Performance Enhancement in Copper Twisted Pair Cable Communications

The thesis focuses on the area of copper twisted pair based wireline communications. As one of the most widely deployed communication media, the copper twisted pair cable plays an important role in the communication network cabling infrastructure. This thesis looks to exploit diversity to improve twisted pair channels for data communications in two common application areas, namely Ethernet over Twisted Paris and digital subscriber line over twisted pair based telephone network. The first part of the thesis addresses new approaches to next generation Ethernet over twisted pair cable. The coming challenge for Ethernet over twisted pair cable is to realise a higher data rate beyond the 25/40GBASE-T standard, in relatively short reach scenarios. The straight-forward approaches, such as improving cable quality and extending frequency bandwidth, are unlikely to provide significant improvement in terms of data rate. However, other system diversities, such as spectrum utilization are yet to be fully exploited, so as to meet the desired data rate performance. The current balanced transmission over the structured twisted pair cable and its parallel single-in-single-out channel model is revisited and formulated as a full-duplex multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) channel model. With a common ground (provided by the cable shield), the balanced transmission is converted into unbalanced transmission, by replacing the differential-mode excitation with single-ended excitation. In this way, MIMO adoption may offer spectrum utilization advantages due to the doubled number of the channels. The S-parameters of the proposed MIMO channel model is obtained through the full wave electromagnetic simulation of a short CAT7A cable. The channel models are constructed from the resulting S-parameters, also the corresponding theoretical capacity is evaluated by exploiting different diversity scenarios. With higher spectrum efficiency, the orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM) modulation can significantly improve the theoretical capacity compared with single-carrier modulation, where the channel frequency selectivity is aided. The MIMO can further enhance the capacity by minimising the impact of the crosstalk. When the crosstalk is properly handled under the unbalanced transmission, this thesis shows that the theoretical capacity of the EoTP cable can reach nearly 200GBit/s. In order to further extend the bandwidth capability of twisted pair cables, Phantom Mode transmission is studied, aiming at creating more channels under balanced transmission operation. The second part of the thesis focuses on the research of advanced scheduling algorithms for VDSL2 QoS enhancement. For VDSL2 broadband access networks, multi-user optimisation techniques have been developed, so as to improve the basic data rate performance. Spectrum balancing improves the network performance by optimising users transmit power spectra as the resource allocation, to mitigate the impact from the crosstalk. Aiming at enhancing the performance for the upstream VDSL2 service, where the users QoS demand is not known by all other users, a set of autonomous spectrum balancing algorithms is proposed. These optimise users transmit power spectra locally with only direct channel state information. To prevent selfish behaviour, the concept of a virtual user is introduced to represent the impact on both crosstalk interference and queueing status of other users. Moreover, novel algorithms are developed to determine the parameters and the weight of the virtual user. Another type of resource allocation in the VDSL2 network is crosstalk cancellation by centralised signal coordination. The history of the data queue is considered as a time series, on which different smooth filter characteristics are investigated in order to investigate further performance improvement. The use of filter techniques accounts for both the instantaneous queue length and also the previous data to determine the most efficient dynamic resource allocation. With the help of this smoothed dynamic resource allocation, the network will benefit from both reduced signalling communication and improved delay performance.The proposed algorithms are verified by numerical experiments

Multi-Level Canonical Correlation Analysis for Standard-Dose PET Image Estimation

Positron emission tomography (PET) images are widely used in many clinical applications such as tumor detection and brain disorder diagnosis. To obtain PET images of diagnostic quality, a sufficient amount of radioactive tracer has to be injected into a living body, which will inevitably increase the risk of radiation exposure. On the other hand, if the tracer dose is considerably reduced, the quality of the resulting images would be significantly degraded. It is of great interest to estimate a standard-dose PET (S-PET) image from a low-dose one in order to reduce the risk of radiation exposure and preserve image quality. This may be achieved through mapping both standard-dose and low-dose PET data into a common space and then performing patch based sparse representation. However, a one-size-fits-all common space built from all training patches is unlikely to be optimal for each target S-PET patch, which limits the estimation accuracy. In this paper, we propose a data-driven multi-level Canonical Correlation Analysis (mCCA) scheme to solve this problem. Specifically, a subset of training data that is most useful in estimating a target S-PET patch is identified in each level, and then used in the next level to update common space and improve estimation. Additionally, we also use multi-modal magnetic resonance images to help improve the estimation with complementary information. Validations on phantom and real human brain datasets show that our method effectively estimates S-PET images and well preserves critical clinical quantification measures, such as standard uptake value

Generic Constraints for Type-Safe Embedded Programming

Domain-specific languages (DSLs) are everywhere, with applications in areas such as parser generation, music synthesis, parallel programming and even the design of domain-specific languages. However, while the pay-off in using a DSL may be substantial, the cost of introducing a language may be made prohibitively high by the need to construct a supporting toolchain. A common tactic is to embed a DSL into a general-purpose host programming language. Existing infrastructure such as a language’s compiler or type system may be re-used, provided that the embedding accurately captures the properties of the DSL. While the rich type systems and orthogonal abstraction features of modern functional languages have proved particularly capable in this regard, they are not without their shortcomings. Building type-safe functions defined over an embedded DSL can introduce application-specific type constraints that end up being imposed on the DSL data types themselves. At best, these constraints are unwieldy and at worst they can limit the range of DSL expressions that can be built. In this thesis we tackle the problem of accurately embedding a DSL’s type system into that of the purely functional language Haskell. We present a framework for expressing application-specific constraints at the point of a DSL expression’s use rather than when the DSL’s embedding is defined. We show how our framework can be applied more generally to capture arbitrary properties of a DSL expression and, in certain cases, how we may subsequently prove additional safety properties such as the totality of a function which operates over DSL expressions. We evaluate our techniques by illustrating their use in constructing a DSL for heterogeneous parallel programming. However, our methods have potentially wider applications such as context-dependent computation, which are also discussed

Evolution Toward 5G Mobile Networks - A Survey on Enabling Technologies

In this paper, an extensive review has been carried out on the trends of existing as well as proposed potential enabling technologies that are expected to shape the fifth generation (5G) mobile wireless networks. Based on the classification of the trends, we develop a 5G network architectural evolution framework that comprises three evolutionary directions, namely, (1) radio access network node and performance enabler, (2) network control programming platform, and (3) backhaul network platform and synchronization. In (1), we discuss node classification including low power nodes in emerging machine-type communications, and network capacity enablers, e.g., millimeter wave communications and massive multiple-input multiple-output. In (2), both logically distributed cell/device-centric platforms, and logically centralized conventional/wireless software defined networking control programming approaches are discussed. In (3), backhaul networks and network synchronization are discussed. A comparative analysis for each direction as well as future evolutionary directions and challenges toward 5G networks are discussed. This survey will be helpful for further research exploitations and network operators for a smooth evolution of their existing networks toward 5G networks

Measuring and filtering microwave radiations using frequency selective surface through energy saving glass

This thesis presents the results of our investigation into the measurement and filtering of microwave radiation, and the subsequent development of a microwave reduction solution for modern building architecture utilising Energy Saving Glass (ESG), in conjunction with Frequency Selective (FSS) surfaces through which useful signals can be filtered. In the investigation, radiation power density levels arising from the three common microwave sources (radio base stations, mobile phones, and microwave ovens) were measured, and the results were compared with the standards provided by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. For the radio base stations, the relationship between radiation intensity levels and the important location parameters at the measurement point, e.g., line of sight, distance and elevation, are discussed in detail. Our results show that locations having the same elevation level as the RBS receive higher level of radiation, compared to those locations not at the same level. Power density of the radiation from microwave ovens was measured at various distances and angles. The results indicate that most of the radiation is emitted through the main door of the ovens, with the doors normally being assembled utilising simple float glass. ESG was found to have desirable radiation attenuating characteristics, and was identified as an effective replacement for float glass in microwave oven doors. In our investigation of the third potentially hazardous source of microwave radiation, the mobile handset, measurements were carried out in order to analyse power density levels during both call and idle times. Our results confirm that some handsets do not change power level, while others use higher power to communicate with the base station during a call. It is our recommendation that the manufacturers label each handset with the specific transmission power level in order to provide users with the relevant information. The conclusions drawn from our investigations lead us to recommend that ESG be used in buildings close to RBS, so that the levels of unnecessary radiation are reduced. However, useful signals would still be transmitted by utilising the dual bandpass FSS filters designed as part of this work. We designed two distinct models of bandpass FSS filters on hard coated ESG. The first filter that we designed will block microwave signals coming from weather radar, personal communication devices, power transmission lines and emergency service radios, while transmitting useful UMTS and Wi-Fi signals; minimising the radiation impact. Only 7.30% of the coating area of the glass was removed to enable transmission in the U850 and U2100 frequency bands. The second design requires the removal of 12.35% of the coating area to enable transmission in the U800, U850, U1900 and U2100 frequency bands. Simulation results for the two designs show stable frequency responses for both TE and TM polarisations at normal and oblique incident angles, with attenuation\u27s below 10 dB within the passbands. Parametric studies on geometrical dimensions, substrate permittivity, and thickness help clarify the effects of these parameters upon the overall performance of FSS on hard coating ESG, and help the process of FSS design optimisation

Dark Energy: Observational Evidence and Theoretical Models

The book elucidates the current state of the dark energy problem and presents the results of the authors, who work in this area. It describes the observational evidence for the existence of dark energy, the methods and results of constraining of its parameters, modeling of dark energy by scalar fields, the space-times with extra spatial dimensions, especially Kaluza---Klein models, the braneworld models with a single extra dimension as well as the problems of positive definition of gravitational energy in General Relativity, energy conditions and consequences of their violation in the presence of dark energy. This monograph is intended for science professionals, educators and graduate students, specializing in general relativity, cosmology, field theory and particle physics.Comment: Book, 380 p., 88 figs., 7 tables; 1st volume of three-volume book "Dark energy and dark matter in the Universe", ed. V. Shulga, Kyiv, Academperiodyka, 2013; ISBN 978-966-360-239-4, ISBN 978-966-360-240-0 (vol. 1). arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:0706.0033, arXiv:1104.3029 by other author

X-RAY SPECTRAL ANALYSIS IN X-RAY FLUORESCENCE IMAGING FOR BREAST CANCER DETECTION

The knowledge of X-ray spectrum plays a major role in exploiting and optimizing the X-ray utilizations, especially in biomedical application fields. Over the past decades, extensive research efforts have been made in better characterizing the X-ray spectral features in experimental and simulation studies. The objectives of this dissertation are to investigate the applications of X-ray spectral measurement and analysis in X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging modalities, to facilitate the development of new imaging modalities or to optimize the imaging performance of currently available imaging systems. The structure and primary discoveries of this dissertation are as follows: after a brief introduction of the objectives of this dissertation in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 gives a comprehensive background including electromagnetic properties, various applications, and different generation mechanisms of X-rays and their interactions with matter, X-ray spectral measurement and analysis methods, XRF principles and applications for cancer detection, and micro-CT system. Considering relatively high fluorescence production probability and sufficient penetrability of gold Kα fluorescence signals, Chapter 3 establishes a theoretical model of a gold nanoparticle (GNP) K-shell XRF imaging prototype consisting of a pencil-beam X-ray for excitation and a single collimated spectrometer for XRF detection. Then, the optimal energy windows of 66.99±0.56keV and 68.80±0.56keV for two gold Kα fluorescence peaks are determined in Chapter 4. Also, the linear interpolation method for background estimation under the Kα fluorescence peaks is suggested in this chapter. Chapters 5 and 6 propose a novel XRF based imaging modality, X-ray fluorescence mapping (XFM) for the purpose of breast cancer detection, especially emphasizing on the detection of breast tumor located posteriorly, close to the chest wall musculature. The mapping results in these two chapters match well with the known spatial distributions and different GNP concentrations in 2D/3D reconstructions. Chapter 7 presents a method for determining the modulation transfer function (MTF) in XRF imaging modality, evaluating and improving the imaging performance of XFM. Moreover, this dissertation also investigates the importance of X-ray spectral measurement and analysis in a rotating gantry based micro-CT system. A practical alignment method for X-ray spectral measurement is first proposed using 3D printing technology in Chapter 8. With the measured results and corresponding spectral analysis, Chapter 9 further evaluates the impact of spectral filtrations on image quality indicators such as CT number uniformity, noise, and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) in the micro-CT system using a mouse phantom comprising 11 rods for modeling lung, muscle, adipose, and bones (various densities). With a baseline of identical entrance exposure to the imaged mouse phantom, the CNRs are degraded with improved beam quality for bone with high density and soft tissue, while are enhanced for bone with low density, lung, and muscle. Finally, Chapter 10 summarizes the whole dissertation and prospects the future research directions

Mitigation of impulsive noise for SISO and MIMO G.fast system

To address the demand for high bandwidth data transmission over telephone transmission lines, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recently completed the fourth generation broadband (4GBB) copper access network technology, known as G.fast. Throughout this thesis, extensively investigates the wired broadband G.fast coding system and the novel impulsive noise reduction technique has been proposed to improve the performance of wired communications network in three different scenarios: single-line Discrete Multiple Tone (DMT)- G.fast system; a multiple input multiple-output (MIMO) DMTG.fast system, and MIMO G.fast system with different crosstalk cancellation methods. For each of these scenarios, however, Impulsive Noise (IN) is considered as the main limiting factor of performance system. In order to improve the performance of such systems, which use higher order QAM constellation such as G.fast system, this thesis examines the performance of DMT G.fast system over copper channel for six different higher signal constellations of M = 32, 128, 512, 2048, 8192 and 32768 in presence of IN modelled as the Middleton Class A (MCA) noise source. In contrast to existing work, this thesis presents and derives a novel equation of Optimal Threshold (OT) to improve the IN frequency domain mitigation methods applied to the G.fast standard over copper channel with higher QAM signal constellations. The second scenario, Multi-Line Copper Wire (MLCW) G.fast is adopted utilizing the proposed MLCW Chen model and is compared to a single line G-fast system by a comparative analysis in terms of Bit-Error-Rate(BER) performance of implementation of MLCW-DMT G.fast system. The third scenario, linear and non-linear crosstalk crosstalk interference cancellation methods are applied to MLCW G.fas and compared by a comparative analysis in terms of BER performance and the complexity of implementation.University of Technology for choosing me for their PhD scholarship and The Higher Committee For Education Development in Iraq(HCED