Multi-purpose OTA testing for communication and sensing applications

Job description: The PhD thesis here proposed is in the field of channel propagation modeling for wireless communication and sensing systems. Over-the-air (OTA) radiated testing is conducted without the need for a radio frequency (RF) cable connection to the Device Under Test (DUT), ensuring that the DUT remains intact and unaltered during testing.quot; Efficient beamforming and management are crucial for stable links in FR1-FR2 in 6G Networks. Current FR2 tests are static due to emulation complexities. Dynamic testing raises repeatability questions, and different metrics are needed for varying channels and multi-user scenarios including CF-mMIMO. FR2apos;s larger test zones require 3D arrays for spatial channel validation. More sampling locations lead to longer tests. Near-field challenges arise due to test zone size and compact setups, requiring suitable validation methods. Multi-probe Setups for FR1 and simplified setups for FR2, aimed at NR UE testing, fall short for large devices due to size and cost constraints. Balancing system complexity while maintaining realistic fading channels is key. Base Station testing could also be explored in the future, given current lack of standards. Joint Sensing and Communication (JSAC) and radar-like technology also demand for OTA testing reproducing the scattering scene as well as the target signature. This thesis aims to explore and present a versatile OTA configuration designed for testing communication and radar systems. The theoretical analysis will focus on establishing optimal arrangements of multiple probes based on frequency allocation, DUT dimensions, and channel attributes such as angle of arrival and polarization spread. Consequently, the transformation from near-field to far-field will be addressed. In the context of radar and sensing, the 0OTA setup will endeavor to simulate scattering scenes and distinct target signatures. This will be achieved by reversing a near-field physical optic model to determine probe positioning and excitation. The emulation of scattering using OTA will be initially explored in free space propagation then extended to scenarios involving multi-path propagation and targets. The final objective is to define the probe array configuration and associated processing associated for a Proof of Concept in CEA OTA anechoic chamber (http://www.leti-cea.fr/cea-tech/leti/english/Pages/Applied-Research/Facilities/telecommunications-platform.aspx). The PhD student will be part of the Antenna, Propagation and Inductive Coupling Laboratory at CEA-LETI, in Grenoble (France). He/she will benefit of the state of the art facilities (channel sounders, emulator, OTA seutp, and electromagnetic simulator). The position is open to outstanding students with Master of Science, “école d’ingénieur” or equivalent. The student should have specialization in the field of telecommunications, microwave and/or signal processing. The application must necessarily include a CV, cover letter and grades for the last two years of study.

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