A General Channel Model for Visible Light Communications in Underground Mines

In underground mines, visible light communication(VLC) system is a promising method to realize effective communication,which supports communication and illumination at the same time. Therefore, adequate research of underlying physical propagation phenomenon should be carried out to realize VLC system in underground mines. To design VLC system and evaluate its performance, accurate and efficient channel models, including large-scale fading and scattering characteristics, are needed to be established. However,the characteristics of the underlying VLC channels about fading and scattering have not been sufficiently investigated yet. In this paper, a path loss channel model, based on the recursive model, is proposed precisely. Its path loss exponent is determined by three different trajectories, which is studied in the mining roadway and working face environment. Besides, the shadowing effect for VLC has been modelled by a Bimodal Gaussian distribution in underground mines. Considering the number of transmitters in line-of-sight(Lo S) as well as non-line-of-sight(NLo S) scenarios,our simulation illustrates the fact that, as the curve fitting technique is employed, the path loss displays a linear behavior in log-domain.The path loss expression is derived, it is related to the distance. Finally, root mean square(RMS) delay spread and Mie scattering in underground mines are analyzed.

Design of a Mobile Mechanism for Missing Miner Search Robots in Underground Mines

A mobile mechanism with four tracked-units for a missing miner search robot (MMSR) is presented, with a design based on the terrain features and atrocious environment of an underground mine. Its structure and working prin- ciple is discussed. The four tracked-units are controlled independently and driven cooperatively. By means of two DC motors being controlled respectively, one tracked-unit can accomplish two types of driving mode: tracked travel and in- tegral unit legged rotation (IULR), forming a track-legged compound function mechanism. Its capabilities of surmount- ing obstacles and its toppling stability in underground mines have also been analyzed. The results show that the mobile mechanism can directly surmount an obstacle of the height less than the length of one tracked-unit and get across a raceway with a span less than the length of one tracked-unit by using tracked travel and IULR. Its unstable slope angle is 51.3°. Toppling stability is determined by its structural size, moving direction and slope angle. IULR of four tracked-units can adjust the robot’s posture and then enhance toppling stability or assist in surmounting obstacles. Its track-legged compound function mechanism makes it suitable for working in underground mines.

Channel estimation in integrated radar and communication systems with power amplifier distortion

To reduce the negative impact of the power amplifier(PA)nonlinear distortion caused by the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(OFDM)waveform with high peak-to-average power ratio(PAPR)in integrated radar and communication(RadCom)systems is studied,the channel estimation in passive sensing scenarios.Adaptive channel estimation methods are proposed based on different pilot patterns,considering nonlinear distortion and channel sparsity.The proposed methods achieve sparse channel results by manipulating the least squares(LS)frequency-domain channel estimation results to preserve the most significant taps.The decision-aided method is used to optimize the sparse channel results to reduce the effect of nonlinear distortion.Numerical results show that the channel estimation performance of the proposed methods is better than that of the conventional methods under different pilot patterns.In addition,the bit error rate performance in communication and passive radar detection performance show that the proposed methods have good comprehensive performance.

Design of integrated radar and communication system based on MIMO-OFDM waveform

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform enables radar and communication functions simultaneously, which encounters low angle resolution and poor data rate for traditional single input single output (SISO) systems. To solve these problems, an integrated radar and communication system (IRCS) with multiple input multiple output (MIMO) OFDM waveform is proposed. The different limitations of radar and communication in designing such a system are investigated. Then, an optimization problem is devised to obtain suitable system parameters, including the number of subcarriers, subcarrier spacing, number of symbols, pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and length of cyclic prefix (CP). Finally, to satisfy the requirements of both radar and communication, the IRCS parameters are derived in three typical cases. Several numerical results are presented to illustrate the demands of radar and communication, inconsistent or consistent, for the IRCS parameters and the superiority of the proposed system.

The Spread Spectrum GFDM Schemes for Integrated Satellite-Terrestrial Communication System

Recently, integrated Satellite-Terrestrial(S-T) communication system, especially the integration of satellite communication with 5G/6G, is regarded as a research hotpot. Future integrated S-T communication systems are demanding a more compatible and robust physical layer waveform. Considering physical layer access waveform design, this paper proposed a novel Spread Spectrum Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing(SS-GFDM) scheme for integrated S-T communication system. Traditional GFDM has many advantages such as excellent adaptability and low out-ofband(OOB) radiation. However, because of intrinsic inter carrier interference(ICI) and low signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), the multiple access performance is degraded. In this paper, we introduced CDMA technology into GFDM. Two different spread spectrum modes, Cyclic Code Shift Keying(CCSK) soft spread spectrum and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum(DSSS), are considered and compared in this paper to illustrate the benefits of GFDM-CDMA in low SNR scenario. Moreover, this scheme integrates the slot-ALOHA protocol with GFDM-CDMA, which extends access freedom in frequency, time and code domain. The simulation and analysis results show that the proposed GFDM-CDMA scheme reduces the performance degradation caused by interference. It is effective in typical satellite channel with low complexity. Meanwhile, the peak-average-power-ratio(PAPR) and access performance has been enhanced significantly.

Joint Active and Passive Beamforming Design for Hybrid RIS-Aided Integrated Sensing and Communication

Integrated sensing and communication(ISAC) is considered an effective technique to solve spectrum congestion in the future. In this paper, we consider a hybrid reconfigurable intelligent surface(RIS)-assisted downlink ISAC system that simultaneously serves multiple single-antenna communication users and senses multiple targets. Hybrid RIS differs from fully passive RIS in that it is composed of both active and passive elements, with the active elements having the effect of amplifying the signal in addition to phase-shifting. We maximize the achievable sum rate of communication users by collaboratively improving the beamforming matrix at the dual function base station(DFBS) and the phase-shifting matrix of the hybrid RIS, subject to the transmit power constraint at the DFBS, the signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio(SINR) constraint of the radar echo signal and the RIS constraint are satisfied at the same time. The builtin RIS-assisted ISAC design problem model is significantly non-convex due to the fractional objective function of this optimization problem and the coupling of the optimization variables in the objective function and constraints. As a result, we provide an effective alternating optimization approach based on fractional programming(FP) with block coordinate descent(BCD)to solve the optimization variables. Results from simulations show that the hybrid RIS-assisted ISAC system outperforms the other benchmark solutions.

Performance Trade-off for Integrated Communication and Data-Assisted Positioning in MIMO-OFDM System

Communication and positioning,the two pillars of mobile communication systems,are currently being integrated together.The development of communication technologies is the driving force of the positioning progress.In turn,the location information provided by positioning improves the communication performance in various ways.However,the competition of these two functions in terms of resource allocation is a critical issue hindering their integration.In this article,we investigate the trade-off for the integrated communication and data-assisted positioning in multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems.A data-assisted positioning method is designed first,which uses both positioning reference signals(PRSs)and data signals for positioning.The positioning and communication performance are theoretically evaluated respectively,then combined to obtain an integrated performance metric.The trade-off is analyzed and the integrated performance is optimized considering the priority of different functions.Numerical simulations show that the data-assisted positioning can not only improve the positioning accuracy,but also reduce the PRS overhead.And the established integrated performance metric can identify the optimal performance and the corresponding resource allocation schemes.

Trajectory Tracking for MmWave Communication Systems via Cooperative Passive Sensing

A cooperative passive sensing framework for millimeter wave(mmWave)communication systems is proposed and demonstrated in a scenario with one mobile signal blocker.Specifically,in the uplink communication with at least two transmitters,a cooperative detection method is proposed for the receiver to track the blocker’s trajectory,localize the transmitters and detect the potential link blockage jointly.To facilitate detection,the receiver collects the signal of each transmitter along a line-of-sight(LoS)path and a non-line-of-sight(NLoS)path separately via two narrow-beam phased arrays.The NLoS path involves scattering at the mobile blocker,allowing its identification through the Doppler frequency.By comparing the received signals of both paths,the Doppler frequency and angle-of-arrival(AoA)of the NLoS path can be estimated.To resolve the blocker’s trajectory and the transmitters’locations,the receiver should continuously track the mobile blocker to accumulate sufficient numbers of the Doppler frequency and AoA versus time observations.Finally,a gradient-descent-based algorithm is proposed for joint detection.With the reconstructed trajectory,the potential link blockage can be predicted.It is demonstrated that the system can achieve decimeterlevel localization and trajectory estimation,and predict the blockage time with an error of less than 0.1 s.

Monolithically Integrated Photonic Structures for Stable On-Chip Solar Blind Communications

A solar-blind multi-quantum well(MQW)structure wafer based on AlGaN materials is epitaxial growth by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition(MOCVD).The monolithically integrated photonic chips including light-emitting diodes(LEDs),waveguides,and photodetec-tors(PDs)are presented.The results of the finite-difference time-domain(FDTD)simulation confirm the strong light constraint of the wave-guide designed with the triangular structure in the optical coupling region.Furthermore,in virtue of predominant ultraviolet transverse mag-netic(TM)modes,the solar blind optical signal is more conducive to lateral transmission along the waveguide inside the integrated chip.The integrated PDs demonstrate sufficient photosensitivity to the optical signal from the integrated LEDs.When the LEDs are operated at 100 mA current,the photo-to-dark current ratio(PDCR)of the integrated PD is about seven orders of magnitude.The responsivity,specific detectivity,and external quantum efficiency of the integrated self-driven PD are 74.89 A/W,4.22×1013 Jones,and 3.38×104%,respectively.The stable on-chip optical information transmission capability of the monolithically integrated photonic chips confirms the great potential for application in large-scale on-chip optical communication in the future.

Create Your Own Data and Energy Integrated Communication Network:A Brief Tutorial and a Prototype System

In order to satisfy the ever-increasing energy appetite of the massive battery-powered and batteryless communication devices,radio frequency(RF)signals have been relied upon for transferring wireless power to them.The joint coordination of wireless power transfer(WPT)and wireless information transfer(WIT)yields simultaneous wireless information and power transfer(SWIPT)as well as data and energy integrated communication network(DEIN).However,as a promising technique,few efforts are invested in the hardware implementation of DEIN.In order to make DEIN a reality,this paper focuses on hardware implementation of a DEIN.It firstly provides a brief tutorial on SWIPT,while summarising the latest hardware design of WPT transceiver and the existing commercial solutions.Then,a prototype design in DEIN with full protocol stack is elaborated,followed by its performance evaluation.

Integrated Sensing and Communication:Who Benefits More?

This paper compares the benefits of communication-assisted sensing and sensing-assisted communication in the context of integrated sensing and communication(ISAC).Communication-assisted sensing leverages the extensive cellular infrastructure to create a vast and cooperative sensor network,enhancing environmental perception accuracy and coverage.On the other hand,sensing-assisted communication utilizes advanced sensing technologies to improve predictive beamforming and channel estimation performance in high-frequency and highmobility scenarios,thereby increasing communication efficiency and reliability.To validate our analysis,we present an example of channel knowledge map(CKM)-assisted beam tracking.This example demonstrates the practical advantages of incorporating CKM in enhancing beam tracking accuracy.Our analysis confirms that communication-assisted sensing may offer greater development potential due to its wide coverage and cost-effectiveness in large-scale applications.

Sensing and Communication Integrated Fast Neighbor Discovery for UAV Networks

In unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)networks,the high mobility of nodes leads to frequent changes in network topology,which brings challenges to the neighbor discovery(ND)for UAV networks.Integrated sensing and communication(ISAC),as an emerging technology in 6G mobile networks,has shown great potential in improving communication performance with the assistance of sensing information.ISAC obtains the prior information about node distribution,reducing the ND time.However,the prior information obtained through ISAC may be imperfect.Hence,an ND algorithm based on reinforcement learning is proposed.The learning automaton(LA)is applied to interact with the environment and continuously adjust the probability of selecting beams to accelerate the convergence speed of ND algorithms.Besides,an efficient ND algorithm in the neighbor maintenance phase is designed,which applies the Kalman filter to predict node movement.Simulation results show that the LA-based ND algorithm reduces the ND time by up to 32%compared with the Scan-Based Algorithm(SBA),which proves the efficiency of the proposed ND algorithms.

Research on Integrated Communication Perception Technology Based on RIS Assistance

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface(RIS)assisted communication perception integration technology is an emerging communication technology that introduces reconfigurable intelligent surfaces in the communication environment to achieve real-time perception and control of signals,thereby improving the performance and efficiency of communication systems.This article studies the integrated communication perception technology assisted by RIS,including system principles,key technologies,and performance analysis.Through literature review and analysis of relevant research,the potential application prospects of this technology in future communication systems have been revealed.

Bio-inspired vibrational wireless underground communication system

The internet of the underground things(IoUT)is an emerging field that concerns connected underground sensing nodes and can find applications in various fields such as geotechnical engineering,precision agriculture,and search and rescue operations.The complex underground environment and multiphase nature of the soil pose challenges to wireless underground communication.Most existing studies on wireless underground communication focus on the use of electromagnetic waves.However,as a highly lossy material for electromagnetic waves,soil can limit the range and reliability of data transmission.Inspired by subterranean animals that rely on vibrations or seismic waves for underground communication,the prototype system developed in this study is based on vibration.This system includes a bioinspired vibrating source,a micro-electromechanical system(MEMS)accelerometer,a microcontroller,and a set of algorithms for encoding and decoding information.Specifically,the mole ratsinspired source is small in size,low in cost,and energy-efficient.An on-off-keying decoding algorithm enhanced with an error-correction algorithm is found to be robust in transmitting textual and imaginary information.With the current design,a maximum transmission bit rate of 16e17 bits per second and a transmission distance of 80 cm can be achieved.The bit error ratio is as low as 0.1%,demonstrating the robustness of the algorithms.The performance of the developed system shows that seismic waves produced by vibration can be used as an information carrier and can potentially be implemented in the IoUT.

Advanced Communication System in Substation for Integrated Protection

This paper proposes an advanced substation integrated protection communication system based on the latest development in power system.The integrated protection communication system within a substation comprises a number of major components such as the merging unit, communication network and integrated protection unit.The design and capability evaluation of the communication network based on IEC61850 are focused on.Results show that huge information from 4 merging units can be transmitted real-time via adopting 100 Mbit/s optical fiber in a substation,and the proposed communication network is able to achieve required performance.

Integrated 3D Fan-out Package of RF Microsystem and Antenna for 5G Communications

A 3D fan-out packaging method for the integration of 5G communication RF microsystem and antenna is studied.First of all,through the double-sided wiring technology on the glass wafer,the fabrication of 5G antenna array is realized.Then the low power devices such as through silicon via(TSV)transfer chips,filters and antenna tuners are flip-welded on the glass wafer,and the glass wafer is reformed into a wafer permanently bonded with glass and resin by the injection molding process with resin material.Finally,the thinning resin surface leaks out of the TSV transfer chip,the rewiring is carried out on the resin surface,and then the power amplifier,low-noise amplifier,power management and other devices are flip-welded on the resin wafer surface.A ball grid array(BGA)is implanted to form the final package.The loss of the RF transmission line is measured by using the RF millimeter wave probe table.The results show that the RF transmission loss from the chip end to the antenna end in the fan-out package is very small,and it is only 0.26 dB/mm when working in 60 GHz.A slot coupling antenna is designed on the glass wafer.The antenna can operate at 60 GHz and the maximum gain can reach 6 dB within the working bandwidth.This demonstration successfully provides a feasible solution for the 3D fan-out integration of RF microsystem and antenna in 5G communications.

System Integration of Terrestrial Mobile Communication and Satellite Communication——The Trends, Challenges and Key Technologies in B5G and 6G

Mobile communication standards have been developed into a new era of B5G and 6G.In recent years,low earth orbit(LEO)satellites and space Internet have become hot topics.The integrated satellite and terrestrial systems have been widely discussed by industries and academics,and even are expected to be applied in those huge constellations in construction.This paper points out the trends of two stages towards system integration of the terrestrial mobile communication and the satellite communications:to be compatible with 5G,and to be integrated within 6G.Based on analysis of the challenges of both stages,key technologies are thereafter analyzed in detail,covering both air interface currently discussed in 3GPP for B5G and also novel network architecture and related transmission technologies toward future 6G.

Developments and prospects of microseismic monitoring technology in underground metal mines in China

Microseismic monitoring technology has become an important technique to assess stability of rock mass in metal mines.Due to the special characteristics of underground metal mines in China,including the high tectonic stress,irregular shape and existence of ore body,and complex mining methods,the application of microseismic technology is more diverse in China compared to other countries,and is more challenging than in other underground structures such as tunnels,hydropower stations and coal mines.Apart from assessing rock mass stability and ground pressure hazards induced by mining process,blasting,water inrush and large scale goaf,microseismic technology is also used to monitor illegal mining,and track personnel location during rescue work.Moreover,microseismic data have been used to optimize mining parameters in some metal mines.The technology is increasingly used to investigate cracking mechanism in the design of rock mass supports.In this paper,the application,research development and related achievements of microseismic technology in underground metal mines in China are summarized.By considering underground mines from the perspective of informatization,automation and intelligentization,future studies should focus on intelligent microseismic data processing method,e.g.,signal identification of microseismic and precise location algorithm,and on the research and development of microseismic equipment.In addition,integrated monitoring and collaborative analysis for rock mass response caused by mining disturbance will have good prospects for future development.

Performance Evaluation for Medium Voltage MIMO-OFDM Power Line Communication System

Power line communication(PLC)provides intelligent electrical functions such as power quality measurement,fault surveys,and remote control of electrical network.Most of research works have been done in low voltage(LV)scenario due to the fast development of in-home PLC.The aim of this paper is to evaluate the link-level performance of a medium voltage(MV)MIMO-OFDM communication system based on transmission link under underground power line channel.The MIMO channel is modeled as a modified multipath model in the presence of impulsive noise and background noise.We first perform a measurement on the practical MV MIMO channel parameters for a section of buried cable of 1 km long in Ganzhou city,Jiangxi province,China.Based on the measured channel,we design the frame structure based on an IEEE standard for broadband over power line networks[1]to support MV MIMO-OFDM transmission.According to designed frame structure,we design an encoder and a decoder for a dual binary tail-biting turbo code and optimize some key decoder parameters for low bit error rate performance.Finally,the link-level performance for both spatial multiplexing and spatial diversity are evaluated.Numeral results show that MV MIMO-OFDM is a promising approach to provide both high data rate and link reliability for PLC.

A Review on Applications of Integrated Terahertz Systems

A review on Terahertz end-to-end systems with an emphasis on integrated approaches is presented.Four major catalogs of THz integrated systems,including THz communication systems,THz imaging systems,THz radars,and THz spectroscopy systems,are reviewed in this article.The performance of integrated systems is compared with non-integrated solutions,followed by a discussion on the trend in future research avenues and applications.