Advanced receivers and waveforms for UAV/Aircraft aeronautical communications

Nowadays, several studies are launched for the design of reliable and safe communications systems that introduce Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), this paves the way for UAV communication systems to play an important role in a lot of applications for non-segregated military and civil airspaces. Until today, rules for integrating commercial UAVs in airspace still need to be defined, the design of secure, highly reliable and cost effective communications systems still a challenging task. This thesis is part of this communication context. Motivated by the rapid growth of UAV quantities and by the new generations of UAVs controlled by satellite, the thesis aims to study the various possible UAV links which connect UAV/aircraft to other communication system components (satellite, terrestrial networks, etc.). Three main links are considered: the Forward link, the Return link and the Mission link. Due to spectrum scarcity and higher concentration in aircraft density, spectral efficiency becomes a crucial parameter for largescale deployment of UAVs. In order to set up a spectrally efficient UAV communication system, a good understanding of transmission channel for each link is indispensable, as well as a judicious choice of the waveform. This thesis begins to study propagation channels for each link: a mutipath channels through radio Line-of-Sight (LOS) links, in a context of using Meduim Altitude Long drones Endurance (MALE) UAVs. The objective of this thesis is to maximize the solutions and the algorithms used for signal reception such as channel estimation and channel equalization. These algorithms will be used to estimate and to equalize the existing muti-path propagation channels. Furthermore, the proposed methods depend on the choosen waveform. Because of the presence of satellite link, in this thesis, we consider two low-papr linear waveforms: classical Single-Carrier (SC) waveform and Extented Weighted Single-Carrier Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (EW-SC-OFDM) waveform. channel estimation and channel equalization are performed in the time-domain (SC) or in the frequency-domain (EW-SC-OFDM). UAV architecture envisages the implantation of two antennas placed at wings. These two antennas can be used to increase diversity gain (channel matrix gain). In order to reduce channel equalization complexity, the EWSC- OFDM waveform is proposed and studied in a muti-antennas context, also for the purpose of enhancing UAV endurance and also increasing spectral efficiency, a new modulation technique is considered: Spatial Modulation (SM). In SM, transmit antennas are activated in an alternating manner. The use of EW-SC-OFDM waveform combined to SM technique allows us to propose new modified structures which exploit exces bandwidth to improve antenna bit protection and thus enhancing system performances

Récepteurs avancés et nouvelles formes d'ondes pour les communications aéronautiques

Nowadays, several studies are launched for the design of reliable and safe communications systems that introduce Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), this paves the way for UAV communication systems to play an important role in a lot of applications for non-segregated military and civil airspaces. Until today, rules for integrating commercial UAVs in airspace still need to be defined, the design of secure, highly reliable and cost effective communications systems still a challenging task. This thesis is part of this communication context. Motivated by the rapid growth of UAV quantities and by the new generations of UAVs controlled by satellite, the thesis aims to study the various possible UAV links which connect UAV/aircraft to other communication system components (satellite, terrestrial networks, etc.). Three main links are considered: the Forward link, the Return link and the Mission link. Due to spectrum scarcity and higher concentration in aircraft density, spectral efficiency becomes a crucial parameter for largescale deployment of UAVs. In order to set up a spectrally efficient UAV communication system, a good understanding of transmission channel for each link is indispensable, as well as a judicious choice of the waveform. This thesis begins to study propagation channels for each link: a mutipath channels through radio Line-of-Sight (LOS) links, in a context of using Meduim Altitude Long drones Endurance (MALE) UAVs. The objective of this thesis is to maximize the solutions and the algorithms used for signal reception such as channel estimation and channel equalization. These algorithms will be used to estimate and to equalize the existing muti-path propagation channels. Furthermore, the proposed methods depend on the choosen waveform. Because of the presence of satellite link, in this thesis, we consider two low-papr linear waveforms: classical Single-Carrier (SC) waveform and Extented Weighted Single-Carrier Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (EW-SC-OFDM) waveform. channel estimation and channel equalization are performed in the time-domain (SC) or in the frequency-domain (EW-SC-OFDM). UAV architecture envisages the implantation of two antennas placed at wings. These two antennas can be used to increase diversity gain (channel matrix gain). In order to reduce channel equalization complexity, the EWSC- OFDM waveform is proposed and studied in a muti-antennas context, also for the purpose of enhancing UAV endurance and also increasing spectral efficiency, a new modulation technique is considered: Spatial Modulation (SM). In SM, transmit antennas are activated in an alternating manner. The use of EW-SC-OFDM waveform combined to SM technique allows us to propose new modified structures which exploit exces bandwidth to improve antenna bit protection and thus enhancing system performances.De nos jours, l'utilisation des drones ne cesse d'augmenter et de nombreuses études sont réalisées afin de mettre en place des systèmes de communication dronique destinés à des applications non seulement militaires mais aussi civiles. Pour le moment, les règles d'intégration des drones commerciaux dans l’espace aérien doivent encore être définies et le principal enjeu occupation est d'assurer une communication fiable et sécurisée. Cette thèse s’inscrit dans ce contexte de communication. Motivée par la croissance rapide du nombre des drones et par les nouvelles générations des drones commandés par satellite, la thèse vise à étudier les différents liens possibles qui relient le drone aux autres composants du système de communication. Trois principaux liens sont à mettre en place : le lien de contrôle, le lien de retour et le lien de mission. En raison de la rareté des ressources fréquentielles déjà allouées pour les futurs systèmes droniques, l'efficacité spectrale devient un paramètre crucial pour leur déploiement à grande échelle. Afin de mettre en place un système de communication par drones spectralement efficace, une bonne compréhension des canaux de transmission pour chacune des trois liaisons est indispensable, ainsi qu’un choix judicieux de la forme d’onde. Cette thèse commence par étudier les canaux de propagation pour chaque liaison : canaux de type muti-trajets avec ligne de vue directe, dans un contexte d’utilisation de drones à moyenne altitude et longue endurance (drones MALE). L’objectif de cette thèse est de proposer de nouveaux algorithmes de réception permettant d’estimer et égaliser ces canaux de propagation muti-trajets. Les méthodes proposées dépendent du choix de la forme d’onde. Du fait de la présence d’un lien satellite, les formes d’onde considérées sont de type mono-porteuse (avec un faible facteur de crête) : SC et EW-SCOFDM. L’égalisation est réalisée dans le domaine temporel (SC) ou fréquentiel (EW-SC-OFDM). L'architecture UAV prévoit l'implantation de deux antennes placées aux ailes. Ces deux antennes peuvent être utilisées pour augmenter le gain de diversité (gain de matrice de canal). Afin de réduire la complexité de l'égalisation des canaux, la forme d'onde EW-SC-OFDM est proposée et étudiée dans un contexte muti-antennes, dans le but d'améliorer l'endurance de l'UAV et d'accroître l'efficacité spectrale, une nouvelle technique de modulation est considérée: Modulation spatiale ( SM). Dans SM, les antennes de transmission sont activées en alternance. L'utilisation de la forme d'onde EW-SC-OFDM combinée à la technique SM nous permet de proposer de nouvelles structures modifiées qui exploitent l’étalement spectrale pour mieux protéger des bits de sélection des antennes émettrices et ainsi améliorer les performances du système

Récepteurs avancés et nouvelles formes d'ondes pour les communications aéronautiques

Nowadays, several studies are launched for the design of reliable and safe communications systems that introduce Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), this paves the way for UAV communication systems to play an important role in a lot of applications for non-segregated military and civil airspaces. Until today, rules for integrating commercial UAVs in airspace still need to be defined, the design of secure, highly reliable and cost effective communications systems still a challenging task. This thesis is part of this communication context. Motivated by the rapid growth of UAV quantities and by the new generations of UAVs controlled by satellite, the thesis aims to study the various possible UAV links which connect UAV/aircraft to other communication system components (satellite, terrestrial networks, etc.). Three main links are considered: the Forward link, the Return link and the Mission link. Due to spectrum scarcity and higher concentration in aircraft density, spectral efficiency becomes a crucial parameter for largescale deployment of UAVs. In order to set up a spectrally efficient UAV communication system, a good understanding of transmission channel for each link is indispensable, as well as a judicious choice of the waveform. This thesis begins to study propagation channels for each link: a mutipath channels through radio Line-of-Sight (LOS) links, in a context of using Meduim Altitude Long drones Endurance (MALE) UAVs. The objective of this thesis is to maximize the solutions and the algorithms used for signal reception such as channel estimation and channel equalization. These algorithms will be used to estimate and to equalize the existing muti-path propagation channels. Furthermore, the proposed methods depend on the choosen waveform. Because of the presence of satellite link, in this thesis, we consider two low-papr linear waveforms: classical Single-Carrier (SC) waveform and Extented Weighted Single-Carrier Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (EW-SC-OFDM) waveform. channel estimation and channel equalization are performed in the time-domain (SC) or in the frequency-domain (EW-SC-OFDM). UAV architecture envisages the implantation of two antennas placed at wings. These two antennas can be used to increase diversity gain (channel matrix gain). In order to reduce channel equalization complexity, the EWSC- OFDM waveform is proposed and studied in a muti-antennas context, also for the purpose of enhancing UAV endurance and also increasing spectral efficiency, a new modulation technique is considered: Spatial Modulation (SM). In SM, transmit antennas are activated in an alternating manner. The use of EW-SC-OFDM waveform combined to SM technique allows us to propose new modified structures which exploit exces bandwidth to improve antenna bit protection and thus enhancing system performances.De nos jours, l'utilisation des drones ne cesse d'augmenter et de nombreuses études sont réalisées afin de mettre en place des systèmes de communication dronique destinés à des applications non seulement militaires mais aussi civiles. Pour le moment, les règles d'intégration des drones commerciaux dans l’espace aérien doivent encore être définies et le principal enjeu occupation est d'assurer une communication fiable et sécurisée. Cette thèse s’inscrit dans ce contexte de communication. Motivée par la croissance rapide du nombre des drones et par les nouvelles générations des drones commandés par satellite, la thèse vise à étudier les différents liens possibles qui relient le drone aux autres composants du système de communication. Trois principaux liens sont à mettre en place : le lien de contrôle, le lien de retour et le lien de mission. En raison de la rareté des ressources fréquentielles déjà allouées pour les futurs systèmes droniques, l'efficacité spectrale devient un paramètre crucial pour leur déploiement à grande échelle. Afin de mettre en place un système de communication par drones spectralement efficace, une bonne compréhension des canaux de transmission pour chacune des trois liaisons est indispensable, ainsi qu’un choix judicieux de la forme d’onde. Cette thèse commence par étudier les canaux de propagation pour chaque liaison : canaux de type muti-trajets avec ligne de vue directe, dans un contexte d’utilisation de drones à moyenne altitude et longue endurance (drones MALE). L’objectif de cette thèse est de proposer de nouveaux algorithmes de réception permettant d’estimer et égaliser ces canaux de propagation muti-trajets. Les méthodes proposées dépendent du choix de la forme d’onde. Du fait de la présence d’un lien satellite, les formes d’onde considérées sont de type mono-porteuse (avec un faible facteur de crête) : SC et EW-SCOFDM. L’égalisation est réalisée dans le domaine temporel (SC) ou fréquentiel (EW-SC-OFDM). L'architecture UAV prévoit l'implantation de deux antennes placées aux ailes. Ces deux antennes peuvent être utilisées pour augmenter le gain de diversité (gain de matrice de canal). Afin de réduire la complexité de l'égalisation des canaux, la forme d'onde EW-SC-OFDM est proposée et étudiée dans un contexte muti-antennes, dans le but d'améliorer l'endurance de l'UAV et d'accroître l'efficacité spectrale, une nouvelle technique de modulation est considérée: Modulation spatiale ( SM). Dans SM, les antennes de transmission sont activées en alternance. L'utilisation de la forme d'onde EW-SC-OFDM combinée à la technique SM nous permet de proposer de nouvelles structures modifiées qui exploitent l’étalement spectrale pour mieux protéger des bits de sélection des antennes émettrices et ainsi améliorer les performances du système

Code-aided Antenna Selection for Spectrally Shaped DFT-precoded OFDM Spatial Modulation

International audienceIn this paper, we investigate coded antenna selection for spectrally shaped Spatial Modulation (SM). Spectrally shaped SM aims at reducing the complex envelope fluctuations. This is done at the expense of a bandwidth expansion given by a roll-off factor β when root raised cosine (RRC) spectral filtering is considered. Nevertheless, this extra redundancy can be exploited by enabling the use of redundancy on the bit antenna selection stream. Indeed, we can associate a high performance error correcting code with a corresponding rate R = γ+β used to encode antenna selection bits and thus, we can achieve better performance at the receiver. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme exhibit a lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) compared with the conventional SM scheme while achieving enhanced performance and diversity when an efficient coding scheme is used to improve antenna selection

On the use of spatial modulation in aeronautical communications

International audienceIn this work, we apply Spatial Modulation (SM) to in the so-called spectrally shaped SC-OFDM (SS SC-OFDM) at the transmitter. The idea behind SS SC-OFDM lies in applying a frequency window between the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) in order to lower the side-lobes of the resulting time domain generated waveform. Thus, we can avoid the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) problem encountered in multicarrier systems. At the receiver, a reduced-rank (rr) Least Square (LS) channel estimation and a combining Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) equalization are used to retrieve the transmitted block of information bits, considering two flight scenarios for different environments

Nouvelle structure codée de modulation spatiale utilisant une signalisation plus rapide que Nyquist

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On an efficient equalization structure for aeronautical communications via a satellite link

International audienceIn this paper, we investigate a sub-optimal but efficient receiver structure for the equalization of aeronautical communications via a satellite link. The structure is based on the inherent sparsity of the equivalent discrete baseband channel model that enables an efficient implementation based on simple parallel trellis using Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) detection combined with iterative residual interference estimation and cancellation. The proposed scheme is shown to be very efficient while significantly decreasing the complexity compared to a MAP receiver that does not exploit the sparsity of the aeronautical channel

Equalization method for a parsimonious communication channel and device implementing the method, Patent US9722817 B2.

Equalization method for a parsimonious communication channel and device implementing the methodA method for equalizing a signal comprising modulated symbols comprising a block of N received symbols comprises: demultiplexing the N received symbols by factor L to generate a predetermined number L of sub-blocks of symbols, each comprising a version of the N received symbols sub-sampled by factor L, the independent equalization of each sub-block using an identical equalization algorithm, multiplexing the equalized symbols of each sub-block to obtain a block of N equalized symbols, removing instances of interference linked to paths other than two paths of higher power comprising generating an interference term resulting from the influence, on the equalized symbols, of all paths of the channel having the impulse response of the transmission channel except two paths of higher power, subtracting the interference term from the symbols of the block of N received symbols, and, a second equalization step equal to a second iteration of the first equalization step

Estimation de canal avec apriori de position pour les communications aeronautiques par satellite

International audienceDans ce papier, nous présentons un nouvel algorithme pour l’estimation d’un canal à faible nombre de trajets dans le cas où certains paramètres peuvent être déterminés à partir de la position. C’est le cas par exemple du canal pour les communications aéronautiques par satellite. On montre que dans ce cas le canal comporte deux trajets principaux et que les retards peuvent être estimés par des considerations géométriques. Le nouvel algorithme développé conduit à de meilleures performances en terme d’erreur quadratique moyenne (EQM) que l’estimateur classique des moindres carrés

Channel estimation with a priori position for aeronautical communications via a satellite link

International audienceIn this paper, we investigate on some efficient channel estimation methods for the aeronautical multipaths channel. The proposed methods exploit both the particular form of the channel impulse response and a priori knowledge of some parameters (mainly delays) that can be inferred from geometrical considerations based on geolocation. The first estimation method is based on a parametric multipath channel model while the second tries to exploit the relative sparsity of the channel impulse response. In both cases, this reduces the number of variables to be estimated and it provides better performance compared to a direct classical least-square estimation of the discrete equivalent channel impulse response