Bias analysis of the MUSIC location estimator

Abstract

The authors present a rigorous bias analysis of the MUSIC location estimator, and they derive an accurate and concise bias expression. The analysis is based on the second-order Taylor series expansion of the derivative of the null spectrum, properties of the null spectrum, and statistics of the estimated signal eigenvectors. It is proven that in the derivation the remainder term in the second-order Taylor series can be dropped but the second-order terms cannot be. Simulations verify that the bias expression is valid over a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) extending down into the resolution threshold region of MUSIC. Although asymptotic, this expression can be accurately applied to a limited number of snapshot cases. The utility of the expression is shown by using it in a study of MUSIC location estimator characteristics. Estimate bias and standard deviation are compared for variations in SNR, numbers of sensors and snapshots, and source correlation. MUSIC resolvability and estimator performance bounds are addressed, accounting for bias