Multi-functional millimeter-wave radios for joint communication and sensing: signal processing algorithms and practical design

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The proposed research explores the frontiers across wireless communication, radar sensing, and signal processing, as a means to enable the long-desired deployment of an agile and multi-functional radio infrastructure. Currently deployed wireless technologies are mainly used for data transmission (i.e., pure communication) and their development is fundamentally limited to the case where the radio system is optimized for this particular functionality. Thinking forward, the proposed research will explore the opportunities for designing a universal radio platform that synergistically combines both the communication and sensing functionalities through the use of the same multi-antenna frontend. Foreseen to become an integral part of both urban infrastructures and transportation systems, the envisioned multi-functional radio technology will concurrently serve as i) a "smart surface" with fully-digital, high-precision beamforming to enhance the data communication and ii) a "smart skin" in which objects in the scattering environment can be sensed and classified. So far, sensing and communication systems engineering has mainly evolved independently based on the research efforts of two different communities with little cross-fertilization. My research vision advocates a disruptive and holistic approach which investigates the interplay between communication theory, antenna theory, and radar theory, in order to develop physically consistent models and methods for the joint communication and sensing (JCS) paradigm. The main goals of the proposed research is to unify the signal processing methodologies and to establish physically more rigorous models that govern the behavior of JCS radio systems. These models will later serve as a backbone for optimizing the performance trade-off between both functionalities. Another major practical limitation of state-of-the-art large-scale multi-antenna systems is their inability to support multi-band transmissions. The conventional design methodology advocates a dedicated antenna system for each functionality or sub-band. Due to the associated enormous investment in hardware, cost, space, etc., this practice is a barrier to a sustainable JCS infrastructure. To overcome this problem, the proposed research will tackle the development of a unifying and feasible JCS technology by relying on multi-band antenna models (i.e., mutually coupled antennas) for the overall system design. My long-term objective is to prototype and showcase the envisioned JCS platform. Exploring the interface between communication and sensing will create new knowledge across several areas starting from antenna theory to signal processing all the way up to the network optimization. This promotes scientific impact and industrial relevance and provides unique added-value HQP training opportunities. Moreover, the outcomes of the proposed research will lead to technologies that have a great potential to transform the wireless and vehicular industry.