Timing estimation and resynchronization for amplify-and-forward communication systems

This paper proposes a general framework to effectively estimate the unknown timing and channel parameters, as well as design efficient timing resynchronization algorithms for asynchronous amplify-and-forward (AF) cooperative communication systems. In order to obtain reliable timing and channel parameters, a least squares (LS) estimator is proposed for initial estimation and an iterative maximum-likelihood (ML) estimator is derived to refine the LS estimates. Furthermore, a timing and channel uncertainty analysis based on the CramrRao bounds (CRB) is presented to provide insights into the system uncertainties resulted from estimation. Using the parameter estimates and uncertainty information in our analysis, timing resynchronization algorithms that are robust to estimation errors are designed jointly at the relays and the destination. The proposed framework is developed for different AF systems with varying degrees of timing misalignment and channel uncertainties and is numerically shown to provide excellent performances that approach the synchronized case with perfect channel information. © 2006 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

A universal space-time architecture for multiple-antenna aided systems

In this tutorial, we first review the family of conventional multiple-antenna techniques, and then we provide a general overview of the recent concept of the powerful Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) family based on a universal Space-Time Shift Keying (STSK) philosophy. When appropriately configured, the proposed STSK scheme has the potential of outperforming conventional MIMO arrangements

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

Architectures and synchronization techniques for distributed satellite systems: a survey

Cohesive Distributed Satellite Systems (CDSSs) is a key enabling technology for the future of remote sensing and communication missions. However, they have to meet strict synchronization requirements before their use is generalized. When clock or local oscillator signals are generated locally at each of the distributed nodes, achieving exact synchronization in absolute phase, frequency, and time is a complex problem. In addition, satellite systems have significant resource constraints, especially for small satellites, which are envisioned to be part of the future CDSSs. Thus, the development of precise, robust, and resource-efficient synchronization techniques is essential for the advancement of future CDSSs. In this context, this survey aims to summarize and categorize the most relevant results on synchronization techniques for Distributed Satellite Systems (DSSs). First, some important architecture and system concepts are defined. Then, the synchronization methods reported in the literature are reviewed and categorized. This article also provides an extensive list of applications and examples of synchronization techniques for DSSs in addition to the most significant advances in other operations closely related to synchronization, such as inter-satellite ranging and relative position. The survey also provides a discussion on emerging data-driven synchronization techniques based on Machine Learning (ML). Finally, a compilation of current research activities and potential research topics is proposed, identifying problems and open challenges that can be useful for researchers in the field.This work was supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), through the CORE Project COHEsive SATellite (COHESAT): Cognitive Cohesive Networks of Distributed Units for Active and Passive Space Applications, under Grant FNR11689919.Award-winningPostprint (published version

Multiple Access Techniques for Next Generation Wireless: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

The advances in multiple access techniques has been one of the key drivers in moving from one cellular generation to another. Starting from the first generation, several multiple access techniques have been explored in different generations and various emerging multiplexing/multiple access techniques are being investigated for the next generation of cellular networks. In this context, this paper first provides a detailed review on the existing Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) related works. Subsequently, it highlights the main features and the drawbacks of various existing and emerging multiplexing/multiple access techniques. Finally, we propose a novel concept of clustered orthogonal signature division multiple access for the next generation of cellular networks. The proposed concept envisions to employ joint antenna coding in order to enhance the orthogonality of SDMA beams with the objective of enhancing the spectral efficiency of future cellular networks

Network-Wide Distributed Carrier Frequency Offsets Estimation and Compensation via Belief Propagation

In this paper, we propose a fully distributed algorithm for frequency offsets estimation in decentralized systems. The idea is based on belief propagation, resulting in that each node estimates its own frequency offsets by local computations and limited exchange of information with its direct neighbors. Such algorithm does not require any centralized information processing or knowledge of global network topology, thus is scalable with network size. It is shown analytically that the proposed algorithm always converges to the optimal estimates regardless of network topology. Simulation results demonstrate the fast convergence of the algorithm and show that estimation mean-squared-error at each node approaches the centralized Craḿer-Rao bound within a few iterations of message exchange.published_or_final_versio