Experimental Investigations of Millimeter Wave Beamforming

The millimeter wave (mmW) band, commonly referred to as the frequency band between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, is seen as a possible candidate to increase achievable rates for mobile applications due to the existence of free spectrum. However, the high path loss necessitates the use of highly directional antennas. Furthermore, impairments and power constraints make it difficult to provide full digital beamforming systems. In this thesis, we approach this problem by proposing effective beam alignment and beam tracking algorithms for low-complex analog beamforming (ABF) systems, showing their applicability by experimental demonstration. After taking a closer look at particular features of the mmW channel properties and introducing the beamforming as a spatial filter, we begin our investigations with the application of detection theory for the non-convex beam alignment problem. Based on an M-ary hypothesis test, we derive algorithms for defining the length of the training signal efficiently. Using the concept of black-box optimization algorithms, which allow optimization of non-convex algorithms, we propose a beam alignment algorithm for codebook-based ABF based systems, which is shown to reduce the training overhead significantly. As a low-complex alternative, we propose a two-staged gradient-based beam alignment algorithm that uses convex optimization strategies after finding a subregion of the beam alignment function in which the function can be regarded convex. This algorithm is implemented in a real-time prototype system and shows its superiority over the exhaustive search approach in simulations and experiments. Finally, we propose a beam tracking algorithm for supporting mobility. Experiments and comparisons with a ray-tracing channel model show that it can be used efficiently in line of sight (LoS) and non line of sight (NLoS) scenarios for walking-speed movements

Smart Pattern V2I Handover Based on Machine Learning Vehicle Classification

The mmwave frequencies will be widely used in future vehicular communications. At these frequencies, the radio channel becomes much more vulnerable to slight changes in the environment like motions of the device, reflections or blockage. In high mobility vehicular communications the rapidly changing vehicle environments and the large overheads due to frequent beam training are the critical disadvantages in developing these systems at mmwave frequencies. Hence, smart beam management procedures are desired to establish and maintain the radio channels. In this thesis, we propose that using the positions and respective velocities of the vehicles in the dynamic selection of the beam pair, and then adapting to the changing environments using machine learning algorithms, can improve both network performance and communication stability in high mobility vehicular communications

Antennas and Propagation Aspects for Emerging Wireless Communication Technologies

The increasing demand for high data rate applications and the delivery of zero-latency multimedia content drives technological evolutions towards the design and implementation of next-generation broadband wireless networks. In this context, various novel technologies have been introduced, such as millimeter wave (mmWave) transmission, massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems, and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) schemes in order to support the vision of fifth generation (5G) wireless cellular networks. The introduction of these technologies, however, is inextricably connected with a holistic redesign of the current transceiver structures, as well as the network architecture reconfiguration. To this end, ultra-dense network deployment along with distributed massive MIMO technologies and intermediate relay nodes have been proposed, among others, in order to ensure an improved quality of services to all mobile users. In the same framework, the design and evaluation of novel antenna configurations able to support wideband applications is of utmost importance for 5G context support. Furthermore, in order to design reliable 5G systems, the channel characterization in these frequencies and in the complex propagation environments cannot be ignored because it plays a significant role. In this Special Issue, fourteen papers are published, covering various aspects of novel antenna designs for broadband applications, propagation models at mmWave bands, the deployment of NOMA techniques, radio network planning for 5G networks, and multi-beam antenna technologies for 5G wireless communications

High Bit Rate Wireless and Fiber-Based Terahertz Communication

RÉSUMÉ Dans le spectre électromagnétique, la bande des térahertz s’étend de 100 GHz à 10 THz (longueurs d’onde de 3 mm à 30 μm). Des décennies auparavant, le spectre des THz était connu sous le nom de « gap térahertz » en raison de l’indisponibilité de sources et détecteurs efficaces à ces fréquences. Depuis quelques années, la science a évolué pour faire migrer la technologie THz des laboratoires aux produits commerciaux. Il existe plusieurs applications des ondes THz en imagerie, spectroscopie et communications. Dans cette thèse, nous nous intéressons aux communications THz à travers deux objectifs. Le premier objectif est de développer une source THz de haute performance dédiée aux communications et basée sur les technologies optiques avec des produits commerciaux uniquement. Le second objectif est de démontrer l’utilisation de fibres optiques afin de renforcer la robustesse des communications THz sans fil. Nous débutons cette thèse avec une revue de la littérature scientifique sur le sujet de la communications THz sans fil et filaire. D’abord, nous discutons des deux méthodes communément utilisées (électronique et optique) pour démontrer des liens de communications THz avec leurs avantages et inconvénients. Nous présentons par la suite la possibilité d’utiliser un système de spectroscopie THz pour des applications en communications avec des modifications mineures au montage. Nous présentons ensuite plusieurs applications gourmandes en bande passante qui pourraient bénéficier du spectre THz, incluant la diffusion en continu (streaming) de flux vidéo aux résolutions HD et 4K non compressés. Ensuite, nous discutons de la motivation d’utiliser de longues fibres THz et notamment du fait qu’elles ne sont pas destinées à remplacer les fibres optiques conventionnelles de l’infrarouge, mais plutôt à augmenter la robustesse des liens THz sans fil. En particulier, les fibres THz peuvent être utilisées pour garantir le lien de communication dans des environnements géométriques complexes ou difficile à atteindre, ainsi que pour immuniser le lien THz aux attaques de sécurité. Plusieurs designs de fibres et guides d’onde précédemment démontrées dans la littérature sont discutés avec, entre autres, leurs méthodes de fabrication respectives. Nous discutons ensuite de la possibilité d’utiliser un simple guide d’onde diélectrique et sous-longueur d’onde pour transmettre l’information à un débit de l’ordre de plusieurs Gbps sur une distance de quelques mètres.----------ABSTRACT The Terahertz (THz) spectral range spans from 100 GHz to 10 THz (wavelength: 3 mm to 30 μm) in the electromagnetic spectrum. Decades ago, the THz spectral range is often named as ‘THz gap’ due to the non-availability of efficient THz sources and detectors. In the recent years, the science has evolved in bringing the THz technology from lab scale to commercial products. There are several potential applications of THz frequency band such as imaging, spectroscopy and communication. In this thesis, we focus on THz communications by addressing two objectives. The first objective is to develop a high-performance photonics-based THz communication system using all commercially available components. The second objective is to demonstrate the THz-fiber based communications, which can be used to increase the reliability of THz wireless links. We begin this thesis with a scientific literature review on the subject of THz wireless and fiber-based communications. First, the two different methodologies (all electronics based and photonics-based THz system) that is commonly used in the demonstration of THz communications is discussed along with their advantages and challenges. We then present the flexibility of photonics-based THz system where it is possible to switch it with minor modifications for THz spectroscopic studies and THz communication applications. Several bandwidth hungry applications that demands the use of THz spectrum for next generation communications is detailed. This includes the streaming of uncompressed HD/4K and beyond high-resolution videos, where the THz spectrum can be beneficial. Next, the motivation of using long THz fibers is discussed and we convince the readers that the THz fibers are not meant to replace the fibers in the optical-infrared region but to increase the reliability of THz wireless links. Particularly, the THz fibers can be used to provide connectivity in complex geometrical environments, secure communications and signal delivery to hard-to-reach areas. Several novel fiber/waveguide designs along with their fabrication technologies from the literature are presented. We then show that a simple solid core dielectric subwavelength fiber can be used to transmit the information in the order of several Gbps to a distance of a few meters

Antennas and Propagation

This Special Issue gathers topics of utmost interest in the field of antennas and propagation, such as: new directions and challenges in antenna design and propagation; innovative antenna technologies for space applications; metamaterial, metasurface and other periodic structures; antennas for 5G; electromagnetic field measurements and remote sensing applications

Reconfigurable antennas and radio wave propagation at millimeter-wave frequencies

For the last decades we have been witnessing the evolution of wireless radio networks. Since new devices appear and the mobile traffic, as well as the number of users, grows rapidly, there is a great demand in high capacity communications with better coverage, high transmission quality, and more efficient use of the radio spectrum. In this thesis, reconfigurable antennas at micro- and millimeter-wave frequencies and peculiar properties of radio wave propagation at mm-wave frequencies are studied. Reconfigurable antennas can improve radio link performance. Recently, many different concepts have been developed in the reconfigurable antenna design to control the antenna bandwidth, resonant frequency, polarization, and radiation properties. In the first part of the thesis, we investigate mechanically tunable antennas operating at microwave frequencies with the ability to change the shape of the conductor element and, consequently, to control the radiation properties of the antenna. Also in the first part, we study conformal antenna arraysfor 60 GHz applications based on cylindrical structures. Beam switching technology is implemented by realizing several antenna arrays around the cylinder with a switching network.Scanning angles of +34˚/-32˚ are achieved. Moreover, it is vital to study radio wave propagation peculiarities at mm-wave frequencies in indoor and outdoor environments to be able to deploy wireless networks effectively. The propagation part of the thesis focuses on several aspects. First, we investigate how the estimation of optimum antenna configurations in indoor environment can be done usingrealistic propagation models at 60 GHz. Ray tracing simulations are performed and realistic human blockage models are considered. Second, we present the results from a measurement campaign where reflection and scattering properties of two different built surfaces are studied in the millimeter-wave E-band (71-76 and 81-86 GHz). Next, we present a geometry based channel model for a street canyon scenario, using angular-domain measurement results to calculate realistic power angular spectra in the azimuth and elevation planes. Then, we evaluate propagation effects on the radio channel on the rooftop of the buildings bymeasurements and simulations. We have used unmanned aerial vehicles and photogrammetrytechnique to create a highly accurate 3D model of the environment. Based on a comparison of the measured and simulated power delay profiles, we show that the highly accurate 3D modelsare beneficial in radio wave propagation planning at mm-wave frequencies instead of using simple geometrical models

UWB localization with battery-powered wireless backbone for drone-based inventory management

Current inventory-taking methods (counting stocks and checking correct placements) in large vertical warehouses are mostly manual, resulting in (i) large personnel costs, (ii) human errors and (iii) incidents due to working at large heights. To remedy this, the use of autonomous indoor drones has been proposed. However, these drones require accurate localization solutions that are easy to (temporarily) install at low costs in large warehouses. To this end, we designed a Ultra-Wideband (UWB) solution that uses infrastructure anchor nodes that do not require any wired backbone and can be battery powered. The resulting system has a theoretical update rate of up to 2892 Hz (assuming no hardware dependent delays). Moreover, the anchor nodes have an average current consumption of only 27 mA (compared to 130 mA of traditional UWB infrastructure nodes). Finally, the system has been experimentally validated and is available as open-source software

Digitally-Compensated Wideband 60 GHz Test-Bed for Power Amplifier Predistortion Experiments

Millimeter waves will play an important role in communication systems in the near future. On the one hand, the bandwidths available at millimeter-wave frequencies allow for elevated data rates, but on the other hand, the wide bandwidth accentuates the effects of wireless front-end impairments on transmitted waveforms and makes their compensation more difficult. Research into front-end impairment compensation in millimeter-wave frequency bands is currently being carried out, mainly using expensive laboratory setups consisting of universal signal generators, spectral analyzers and high-speed oscilloscopes. This paper presents a detailed description of an in-house built MATLAB-controlled 60 GHz measurement test-bed developed using relatively inexpensive hardware components that are available on the market and equipped with digital compensation for the most critical front-end impairments, including the digital predistortion of the power amplifier. It also demonstrates the potential of digital predistortion linearization on two distinct 60 GHz power amplifiers: one integrated in a direct-conversion transceiver and an external one with 24 dBm output power

Capacity Enhancement by Pattern-Reconfigurable Multiple Antenna Systems in Vehicular Applications

This work presents a design methodology for pattern reconfigurable antennas in automotive applications. Channel simulation is used to identify the relevant beam directions prior to the design of the antenna. Based on this knowledge several reconfigurable multiple antenna systems are designed. These antennas are evaluated by the channel capacity calculation from virtual and real-world test drives. An increase of the channel capacity by a factor of 2 compared to a conventional system is observed