Hybrid smart antenna system using directional elements - performance analysis in flat Rayleigh fading

In this paper we present a new procedure for implementing smart antenna algorithms. It is a hybrid approach that integrates the features of the switched beam method and the adaptive beam forming approach. Specifically it is shown that by using high gain antenna elements and combining the switched beam process with the adaptive beam forming procedure on a limited number of elements (as low as 2 in an 8-element array), a performance close to that of a more complex 8-element adaptive array may be achieved. The proposed hybrid method, therefore, is fast, computationally efficient, and provides a cost effective approach for exploiting space diversity. Even with the inclusion of interference signals, the proposed hybrid approach out-performed the switched beam method, and provided performance similar to that of an adaptive array with less number of elements (3 in an 8-element array). Implementation of an adaptive array also includes estimations; hence, reducing the number of elements in an array may lead to improved accuracy, in addition to fast convergence and reduced complexity.