Dual-function FMCW millimeter-wave radar-communications system
Leuven | More than two weeks ago
IMEC achieved outstanding results on radar and communication solutions. Recently we presented and demonstrated a compact highly-sensitive 140 GHz FMCW radar-on-chip prototype. However, we would like to push the bar even further and integrate communications capabilities in this sensing device reusing the radar hardware. This convergence is expected to be a key evolution of 6G networks that will be deployed by the end of the decade. This will enable cost, size and weight optimization. Joint radar and communications will also enable synergies and many new – yet unknown today – applications.
Your task will be to investigate how radars can communicate with their sensing waveform. This is a radar-centric approach whereby a very common radar waveform (Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave - FMCW) will be used to both sense the environment and communicate. There are many challenges to address, such as near-far problems, mutual interference, signal processing solutions, etc... Maximizing hardware reuse will be a key constraint: the joint system will have to operate with the RF hardware and antenna arrays used in the RF transceiver of the radar. This research is cross-disciplinary in two aspects: first, it must create bridges between communications and radar theory; second, it requires good understanding of both RF, analog baseband and digital hardware. It will involve: Literature review (10%); Experiment and data collection (30%); Model development and simulations (50%); Reporting and presentation (10%).
The successful candidate will have the following skills:
knowledge of wireless communications or radars (ideally both)
basic signal processing
knowledge of data processing tools and programming languages, like Matlab or Python
Type:
- Master Thesis internship (6 months)
- Preceded by optional summer internship (max 3 months)
Responsible scientist(s): Maxim Rykunov (Maxim.Rykunov@imec.be)
Type of project: Combination of internship and thesis
Required degree: Master of Engineering Technology, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Science
Required background: Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact: Maxim Rykunov (Maxim.Rykunov@imec.be)