Phase-optimised linearly-constrained minimum-variance beamformers

A procedure for the determination of the optimal group-delay of a Linearly-Constrained Minimum-Variance (LCMV) beamformer is proposed. Two ways of selecting the optimal delay are recommended: the first is the solution that minimizes the noise power; the second is the solution that minimizes the processing delay. The potential of this hitherto unexplored degree of design freedom is investigated using simulated Very-High-Frequency (VHF) communication, and Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) bistatic radar, applications