Design and validation of a MATLAB-based GUI for coarray domain analysis of sparse linear arrays

This work presents a first-of-its-kind graphical user interface (GUI)-based simulator developed using MATLAB App designer for the comprehensive analysis of sparse linear arrays (SLAs) in the difference coarray (DCA) domain. Sparse sensor arrays have emerged as a critical solution in enhancing signal detection, direction of arrival (DOA) estimation, and beamforming in fields such as wireless communication, radar, sonar, and integrated sensing systems. They offer several advantages over traditional uniform arrays, including reduced system complexity, lower deployment costs, and improved mitigation of mutual coupling effects. The tool enables users to input array configurations, compute DCAs, visualize weight function graphs, and assess the hole-free status of arrays, as applicable for coarray processing. Unlike conventional simulators that focus on radiation pattern visualization (array pattern, main lobe and sidelobe characteristics, azimuth cut, rectangular view, polar view, etc.), this tool addresses the behavior of SLAs from a coarray domain perspective. Numerical validations demonstrate the tool’s correctness, effectiveness, and its potential to foster further research in sparse arrays. This simulator could also be used as a teaching aid to drive home complicated topics and attract young minds toward the fascinating field of sparse array design.