Localizing-ground Transmitters Using Airborne Antenna Array

Abstract

A radio direction finder (RDF) estimates the direction of arrival (DOA) of a radio signal. It receives multiple copies of the signal by a multiple-element antenna array, making use of the characteristics of the received signals. Measurement of the DOA of the received signal is used to localize signals sources, such as radars, mobile phone devices, and RF beacons. This thesis aims to design and implement a direction finding (DF) system that can be integrated on a mobile aerial platform, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), in order to localize ground transmitters. General background and concepts about DF systems, RF transmitters, DF applications, and localization have been illustrated and discussed within the thesis. Through the thesis, DF algorithms and techniques have been described and addressed. Comprehensive design approaches and requirements are also discussed in detail. Related hardware is discussed, presented, and simulated and their effects on the system integration is addressed. In order to complement the DF system on a UAV, navigation methods and geographical positioning of the UAV are presented in the thesis.