Neural Network-Optimized Channel Estimator and Training Signal Design for MIMO Systems with Few-Bit ADCs

This paper is concerned with channel estimation in MIMO systems with few-bit ADCs. In these systems, a linear minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) channel estimator obtained in closed-form is not an optimal solution. We first consider a deep neural network (DNN) and train it as a non-linear MMSE channel estimator for few-bit MIMO systems. We then present a first attempt to use DNN in optimizing the training signal and the MMSE channel estimator concurrently. Specifically, we propose an autoencoder with a specialized first layer, whose weights embed the training signal matrix. Consequently, the trained autoencoder prompts a new training signal design that is customized for the MIMO channel model under consideration.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, to appear in IEEE Signal Processing Letter

DNN-based Detectors for Massive MIMO Systems with Low-Resolution ADCs

Low-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) have been considered as a practical and promising solution for reducing cost and power consumption in massive Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. Unfortunately, low-resolution ADCs significantly distort the received signals, and thus make data detection much more challenging. In this paper, we develop a new deep neural network (DNN) framework for efficient and low-complexity data detection in low-resolution massive MIMO systems. Based on reformulated maximum likelihood detection problems, we propose two model-driven DNN-based detectors, namely OBMNet and FBMNet, for one-bit and few-bit massive MIMO systems, respectively. The proposed OBMNet and FBMNet detectors have unique and simple structures designed for low-resolution MIMO receivers and thus can be efficiently trained and implemented. Numerical results also show that OBMNet and FBMNet significantly outperform existing detection methods.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figures, submitted for publication. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2008.0375

System Energy-Efficient Hybrid Beamforming for mmWave Multi-user Systems

This paper develops energy-efficient hybrid beamforming designs for mmWave multi-user systems where analog precoding is realized by switches and phase shifters such that radio frequency (RF) chain to transmit antenna connections can be switched off for energy saving. By explicitly considering the effect of each connection on the required power for baseband and RF signal processing, we describe the total power consumption in a sparsity form of the analog precoding matrix. However, these sparsity terms and sparsity-modulus constraints of the analog precoding make the system energy-efficiency maximization problem non-convex and challenging to solve. To tackle this problem, we first transform it into a subtractive-form weighted sum rate and power problem. A compressed sensing-based re-weighted quadratic-form relaxation method is employed to deal with the sparsity parts and the sparsity-modulus constraints. We then exploit alternating minimization of the mean-squared error to solve the equivalent problem where the digital precoding vectors and the analog precoding matrix are updated sequentially. The energy efficiency upper bound and a heuristic algorithm are also examined for comparison purposes. Numerical results confirm the superior performances of the proposed algorithm over benchmark energy-efficiency hybrid precoding algorithms and heuristic ones.Comment: submitted to TGC

Linear and Deep Neural Network-based Receivers for Massive MIMO Systems with One-Bit ADCs

The use of one-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is a practical solution for reducing cost and power consumption in massive Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. However, the distortion caused by one-bit ADCs makes the data detection task much more challenging. In this paper, we propose a two-stage detection method for massive MIMO systems with one-bit ADCs. In the first stage, we propose several linear receivers based on the Bussgang decomposition, that show significant performance gain over existing linear receivers. Next, we reformulate the maximum-likelihood (ML) detection problem to address its non-robustness. Based on the reformulated ML detection problem, we propose a model-driven deep neural network-based (DNN-based) receiver, whose performance is comparable with an existing support vector machine-based receiver, albeit with a much lower computational complexity. A nearest-neighbor search method is then proposed for the second stage to refine the first stage solution. Unlike existing search methods that typically perform the search over a large candidate set, the proposed search method generates a limited number of most likely candidates and thus limits the search complexity. Numerical results confirm the low complexity, efficiency, and robustness of the proposed two-stage detection method.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figure

Energy-Efficient Design for Downlink Cloud Radio Access Networks

This work aims to maximize the energy efficiency of a downlink cloud radio access network (C-RAN), where data is transferred from a baseband unit in the core network to several remote radio heads via a set of edge routers over capacity-limited fronthaul links. The remote radio heads then send the received signals to their users via radio access links. We formulate a new mixed-integer nonlinear problem in which the ratio of network throughput and total power consumption is maximized. This challenging problem formulation includes practical constraints on routing, predefined minimum data rates, fronthaul capacity and maximum RRH transmit power. By employing the successive convex quadratic programming framework, an iterative algorithm is proposed with guaranteed convergence to a Fritz John solution of the formulated problem. Significantly, each iteration of the proposed algorithm solves only one simple convex program. Numerical examples with practical parameters confirm that the proposed joint optimization design markedly improves the C-RAN's energy efficiency compared to benchmark schemes.This work is supported in part by an ECR-HDR scholarship from The University of Newcastle, in part by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project grants DP170100939 and DP160101537, in part by Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development under grant number 101.02-2016.11 and in part by a startup fund from San Diego State University

A novel approach to estimate the evolution of fracture energy and tensile softening curve of concrete from very early age

Concrete fracture properties and their evolution over time are critical inputs for numerous engineering aspects. Despite substantial efforts invested, there exists a crucial need to establish a comprehensive model for reliable estimation of such evolution. In this paper, combining reliable experimental data and in-depth analysis, a novel approach for proper estimation of the evolution of fracture energy and tensile softening curve of concrete from early age is proposed. Fundamentally, the approach relies on three key criteria related to (i) tensile strength, (ii) tensile strength-fracture energy correlation and especially, (iii) centroid coordinates of the area under the stress-crack opening curve. The capability and reliability of the proposed approach are clearly demonstrated through a detailed assessment of these criteria and examples of practical applications

Miniaturized multisensor system with a thermal gradient: Performance beyond the calibration range

Two microchips, each with four identical microstructured sensors using SnO2 nanowires as sensing material (one chip decorated with Ag nanoparticles, the other with Pt nanoparticles), were used as a nano-electronic nose to distinguish five different gases and estimate their concentrations. This innovative approach uses identical sensors working at different operating temperatures thanks to the thermal gradient created by an integrated microheater. A system with in-house developed hardware and software was used to collect signals from the eight sensors and combine them into eight-dimensional data vectors. These vectors were processed with a support vector machine allowing for qualitative and quantitative discrimination of all gases after calibration. The system worked perfectly within the calibrated range (100% correct classification, 6.9% average error on concentration value). This work focuses on minimizing the number of points needed for calibration while maintaining good sensor performance, both for classification and error in estimating concentration. Therefore, the calibration range (in terms of gas concentration) was gradually reduced and further tests were performed with concentrations outside these new reduced limits. Although with only a few training points, down to just two per gas, the system performed well with 96% correct classifications and 31.7% average error for the gases at concentrations up to 25 times higher than its calibration range. At very low concentrations, down to 20 times lower than the calibration range, the system worked less well, with 93% correct classifications and 38.6% average error, probably due to proximity to the limit of detection of the sensors