Sensing using eigenchannels in radio-frequency multiple-input, multiple-output communication systems

摘要

This paper describes the use of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication technology as a radio frequency (RF) sensor. We suggest some possible measures for determining how the changes in MIMO channel are related to objects moving through the MIMO channel. Initially, we examine the singular values of the channel matrix. We further demonstrate the effects of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in conjunction with the target physical properties in the creation of eigenchannels. These eigenchannels represent the key factor in the ability of a MIMO system to perform as an effective sensor. Another important feature of MIMO technology is that it allows us to capture spatial information about the target, beyond the typical time and frequency information. Preliminary experimental results at 750 MHz demonstrate that targets can be detected and distinguished based on these simple measures. For example, a vehicular target is distinguishable from a person or groups of people. Our concept is closely related to a MIMO radar approach. However, a key difference is that we make use of the natural process of establishing a MIMO communication link rather than interrogate a specific physical region via a pulsed RF waveform. MIMO communications requires sounding of the physical environment and the creation of a channel matrix in order to maximize data throughput. We leverage this information about the area of interest already captured by the communication system. This allows the use of a MIMO system for both sensing and communication