Tensor-based passive localization of multiple wideband emitters using PARAFAC decomposition

Emitter localization techniques are crucial for various applications in both civilian and military surveillance. In this work, we propose a passive position determination method for localizing multiple emitters by utilizing both direction of arrival (DOA) and time of arrival (TOA) information. We adopt a joint spatio-temporal processing framework that integrates an antenna array with a bandpass filter bank to intercept and localize signals from the interested emitters. The intercepted signal is then characterized as a low-rank third-order tensor, enabling the application of PARAllel FACtor (PARAFAC) decomposition to extract the spatio-temporal response matrix. Subsequently, a localization cost function, which is directly related to the emitter position, is formulated based on the estimated response matrix. The emitters' positions are determined through a nonlinear grid search algorithm. Additionally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, demonstrating its superior performance in terms of estimation accuracy and resolution capability, particularly in scenarios involving multiple emitters.