Avoiding self nulling by using linear constraint minimum variance beamforming in smart antenna

Abstract

The beam forming technique is important in smart antenna systems to enhance the data rates, null steering and coverage. This study presents two methods of beamformeing algorithm; Minimum Variance Distortion less Response (MVDR) and Linear Constraint Minimum Variance (LCMV). MVDR and LCMV techniques form radiation beams based on the received weight vector of the desired signal. The LCMV technique is found to be efficient than the MVDR in self-null even if the interference signal is closer from the desired signal. Simulation has been carried out to validate these two techniques. The four elements of the linear array smart antenna are used in our simulation program with the operation frequency around 2.3 GHz, noise power 0.5dB and the spacing between elements is 0.5 λ. The result of the simulation reveals that both the modes are capable of providing high output power; however they need the direction of all the incoming sources, which is practically difficult to obtain. Nevertheless the MVDR beam forming minimizes the multi-path fading problem, by adding the multi-path signal, which increases the strength of the desired signal and nullifies the interference. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013.