Sparsifying Dictionary Learning for Beamspace Channel Representation and Estimation in Millimeter-Wave Massive MIMO

Millimeter-wave massive multiple-input-multiple-output (mmWave mMIMO) is reported as a key enabler in the fifth-generation communication and beyond. It is customary to use a lens antenna array to transform a mmWave mMIMO channel into a beamspace where the channel exhibits sparsity. Exploiting this sparsity enables the applicability of hybrid precoding and achieves pilot reduction. This beamspace transformation is equivalent to performing a Fourier transformation of the channel. A motivation for the Fourier character of this transformation is the fact that the steering response vectors in antenna arrays are Fourier basis vectors. Still, a Fourier transformation is not necessarily the optimal one, due to many reasons. Accordingly, this paper proposes using a learned sparsifying dictionary as the transformation operator leading to another beamspace. Since the dictionary is obtained by training over actual channel measurements, this transformation is shown to yield two immediate advantages. First, is enhancing channel sparsity, thereby leading to more efficient pilot reduction. Second, is improving the channel representation quality, and thus reducing the underlying power leakage phenomenon. Consequently, this allows for both improved channel estimation and facilitated beam selection in mmWave mMIMO. This is especially the case when the antenna array is not perfectly uniform. Besides, a learned dictionary is also used as the precoding operator for the same reasons. Extensive simulations under various operating scenarios and environments validate the added benefits of using learned dictionaries in improving the channel estimation quality and the beam selectivity, thereby improving the spectral efficiency.Comment: This work has been submitted to the IEEE for possible publication. Copyright may be transferred without notice, after which this version may no longer be accessibl

A survey on hybrid beamforming techniques in 5G : architecture and system model perspectives

The increasing wireless data traffic demands have driven the need to explore suitable spectrum regions for meeting the projected requirements. In the light of this, millimeter wave (mmWave) communication has received considerable attention from the research community. Typically, in fifth generation (5G) wireless networks, mmWave massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications is realized by the hybrid transceivers which combine high dimensional analog phase shifters and power amplifiers with lower-dimensional digital signal processing units. This hybrid beamforming design reduces the cost and power consumption which is aligned with an energy-efficient design vision of 5G. In this paper, we track the progress in hybrid beamforming for massive MIMO communications in the context of system models of the hybrid transceivers' structures, the digital and analog beamforming matrices with the possible antenna configuration scenarios and the hybrid beamforming in heterogeneous wireless networks. We extend the scope of the discussion by including resource management issues in hybrid beamforming. We explore the suitability of hybrid beamforming methods, both, existing and proposed till first quarter of 2017, and identify the exciting future challenges in this domain

Terahertz-Band Channel and Beam Split Estimation via Array Perturbation Model

For the demonstration of ultra-wideband bandwidth and pencil-beamforming, the terahertz (THz)-band has been envisioned as one of the key enabling technologies for the sixth generation networks. However, the acquisition of the THz channel entails several unique challenges such as severe path loss and beam-split. Prior works usually employ ultra-massive arrays and additional hardware components comprised of time-delayers to compensate for these loses. In order to provide a cost-effective solution, this paper introduces a sparse-Bayesian-learning (SBL) technique for joint channel and beam-split estimation. Specifically, we first model the beam-split as an array perturbation inspired from array signal processing. Next, a low-complexity approach is developed by exploiting the line-of-sight-dominant feature of THz channel to reduce the computational complexity involved in the proposed SBL technique for channel estimation (SBCE). Additionally, based on federated-learning, we implement a model-free technique to the proposed model-based SBCE solution. Further to that, we examine the near-field considerations of THz channel, and introduce the range-dependent near-field beam-split. The theoretical performance bounds, i.e., Cram\'er-Rao lower bounds, are derived both for near- and far-field parameters, e.g., user directions, beam-split and ranges. Numerical simulations demonstrate that SBCE outperforms the existing approaches and exhibits lower hardware cost.Comment: Accepted Paper in IEEE Open Journal of Communications Societ

A survey on 5G massive MIMO Localization

Massive antenna arrays can be used to meet the requirements of 5G, by exploiting different spatial signatures of users. This same property can also be harnessed to determine the locations of those users. In order to perform massive MIMO localization, refined channel estimation routines and localization methods have been developed. This paper provides a brief overview of this emerging field

A Tutorial on Extremely Large-Scale MIMO for 6G: Fundamentals, Signal Processing, and Applications

Extremely large-scale multiple-input-multiple-output (XL-MIMO), which offers vast spatial degrees of freedom, has emerged as a potentially pivotal enabling technology for the sixth generation (6G) of wireless mobile networks. With its growing significance, both opportunities and challenges are concurrently manifesting. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of research on XL-MIMO wireless systems. In particular, we introduce four XL-MIMO hardware architectures: uniform linear array (ULA)-based XL-MIMO, uniform planar array (UPA)-based XL-MIMO utilizing either patch antennas or point antennas, and continuous aperture (CAP)-based XL-MIMO. We comprehensively analyze and discuss their characteristics and interrelationships. Following this, we examine exact and approximate near-field channel models for XL-MIMO. Given the distinct electromagnetic properties of near-field communications, we present a range of channel models to demonstrate the benefits of XL-MIMO. We further motivate and discuss low-complexity signal processing schemes to promote the practical implementation of XL-MIMO. Furthermore, we explore the interplay between XL-MIMO and other emergent 6G technologies. Finally, we outline several compelling research directions for future XL-MIMO wireless communication systems.Comment: 38 pages, 10 figure