MIMO-OFDM communication systems: channel estimation and wireless location

In this new information age, high data rate and strong reliability features our wireless communication systems and is becoming the dominant factor for a successful deployment of commercial networks. MIMO-OFDM (multiple input multiple output-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), a new wireless broadband technology, has gained great popularity for its capability of high rate transmission and its robustness against multi-path fading and other channel impairments. A major challenge to MIMO-OFDM systems is how to obtain the channel state information accurately and promptly for coherent detection of information symbols and channel synchronization. In the first part, this dissertation formulates the channel estimation problem for MIMO-OFDM systems and proposes a pilot-tone based estimation algorithm. A complex equivalent base-band MIMO-OFDM signal model is presented by matrix representation. By choosing equally-spaced and equally-powered pilot tones from sub-carriers in one OFDM symbol, a down-sampled version of the original signal model is obtained. Furthermore, this signal model is transformed into a linear form solvable for the LS (least-square) estimation algorithm. Based on the resultant model, a simple pilot-tone design is proposed in the form of a unitary matrix, whose rows stand for different pilot-tone sets in the frequency domain and whose columns represent distinct transmit antennas in the spatial domain. From the analysis and synthesis of the pilot-tone design in this dissertation, our estimation algorithm can reduce the computational complexity inherited in MIMO systems by the fact that the pilot-tone matrix is essentially a unitary matrix, and is proven an optimal channel estimator in the sense of achieving the minimum MSE (mean squared error) of channel estimation for a fixed power of pilot tones. In the second part, this dissertation addresses the wireless location problem in WiMax (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) networks, which is mainly based on the MIMO-OFDM technology. From the measurement data of TDOA (time difference of arrival), AOA (angle of arrival) or a combination of those two, a quasi-linear form is formulated for an LS-type solution. It is assumed that the observation data is corrupted by a zero-mean AWGN (additive white Gaussian noise) with a very small variance. Under this assumption, the noise term in the quasi-liner form is proved to hold a normal distribution approximately. Hence the ML (maximum-likelihood) estimation and the LS-type solution are equivalent. But the ML estimation technique is not feasible here due to its computational complexity and the possible nonexistence of the optimal solution. Our proposed method is capable of estimating the MS location very accurately with a much less amount of computations. A final result of the MS (mobile station) location estimation, however, cannot be obtained directly from the LS-type solution without bringing in another independent constraint. To solve this problem, the Lagrange multiplier is explored to find the optimal solution to the constrained LS-type optimization problem

802.16e System Profile for NASA Extra-Vehicular Activities

This report identifies an 802.16e system profile that is applicable to a lunar surface wireless network, and specifically for meeting extra-vehicular activity (EVA) data flow requirements. EVA suit communication needs are addressed. Design-driving operational scenarios are considered. These scenarios are then used to identify a configuration of the 802.16e system (system profile) that meets EVA requirements, but also aim to make the radio realizable within EVA constraints. Limitations of this system configuration are highlighted. An overview and development status is presented by Toyon Research Corporation concerning the development of an 802.16e compatible modem under NASA s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program. This modem is based on the recommended system profile developed as part of this report. Last, a path forward is outlined that presents an evolvable solution for the EVA radio system and lunar surface radio networks. This solution is based on a custom link layer, and 802.16e compliant physical layer compliant to the identified system profile, and a later progression to a fully interoperable 802.16e system

Design of Wireless Communication Networks for Cyber-Physical Systems with Application to Smart Grid

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are the next generation of engineered systems in which computing, communication, and control technologies are tightly integrated. On one hand, CPS are generally large with components spatially distributed in physical world that has lots of dynamics; on the other hand, CPS are connected, and must be robust and responsive. Smart electric grid, smart transportation system are examples of emerging CPS that have significant and far-reaching impact on our daily life. In this dissertation, we design wireless communication system for CPS. To make CPS robust and responsive, it is critical to have a communication subsystem that is reliable, adaptive, and scalable. Our design uses a layered structure, which includes physical layer, multiple access layer, network layer, and application layer. Emphases are placed on multiple access and network layer. At multiple access layer, we have designed three approaches, namely compressed multiple access, sample-contention multiple access, and prioritized multiple access, for reliable and selective multiple access. At network layer, we focus on the problem of creating reliable route, with service interruption anticipated. We propose two methods: the first method is a centralized one that creates backup path around zones posing high interruption risk; the other method is a distributed one that utilizes Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and positive feedback, and is able to update multipath dynamically. Applications are treated as subscribers to the data service provided by the communication system. Their data quality requirements and Quality of Service (QoS) feedback are incorporated into cross-layer optimization in our design. We have evaluated our design through both simulation and testbed. Our design demonstrates desired reliability, scalability and timeliness in data transmission. Performance gain is observed over conventional approaches as such random access

Timing and Carrier Synchronization in Wireless Communication Systems: A Survey and Classification of Research in the Last 5 Years

Timing and carrier synchronization is a fundamental requirement for any wireless communication system to work properly. Timing synchronization is the process by which a receiver node determines the correct instants of time at which to sample the incoming signal. Carrier synchronization is the process by which a receiver adapts the frequency and phase of its local carrier oscillator with those of the received signal. In this paper, we survey the literature over the last 5 years (2010–2014) and present a comprehensive literature review and classification of the recent research progress in achieving timing and carrier synchronization in single-input single-output (SISO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), cooperative relaying, and multiuser/multicell interference networks. Considering both single-carrier and multi-carrier communication systems, we survey and categorize the timing and carrier synchronization techniques proposed for the different communication systems focusing on the system model assumptions for synchronization, the synchronization challenges, and the state-of-the-art synchronization solutions and their limitations. Finally, we envision some future research directions