: storing in a first two-dimensional table values of said angular parameter as a function of correlation magnitude and phase values; storing in a second two-dimensional table, for a second angular distribution type, values of said angular parameter as a function of correlation magnitude values and of correlation phase values; calculating a first correlation phase and a first correlation magnitude of said signal between a first and a second antenna element of said antenna array, said first correlation phase being used as a first pointer for reading said parameter from said first two-dimensional table and said first correlation magnitude being used as a second pointer for reading a first angular parameter from said first two-dimensional table; calculating a second correlation phase and a second correlation magnitude of said signal between said second and a third antenna element of said antenna array; reading a second angular parameter from said first two-dimensional table, by use of said second correlation magnitude and of said second correlation phase; calculating a first variance of said first and second angular parameters; reading a third angular parameter from said second two-dimensional table, by use of said first correlation magnitude and of said first correlation phase; reading a fourth angular parameter from said second two-dimensional table, by use of said second correlation magnitude and of said second correlation phase; calculating a second variance of said third and fourth angular parameters; and selecting said first angular distribution type if said first variance is smaller than said second variance.