Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TIMES (THz Industrial Mesh Networks in Smart Sensing and Propagation Environments)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-06-30
Future wireless networks aim to deliver performance akin to wired networks, featuring ultra-high data rates (Tbps), ultra-low latency (less than 1 ms), precise sensing (e.g. millimeter-level localization accuracy), and exceptional reliability (e.g. 1 in a billion transmission errors). Current 5G technologies fall short of these requirements. TIMES tackles this by integrating advanced radio channel propagation measurements, THz spectrum communications, intelligent mesh networking protocols, and reconfigurable metasurfaces.
Although the technologies developed by TIMES apply to various beyond-5G scenarios, the project specifically targets industrial environments where high performance, reliability, and sensing are crucial. TIMES focuses on three main areas:
1. Measurement and characterization of THz propagation channels, including metasurfaces and electromagnetic leakage in complex environments.
2. Development of reliable THz communications enablers such as intelligent beam management, ultra-massive MIMO, THz-specific PHY and MAC designs, metasurfaces, and novel mesh-based architectures.
3. Implementation of a THz mesh network prototype with both active transceiver and passive metasurface nodes to validate the technological advancements.
TIMES aims to achieve its goals through eight objectives:
1. Develop new THz channel models based on industrial measurements.
2. Design PHY and MAC layer solutions tailored to the THz spectrum.
3. Create advanced THz front-ends and antennas.
4. Design a multifunctional mesh-based Radio Access Network (RAN) with active nodes and Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS).
5. Fabricate IRSs operating at THz frequencies.
6. Integrate sensing and communication capabilities into the network.
7. Define use cases and requirements for next-gen industrial applications.
8. Implement and validate a proof of concept (PoC) in real industrial settings.
Although the technologies developed by TIMES apply to various beyond-5G scenarios, the project specifically targets industrial environments where high performance, reliability, and sensing are crucial. TIMES focuses on three main areas:
1. Measurement and characterization of THz propagation channels, including metasurfaces and electromagnetic leakage in complex environments.
2. Development of reliable THz communications enablers such as intelligent beam management, ultra-massive MIMO, THz-specific PHY and MAC designs, metasurfaces, and novel mesh-based architectures.
3. Implementation of a THz mesh network prototype with both active transceiver and passive metasurface nodes to validate the technological advancements.
TIMES aims to achieve its goals through eight objectives:
1. Develop new THz channel models based on industrial measurements.
2. Design PHY and MAC layer solutions tailored to the THz spectrum.
3. Create advanced THz front-ends and antennas.
4. Design a multifunctional mesh-based Radio Access Network (RAN) with active nodes and Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS).
5. Fabricate IRSs operating at THz frequencies.
6. Integrate sensing and communication capabilities into the network.
7. Define use cases and requirements for next-gen industrial applications.
8. Implement and validate a proof of concept (PoC) in real industrial settings.
The project has made notable progress in advancing THz communication technologies for industrial use. A major achievement is the creation of comprehensive models and guidelines for simulating, analyzing, and optimizing THz networks in industrial environments to meet future demands.
A key milestone is a report on 300 GHz channel measurements in various industrial settings, focusing on inter- and intra-device communications under different conditions. The study examines path loss (PL) and large-scale parameters (LSPs) across sub-6 GHz, mmWave, and THz bands, providing critical insights for future channel models in complex environments.
In PHY design, significant strides have been made in beamforming and multiplexing techniques essential for THz networks' high data rates. An innovation includes a new PHY layer waveform designed for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems, demonstrating superior performance and dual functionality for future THz applications.
The project has also fabricated and characterized the first generation of 300 GHz front-end circuits for the PoC demonstration. Initial testing revealed a slight frequency shift and bandwidth limitation above 270 GHz. A redesign of the THz circuits is expected to be completed by early 2025.
A key milestone is a report on 300 GHz channel measurements in various industrial settings, focusing on inter- and intra-device communications under different conditions. The study examines path loss (PL) and large-scale parameters (LSPs) across sub-6 GHz, mmWave, and THz bands, providing critical insights for future channel models in complex environments.
In PHY design, significant strides have been made in beamforming and multiplexing techniques essential for THz networks' high data rates. An innovation includes a new PHY layer waveform designed for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems, demonstrating superior performance and dual functionality for future THz applications.
The project has also fabricated and characterized the first generation of 300 GHz front-end circuits for the PoC demonstration. Initial testing revealed a slight frequency shift and bandwidth limitation above 270 GHz. A redesign of the THz circuits is expected to be completed by early 2025.
TIMES' advances represent significant progress toward achieving THz communication systems that offer ultra-high data rates, low latency, and ruggedness for industrial environments. As the project continues, these innovations will be refined and integrated, propelling the development of next-gen wireless networks to support future factories.