Impact of Low-Resolution ADC on DOA Estimation Performance for Massive MIMO Receive Array

Abstract

In this article, we present a new scenario of direction of arrival estimation using massive multiple-input multiple-output receive array with low-resolution analog-to-digital convertors (ADCs), which can strike a good balance between performance and circuit cost. Based on the linear additive quantization noise model, the inpact of low-resolution ADCs on methods, such as Root-MUSIC, is analyzed. Also, the closed-form expression of Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) is derived to evaluate the performance loss caused by the low-resolution ADCs. The simulation results show that the Root-MUSIC methods can achieve the corresponding CRLB. Furthermore, adopting ADCs with 2–3 b is an efficient choice for most applications if 1 dB performance loss is acceptable.