Architectures and synchronization of Joint Communication and Sensing networks

To support the continuous throughput increase in wireless communication, wide bandwidths are exploited at increasing carrier frequencies, while simultaneously multiple spatial streams are transmitted in parallel thanks to MIMO architectures. Those have evolved from centralized point-to-point links to more distributed systems. In parallel, as communication infrastructure is widely deployed, it is reused to also support sensing applications via so-called Joint Communication and Sensing approaches (JC&S), to detect people and objects, to map the environment, or to assist network optimization.

In this PhD, we want to develop JC&S solutions operating in bands of a few tens of GHz, where most cellular networks are currently being deployed, towards sub-THz bands where short wavelengths support large antenna arrays and enable fine sensing resolution in range and angular domains. Such systems require solving a large number of challenges.

In particular, when distributed infrastructure is used for communication or sensing, it requires accurate synchronization of the timing, clock and carrier of the different nodes in the architecture. In addition, accurate knowledge of the position and orientation of the infrastructure nodes is required.  The synchronization, position and orientation requirements depend on the modulation, bandwidth and carrier frequency of the wireless communication system. They are very different for the sensing system which may require orders of magnitude finer synchronization. Carrier phase synchronization, which is needed for certain beamforming or multi-static sensing schemes, is very challenging, especially at higher frequencies. If not properly addressed, clock jitter and carrier phase noise in the different nodes may degrade the performance of communication and sensing functionalities.

Beyond synchronization challenges, JC&S systems also require the optimization of sensing performance without degrading the communication links, using specific algorithms and architectures, Performance needs to be traded off with complexity and power consumption limitations. Finally, exploiting efficiently the sensing information to optimize the network (faster beam acquisition thanks to environment knowledge, better allocation between users and access points, preventing link blockage, ...) or to support new applications is an open field of research.

The successful PhD candidate will be part of a large IMEC team working on the research, implementation and prototyping of future communications and radar systems: experts in digital, analog and mm-wave ASIC design, communications systems, radar systems, processing and machine learning. This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative, multi-disciplinary technology and shape future wireless and sensing networks. You will publish your research in top-level journals and conferences.