In dense target and false detection scenario of four time difference of arrival （TDOA） for multi-passive-sensor location system, the global optimal data association algorithm has to be adopted. In view of the heavy calculation burden of the traditional optimal assignment algorithm, this paper proposes a new global optimal assignment algorithm and a 2-stage association algorithm based on a statistic test. Compared with the traditional optimal algorithm, the new optimal algorithm avoids the complicated operations for finding the target position before we calculate association cost; hence, much of the procedure time is saved. In the 2-stage association algorithm, a large number of false location points are eliminated from candidate associations in advance. Therefore, the operation is further decreased, and the correct data association probability is improved in varying degrees. Both the complexity analyses and simulation results can verify the effectiveness of the new algorithms.
