Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed the first millimeter wave communication network that enables both uplink and downlink communication as well as accurate localization using energy-efficient backscattering techniques.
Background:
Millimeter wave (mmWave) technology is an emerging wireless communication method that operates at extremely high frequencies, offering notable benefits such as a broad bandwidth for high-speed data transmission, miniaturization, and precise device localization. However, its major drawback is high power consumption due to its elevated operating frequencies and the demand for power-intensive directional antennas. To address this issue, researchers have introduced mmWave backscatter devices, allowing data to ride on mmWave signals from access points which results in reduced energy usage. Existing mmWave backscatter solutions only provide one of three critical functionalities—accurate localization, uplink, or downlink communication—leaving a gap in applications that require all three. In light of these challenges and the increasing significance of high-speed data transfer technologies, it is clear that the development and implementation of an innovative mmWave communication network are urgently needed to meet the future's requirements.
Innovation:
Professor Omid Salehi-Abari and his team have unveiled MilBack, the 1st mmWave backscatter network that not only supports accurate localization, uplink, and downlink communications but also operates on a low energy budget. This pioneering technology introduces a novel modulation scheme called Orientation Assisted Quadrature Frequency Modulation (OAQFM), which empowers backscatter nodes to efficiently modulate and demodulate signals using a simple and energy-efficient baseband processor. In addition, MilBack addresses the fundamental challenges that have hindered existing backscatter networks from delivering uplink/downlink communication and localization at mmWave frequencies by introducing an innovative backscatter node architecture. MilBack's real-world performance was rigorously assessed, demonstrating its remarkable capabilities: accurate localization, seamless uplink, and downlink communication, all while maintaining impressively low power consumption levels of just 32 mW and 18 mW, respectively, at distances of up to 8 meters.
Demonstration Video:
A Millimeter Wave Backscatter Network for Two-Way Communication and Localization (SIGCOMM'23 S1)
Potential Applications:
- 5G Network
- Wireless access and communication
- Sensing and monitoring system for:
- IoT(Internet of Things) applications
- Inventory management
- Infrastructural health
- Fitness and relevant wearable electronics, etc.
Advantages:
- Uplink and downlink communication
- Low power consumption (uplink: 18mW; downlink: 32 mW)
- Accurate localization and tracking
- Low profile and miniaturization
- Compatible with existing technologies
Development to Date:
Fully described and demonstrated
Related Papers:
Haofan Lu, Mohammad Mazaheri, Reza Rezvani, and Omid Abari. "A Millimeter Wave Backscatter Network for Two-Way Communication and Localization." In Proceedings of the ACM SIGCOMM 2023 Conference, pp. 49-61. 2023.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2024-040
Lead Inventor:
Prof. Omid Abari.