Dual-function FMCW millimeter wave radar-communications system

Imec achieved outstanding results on radar and communication solutions. Recently we presented and demonstrating in operation a compact highly-sensitive 140 GHz FMCW radar-on-chip prototype. However, we would like to push the bar even further and integrate sensing capabilities of the device with communications. This convergence is expected to be a key evolution of 6G networks that will be deployed by the end of the decade. This will call for efficient solutions and hardware reuse for cost, size and weight optimization. Joint radar and communications will enable synergies and many new applications on the edge of state of the art and beyond.

Your task will be to investigate on 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 accommodate 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. Tasks would 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)
• knowledge of data processing tools and programming languages, like Matlab or Python
• motivated student eager to work independently and expand knowledge in the field

Type:

            - Master Thesis internship (6 months)

- Preceded by optional summer internship (max 3 months)

Responsible scientist(s): Maxim Rykunov (Maxim.Rykunov@imec.be)