Location-aware channel estimation enhanced TDD based massive MIMO

Pilot contamination (PC) is a stumbling block in of realizing massive multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems. This contribution proposes a location-aware channel estimation-enhanced massive MIMO system employing time-division duplexing protocol, which is capable of significantly reducing the inter-cell interference caused by PC and, therefore, improving the achievable system performance. Specifically, we present a novel location-aware channel estimation algorithm, which utilizes the property of the steering vector to carry out a fast Fourier transform-based post-processing after the conventional pilot-aided channel estimation for mitigating PC. Our asymptotic analysis proves that this post-processing is capable of removing PC from the interfering users with different angle-of-arrivals (AOAs). Since in practice the AOAs of some users may be similar, we further present a location-aware pilot assignment method to ensure that users utilizing the same pilot have distinguishable AOAs, in order to fully benefit from the location-aware channel estimation. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can dramatically reduce the inter-cell interference caused by the re-use of the pilot sequence and improve the overall system performance significantly, while only imposing a modest extra computational cost, in comparison with the conventional pilot-aided channel estimation

Optimization of Massive Full-Dimensional MIMO for Positioning and Communication

Massive Full-Dimensional multiple-input multiple-output (FD-MIMO) base stations (BSs) have the potential to bring multiplexing and coverage gains by means of three-dimensional (3D) beamforming. Key technical challenges for their deployment include the presence of limited-resolution front ends and the acquisition of channel state information (CSI) at the BSs. This paper investigates the use of FD-MIMO BSs to provide simultaneously high-rate data communication and mobile 3D positioning in the downlink. The analysis concentrates on the problem of beamforming design by accounting for imperfect CSI acquisition via Time Division Duplex (TDD)-based training and for the finite resolution of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) at the BSs. Both \textit{unstructured beamforming} and a low-complexity \textit{Kronecker beamforming} solution are considered, where for the latter the beamforming vectors are decomposed into separate azimuth and elevation components. The proposed algorithmic solutions are based on Bussgang theorem, rank-relaxation and successive convex approximation (SCA) methods. Comprehensive numerical results demonstrate that the proposed schemes can effectively cater to both data communication and positioning services, providing only minor performance degradations as compared to the more conventional cases in which either function is implemented. Moreover, the proposed low-complexity Kronecker beamforming solutions are seen to guarantee a limited performance loss in the presence of a large number of BS antennas.Comment: 30 pages, 6 figure

A Generalized Framework on Beamformer Design and CSI Acquisition for Single-Carrier Massive MIMO Systems in Millimeter Wave Channels

In this paper, we establish a general framework on the reduced dimensional channel state information (CSI) estimation and pre-beamformer design for frequency-selective massive multiple-input multiple-output MIMO systems employing single-carrier (SC) modulation in time division duplex (TDD) mode by exploiting the joint angle-delay domain channel sparsity in millimeter (mm) wave frequencies. First, based on a generic subspace projection taking the joint angle-delay power profile and user-grouping into account, the reduced rank minimum mean square error (RR-MMSE) instantaneous CSI estimator is derived for spatially correlated wideband MIMO channels. Second, the statistical pre-beamformer design is considered for frequency-selective SC massive MIMO channels. We examine the dimension reduction problem and subspace (beamspace) construction on which the RR-MMSE estimation can be realized as accurately as possible. Finally, a spatio-temporal domain correlator type reduced rank channel estimator, as an approximation of the RR-MMSE estimate, is obtained by carrying out least square (LS) estimation in a proper reduced dimensional beamspace. It is observed that the proposed techniques show remarkable robustness to the pilot interference (or contamination) with a significant reduction in pilot overhead

Massive MIMO is a Reality -- What is Next? Five Promising Research Directions for Antenna Arrays

Massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) is no longer a "wild" or "promising" concept for future cellular networks - in 2018 it became a reality. Base stations (BSs) with 64 fully digital transceiver chains were commercially deployed in several countries, the key ingredients of Massive MIMO have made it into the 5G standard, the signal processing methods required to achieve unprecedented spectral efficiency have been developed, and the limitation due to pilot contamination has been resolved. Even the development of fully digital Massive MIMO arrays for mmWave frequencies - once viewed prohibitively complicated and costly - is well underway. In a few years, Massive MIMO with fully digital transceivers will be a mainstream feature at both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies. In this paper, we explain how the first chapter of the Massive MIMO research saga has come to an end, while the story has just begun. The coming wide-scale deployment of BSs with massive antenna arrays opens the door to a brand new world where spatial processing capabilities are omnipresent. In addition to mobile broadband services, the antennas can be used for other communication applications, such as low-power machine-type or ultra-reliable communications, as well as non-communication applications such as radar, sensing and positioning. We outline five new Massive MIMO related research directions: Extremely large aperture arrays, Holographic Massive MIMO, Six-dimensional positioning, Large-scale MIMO radar, and Intelligent Massive MIMO.Comment: 20 pages, 9 figures, submitted to Digital Signal Processin