Multi-Active-IRS-Assisted Cooperative Sensing: Cramér-Rao Bound and Joint Beamforming Design

This paper studies the multi-intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted cooperative sensing, in which multiple active IRSs are deployed in a distributed manner to facilitate multi-view target sensing at the non-line-of-sight (NLoS) area of the base station (BS). Different from prior works employing passive IRSs, we leverage active IRSs with the capability of amplifying the reflected signals to overcome the severe multi-hop-reflection path loss in NLoS sensing. In particular, we consider two sensing setups without and with dedicated sensors equipped at active IRSs. In the first case without dedicated sensors at IRSs, we investigate the cooperative sensing at the BS, where the target's direction-of-arrival (DoA) with respect to each IRS is estimated based on the echo signals received at the BS. In the other case with dedicated sensors at IRSs, we consider that each IRS is able to receive echo signals and estimate the target's DoA with respect to itself. For both sensing setups, we first derive the closed-form Cram\'{e}r-Rao bound (CRB) for estimating target DoA. Then, the (maximum) CRB is minimized by jointly optimizing the transmit beamforming at the BS and the reflective beamforming at the multiple IRSs, subject to the constraints on the maximum transmit power at the BS, as well as the maximum amplification power and the maximum power amplification gain constraints at individual active IRSs. To tackle the resulting highly non-convex (max-)CRB minimization problems, we propose two efficient algorithms to obtain high-quality solutions for the two cases with sensing at the BS and at the IRSs, respectively, based on alternating optimization, successive convex approximation, and semi-definite relaxation.

Low-Complexity Near-Field Localization with XL-MIMO Sectored Uniform Circular Arrays

Rapid advancement of antenna technology catalyses the popularization of extremely large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (XL-MIMO) antenna arrays, which pose unique challenges for localization with the inescapable near-field effect. In this paper, we propose an efficient near-field localization algorithm by leveraging a sectored uniform circular array (sUCA). In particular, we first customize a backprojection algorithm in the polar coordinate for sUCA-enabled near-field localization, which facilitates the target detection procedure. We then analyze the resolutions in both angular and distance domains via deriving the interval of zero-crossing points, and further unravel the minimum required number of antennas to eliminate grating lobes. The proposed localization method is finally implemented using fast Fourier transform (FFT) to reduce computational complexity. Simulation results verify the resolution analysis and demonstrate that the proposed method remarkably outperforms conventional localization algorithms in terms of localization accuracy. Moreover, the low-complexity FFT implementation achieves an average runtime that is hundreds of times faster when large numbers of antenna elements are employed.

Energy-Efficient Hybrid Beamforming with Dynamic On-off Control for Integrated Sensing, Communications, and Powering

This paper investigates the energy-efficient hybrid beamforming design for a multi-functional integrated sensing, communications, and powering (ISCAP) system. In this system, a base station (BS) with a hybrid analog-digital (HAD) architecture sends unified wireless signals to communicate with multiple information receivers (IRs), sense multiple point targets, and wirelessly charge multiple energy receivers (ERs) at the same time. To facilitate the energy-efficient design, we present a novel HAD architecture for the BS transmitter, which allows dynamic on-off control of its radio frequency (RF) chains and analog phase shifters (PSs) through a switch network. We also consider a practical and comprehensive power consumption model for the BS, by taking into account the power-dependent non-linear power amplifier (PA) efficiency, and the on-off non-transmission power consumption model of RF chains and PSs. We jointly design the hybrid beamforming and dynamic on-off control at the BS, aiming to minimize its total power consumption, while guaranteeing the performance requirements on communication rates, sensing Cram\'er-Rao bound (CRB), and harvested power levels. The formulation also takes into consideration the per-antenna transmit power constraint and the constant modulus constraints for the analog beamformer at the BS. The resulting optimization problem for ISCAP is highly non-convex. Please refer to the paper for a complete abstract.

Sensing-Enhanced Channel Estimation for Near-Field XL-MIMO Systems

Future sixth-generation (6G) systems are expected to leverage extremely large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (XL-MIMO) technology, which significantly expands the range of the near-field region. The spherical wavefront characteristics in the near field introduce additional degrees of freedom (DoFs), namely distance and angle, into the channel model, which leads to unique challenges in channel estimation (CE). In this paper, we propose a new sensing-enhanced uplink CE scheme for near-field XL-MIMO, which notably reduces the required quantity of baseband samples and the dictionary size. In particular, we first propose a sensing method that can be accomplished in a single time slot. It employs power sensors embedded within the antenna elements to measure the received power pattern rather than baseband samples. A time inversion algorithm is then proposed to precisely estimate the locations of users and scatterers, which offers a substantially lower computational complexity. Based on the estimated locations from sensing, a novel dictionary is then proposed by considering the eigen-problem based on the near-field transmission model, which facilitates efficient near-field CE with less baseband sampling and a more lightweight dictionary. Moreover, we derive the general form of the eigenvectors associated with the near-field channel matrix, revealing their noteworthy connection to the discrete prolate spheroidal sequence (DPSS). Simulation results unveil that the proposed time inversion algorithm achieves accurate localization with power measurements only, and remarkably outperforms various widely-adopted algorithms in terms of computational complexity. Furthermore, the proposed eigen-dictionary considerably improves the accuracy in CE with a compact dictionary size and a drastic reduction in baseband samples by up to 77%.

Interference Mitigation for Network-Level ISAC: An Optimization Perspective

Future wireless networks are envisioned to simultaneously provide high data-rate communication and ubiquitous environment-aware services for numerous users. One promising approach to meet this demand is to employ network-level integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) by jointly designing the signal processing and resource allocation over the entire network. However, to unleash the full potential of network-level ISAC, some critical challenges must be tackled. Among them, interference management is one of the most significant ones. In this article, we build up a bridge between interference mitigation techniques and the corresponding optimization methods, which facilitates efficient interference mitigation in network-level ISAC systems. In particular, we first identify several types of interference in network-level ISAC systems, including self-interference, mutual interference, crosstalk, clutter, and multiuser interference. Then, we present several promising techniques that can be utilized to suppress specific types of interference. For each type of interference, we discuss the corresponding problem formulation and identify the associated optimization methods. Moreover, to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed interference mitigation techniques, two concrete network-level ISAC systems, namely coordinated cellular network-based and distributed antenna-based ISAC systems, are investigated from interference management perspective. Experiment results indicate that it is beneficial to collaboratively employ different interference mitigation techniques and leverage the network structure to achieve the full potential of network-level ISAC. Finally, we highlight several promising future research directions for the design of ISAC systems.

Joint Channel Estimation and Cooperative Localization for Near-Field Ultra-Massive MIMO

The next-generation (6G) wireless networks are expected to provide not only seamless and high data-rate communications, but also ubiquitous sensing services. By providing vast spatial degrees of freedom (DoFs), ultra-massive multiple-input multiple-output (UM-MIMO) technology is a key enabler for both sensing and communications in 6G. However, the adoption of UM-MIMO leads to a shift from the far field to the near field in terms of the electromagnetic propagation, which poses novel challenges in system design. Specifically, near-field effects introduce highly non-linear spherical wave models that render existing designs based on plane wave assumptions ineffective. In this paper, we focus on two crucial tasks in sensing and communications, respectively, i.e., localization and channel estimation, and investigate their joint design by exploring the near-field propagation characteristics, achieving mutual benefits between two tasks. In addition, multiple base stations (BSs) are leveraged to collaboratively facilitate a cooperative localization framework. To address the joint channel estimation and cooperative localization problem for near-field UM-MIMO systems, we propose a variational Newtonized near-field channel estimation (VNNCE) algorithm and a Gaussian fusion cooperative localization (GFCL) algorithm. The VNNCE algorithm exploits the spatial DoFs provided by the near-field channel to obtain position-related soft information, while the GFCL algorithm fuses this soft information to achieve more accurate localization. Additionally, we introduce a joint architecture that seamlessly integrates channel estimation and cooperative localization.

Bayes-Optimal Unsupervised Learning for Channel Estimation in Near-Field Holographic MIMO

Holographic MIMO (HMIMO) is being increasingly recognized as a key enabling technology for 6G wireless systems through the deployment of an extremely large number of antennas within a compact space to fully exploit the potentials of the electromagnetic (EM) channel. Nevertheless, the benefits of HMIMO systems cannot be fully unleashed without an efficient means to estimate the high-dimensional channel, whose distribution becomes increasingly complicated due to the accessibility of the near-field region. In this paper, we address the fundamental challenge of designing a low-complexity Bayes-optimal channel estimator in near-field HMIMO systems operating in unknown EM environments. The core idea is to estimate the HMIMO channels solely based on the Stein's score function of the received pilot signals and an estimated noise level, without relying on priors or supervision that is not feasible in practical deployment. A neural network is trained with the unsupervised denoising score matching objective to learn the parameterized score function. Meanwhile, a principal component analysis (PCA)-based algorithm is proposed to estimate the noise level leveraging the low-rank near-field spatial correlation. Building upon these techniques, we develop a Bayes-optimal score-based channel estimator for fully-digital HMIMO transceivers in a closed form. The optimal score-based estimator is also extended to hybrid analog-digital HMIMO systems by incorporating it into a low-complexity message passing algorithm. The (quasi-) Bayes-optimality of the proposed estimators is validated both in theory and by extensive simulation results. In addition to optimality, it is shown that our proposal is robust to various mismatches and can quickly adapt to dynamic EM environments in an online manner thanks to its unsupervised nature, demonstrating its potential in real-world deployment.

Green Edge AI: A Contemporary Survey

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have emerged as pivotal enablers across a multitude of industries, including consumer electronics, healthcare, and manufacturing, largely due to their resurgence over the past decade. The transformative power of AI is primarily derived from the utilization of deep neural networks (DNNs), which require extensive data for training and substantial computational resources for processing. Consequently, DNN models are typically trained and deployed on resource-rich cloud servers. However, due to potential latency issues associated with cloud communications, deep learning (DL) workflows are increasingly being transitioned to wireless edge networks near end-user devices (EUDs). This shift is designed to support latency-sensitive applications and has given rise to a new paradigm of edge AI, which will play a critical role in upcoming 6G networks to support ubiquitous AI applications. Despite its potential, edge AI faces substantial challenges, mostly due to the dichotomy between the resource limitations of wireless edge networks and the resource-intensive nature of DL. Specifically, the acquisition of large-scale data, as well as the training and inference processes of DNNs, can rapidly deplete the battery energy of EUDs. This necessitates an energy-conscious approach to edge AI to ensure both optimal and sustainable performance. In this paper, we present a contemporary survey on green edge AI. We commence by analyzing the principal energy consumption components of edge AI systems to identify the fundamental design principles of green edge AI. Guided by these principles, we then explore energy-efficient design methodologies for the three critical tasks in edge AI systems, including training data acquisition, edge training, and edge inference. Finally, we underscore potential future research directions to further enhance the energy efficiency of edge AI.

Learning Bayes-Optimal Channel Estimation for Holographic MIMO in Unknown EM Environments

Holographic MIMO (HMIMO) has recently been recognized as a promising enabler for future 6G systems through the use of an ultra-massive number of antennas in a compact space to exploit the propagation characteristics of the electromagnetic (EM) channel. Nevertheless, the promised gain of HMIMO could not be fully unleashed without an efficient means to estimate the high-dimensional channel. Bayes-optimal estimators typically necessitate either a large volume of supervised training samples or a priori knowledge of the true channel distribution, which could hardly be available in practice due to the enormous system scale and the complicated EM environments. It is thus important to design a Bayes-optimal estimator for the HMIMO channels in arbitrary and unknown EM environments, free of any supervision or priors. This work proposes a self-supervised minimum mean-square-error (MMSE) channel estimation algorithm based on powerful machine learning tools, i.e., score matching and principal component analysis. The training stage requires only the pilot signals, without knowing the spatial correlation, the ground-truth channels, or the received signal-to-noise-ratio. Simulation results will show that, even being totally self-supervised, the proposed algorithm can still approach the performance of the oracle MMSE method with an extremely low complexity, making it a competitive candidate in practice.

DPSS-based Codebook Design for Near-Field XL-MIMO Channel Estimation

Future sixth-generation (6G) systems are expected to leverage extremely large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (XL-MIMO) technology, which significantly expands the range of the near-field region. While accurate channel estimation is essential for beamforming and data detection, the unique characteristics of near-field channels pose additional challenges to the effective acquisition of channel state information. In this paper, we propose a novel codebook design, which allows efficient near-field channel estimation with significantly reduced codebook size. Specifically, we consider the eigen-problem based on the near-field electromagnetic wave transmission model. Moreover, we derive the general form of the eigenvectors associated with the near-field channel matrix, revealing their noteworthy connection to the discrete prolate spheroidal sequence (DPSS). Based on the proposed near-field codebook design, we further introduce a two-step channel estimation scheme. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed codebook design not only achieves superior sparsification performance of near-field channels with a lower leakage effect, but also significantly improves the accuracy in compressive sensing channel estimation.