Application of frequency estimation algorithm based on a single vector sensor in underwater acoustic communication

A method of high resolution frequency estimation based on a single vector sensor using ESPRIT (Estimating Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Techniques) algorithm is proposed and applied to the underwater acoustic (UWA) communication system of frequency modulation. Higher resolution frequency estimation can be obtained by this algorithm using fewer snapshots comparing with the sound intensity frequency estimation. Results of simulation and lake experiment show that the proposed algorithm can improve the communication data rate and reduce the bandwidth of the system. Because higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is demanded, this algorithm can be used in high speed short range UWA communication at present.