RLMS algorithm for fixed or adaptive beamforming

This paper presents a flexible method of achieving either fixed or self-adaptive antenna beamforming. It involves the use of the array image factor Ád, which interfaces the Recursive Least Squares (RLS) and Least Mean Squares (LMS) sections in cascade to form the RLMS beamforming algorithm. It is shown that an accurate fixed beam can be obtained by simply setting the elements of Ád A with prescribed values corresponding to the required direction. Moreover, the beam direction can also be made adaptive to automatically track the target signal. In this case, a simple method is described for estimating the element values of Ád based on the estimated RLS output signal and tap weights. Computer simulation results verify these two modes of operation of the RLMS beamforming algorithm. Furthermore, the convergence performance of RLMS is shown to be quite insensitive to variations in SNR of the input signal as well as step sizes associated with the RLS and LMS sections.