We propose a novel discrete Fourier transform (DFT)-based direction of arrival (DOA) estimation by a virtual array extension using simple multiplications for frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. DFT-based DOA estimation is usually employed in radar systems because it provides the advantage of low complexity for real-time signal processing. In order to enhance the resolution of DOA estimation or to decrease the missing detection probability, it is essential to have a considerable number of channel signals. However, due to constraints of space and cost, it is not easy to increase the number of channel signals. In order to address this issue, we increase the number of effective channel signals by generating virtual channel signals using simple multiplications of the given channel signals. The increase in channel signals allows the proposed scheme to detect DOA more accurately than the conventional scheme while using the same number of channel signals. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme achieves improved DOA estimation compared to the conventional DFT-based method. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in a practical environment is verified through the experiment.
Keywords: DFT; DOA estimation; FMCW; virtual array.