525.744.8VL - Passive Emitter Geo-Location

Expanded Course Description

This course covers the algorithms used to locate a stationary RF signal source, such as a radar, radio, or cell phone. The topics covered include a review of vectors, matrices, and probability; linear estimation and Kalman filters; nonlinear estimation and extended Kalman filters; robust estimation; data association; measurement models for direction of arrival, time difference of arrival, and frequency difference of arrival; geo-location algorithms; and performance analysis. Most of the course material is developed in planar Cartesian coordinates for simplicity; however, the extension to WGS84 coordinates is provided to equip the students for practical applications. Problem set consists of both analytical problems and problems that require computer simulation using software such as MATLAB.

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Course Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. 

Course Topics

• Review of vectors and matrices
• Review of probabilities and statistics
• Linear Estimation
• Non-Linear Estimation
• Geo-Location Algorithms
  • Range, Direction of Arrival (DOA), Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), Frequency Difference of Arrival (FDOA)
• Optimal Parameter Estimation
• Geo-location performance analysis
• Data association
• Robust Estimation
• Geo-location in WGS84
• Additional Minimization methods
• Confidence Regions

Course Goals

The goal of the class is to develop a working knowledge of emitter geo-location using AOA/DOA, TDOA, FDOA, and Doppler. The students will understand how to:

1.  Develop mathematical model for each measurement modality (AOA/DOA, TDOA, FDOA, and Doppler)
2.  Determine emitter location and associated accuracy using measurements from a combination of modalities.

Textbooks

No textbook required. Notes will be provided

Suggested Reading

1. Guo, F., Fan, F., Zhou, Y., Zhou, C., Li, Q., Space Electronic Reconnaissance: Location Theories and Methods. John Wiley & Sons Singapore Pte. Ltd, 2014
2. O'Donoughue, Nicholas, Emitter Detection and Geolocation for Electronic Warfare.  Artech House, Norwood, MA. 2020
3. Zekavat, A. Sayed, Buehrer, R. Michael, Handbook of Position Location: Theory, Practice, and Advances. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. NJ 2012

Required Software

MATLAB will be provided.

Student Coursework Requirements

Homework (60%)
Paper Presentation (10%)
Final Project (30%)

Students must demonstrate proficiency in MATLAB

Grading Policy

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.