Journal
IEEE COMMUNICATIONS MAGAZINE
Volume 61, Issue 7, Pages 172-178Publisher
IEEE-INST ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS INC
DOI: 10.1109/MCOM.007.2200495
Keywords
Discrete Fourier transforms; Radio frequency; Array signal processing; Sensors; Antennas; Phased arrays; Lenses; Power demand; Phase shifters; Butler matrices; 6G mobile communication; Hybrid power systems; Energy efficiency; Telecommunication services
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This article introduces the energy-efficient and easy-to-design multi-beam antenna arrays (MBAAs) for joint communications and sensing (JCAS), which can simultaneously steer multiple beams with negligible power consumption. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities to foster the development of green JCAS systems.
Joint communications and sensing (JCAS) is potentially a hallmark technology for the sixth generation mobile network (6G). Most existing JCAS designs are based on digital arrays, analog arrays with tunable phase shifters, or hybrid arrays, which are effective but are generally complicated to design and power inefficient. This article introduces the energy-efficient and easy-to-design multi-beam antenna arrays (MBAAs) for JCAS. Using pre-designed and fixed analog devices, such as lens or Butler matrix, MBAA can simultaneously steer multiple beams yet with negligible power consumption compared with other techniques. Moreover, MBAAs enable flexible beam synthesis, accurate angle-of-arrival estimation, and easy handling/utilization of the beam squint effect. All these features have not been well captured by the JACS community yet. To promote the awareness of them, we intuitively illustrate them and also exploit them for constructing a multi-beam JCAS framework. Finally, the challenges and opportunities are discussed to foster the development of green JCAS systems.
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