Single-sensor RF emitter localization based on multipath exploitation

This paper considers the problem of passive localization of a wideband RF emitter by exploiting the multipath interaction of the signal with the environment, as occurs in urban settings. The feasibility of localizing using times of arrival (TOAs) of multipath components is examined. Localization of an emitter with a known waveform in a bounded three-dimensional volume, without prior knowledge of the time of emission, is shown to be possible if there are at least five TOAs corresponding to known propagation paths. The primary contribution is a method to correctly associate measured TOAs with scattering surfaces. This method can cope with some unresolved TOAs, as well as spurious TOA measurements (clutter). Simulations are used to test the effects of scene geometry, clutter, and surface roughness on localization performance.