Parallel implementation of the wideband DOA algorithm on the IBM Cell BE processor

The Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm is a powerful technique for determining the Direction of Arrival (DOA) of signals impinging on an antenna array. The algorithm is serial based, mathematically intensive, and requires substantial computing power to realize in real-time. Recently, multi-core processors are becoming more prevalent and affordable. The challenge of adapting existing serial based algorithms to parallel based algorithms suitable for today's multi-core processors is daunting. One multi-core processor will be focused on, namely the IBM Cell Broadband Engine Processor (Cell BE). The process of adapting the serial based MUSIC algorithm to the Cell BE will be analyzed in terms of parallelism and performance for DOA determination.