Method and system for tracking eigenvalues of matrix pencils for signal enumeration

摘要

Embodiments of a system and method are disclosed that exploit the unique higher order statistics of temporally dependent waveforms to detect and enumerate signals in a multi-signal and noise environment. The embodiments use spatial 4<th>-order cumulants or spatial 2<nd>-order moments in a Blind Source Separation operation and generalized eigenvalue decomposition to determine unique matrix pencil eigenvalues for a set of unknown signals. Sequential detection in the complex plane of the eigenvalues in associated tracks for successive blocks of sensor data serve as the basis of the detection decision. The embodiments may include a multi-element array and do not require a priori knowledge of the signal environment to detect and enumerate the signals.