Project description
Information theory shaping next-generation wireless technology
Next-generation wireless technology will integrate communication and sensing into a single network, transforming industries such as automotive and healthcare. This Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS) approach will enable base stations to communicate while tracking targets. To unlock its full potential, a solid theoretical foundation is required. The ERC-funded IT-JCAS project aims to address this fundamental gap. The project will introduce an information-theoretic framework for sensing, defining key concepts such as sensing capacity and reliability functions; explore efficiency–reliability trade-offs; and develop optimal schemes for JCAS systems supporting multiple transceivers, targets, and users. The outcome will advance information theory, enhance related fields, and influence future designs of JCAS-enabled wireless technologies.
Objective
The integration of radio communication and sensing services in the same network infrastructure will be a key feature of next-generation wireless technology. It is envisaged that wireless base-stations will communicate with active devices, and simultaneously detect, localize and track passive targets within their vicinity; all using the same spectrum and hardware. This emerging joint communication and sensing (JCAS) paradigm, currently at the frontier of wireless research, will revolutionize a broad range of applications, from automotive and transportation to healthcare and environmental monitoring.
A major challenge for realizing this vision is the lack of a fundamental theory for JCAS. Communication-centric wireless systems rely on information theory in establishing fundamental performance limits and guiding the design of efficient schemes that best utilize scarce radio resources. In sharp contrast, information theory for JCAS is currently in its infancy, and without such a theory, optimal signal and protocol design for next-generation wireless networks will remain elusive. The goal of this project is to take the first major steps towards closing this fundamental knowledge gap.
I will first introduce a novel information-theoretic approach to sensing. I propose the new notions of sensing capacity and reliability function, which will enable characterizing the fundamental trade-off between sensing efficiency and reliability. I will then establish new information-theoretic performance limits and optimal schemes for JCAS systems, where signals have the dual function of communicating and probing. Finally, I will extend the analysis to multiple transceivers, targets and users, by introducing a novel network information theory for sensing and JCAS.
The results of this project will open a new research frontier in information theory; push the boundaries of current knowledge in neighbouring domains; and directly impact the design of future, JCAS-enabled wireless technology.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
5612 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.