Majority Vote Computation With Complementary Sequences for Distributed UAV Guidance

TL;DR

This paper presents a new non-coherent over-the-air computation scheme using complementary sequences for reliable majority vote calculation in fading channels, suitable for UAV guidance with improved accuracy and power efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a channel-agnostic, non-coherent OAC method based on complementary sequences, enhancing distributed UAV guidance accuracy in fading environments.

Findings

Significant reduction in computation error rates in fading channels

Compatible with time-varying channels without channel state information

Maintains peak-to-mean-envelope power ratio within 3 dB

Abstract

This study introduces a novel non-coherent over-the-air computation (OAC) scheme aimed at achieving reliable majority vote (MV) calculations in fading channels. The proposed approach relies on modulating the amplitude of the elements of complementary sequences (CSs) based on the sign of the parameters to be aggregated. Notably, our method eliminates the reliance on channel state information at the nodes, rendering it compatible with time-varying channels. To demonstrate the efficacy of our approach, we employ it in a scenario where an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is guided by distributed sensors, relying on the MV computed using our proposed scheme. The experimental results confirm the superiority of our approach, as evidenced by a significant reduction in computation error rates in fading channels, particularly with longer sequence lengths. Meanwhile, we ensure that the peak-to-mean-envelope power ratio of the transmitted orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signals remains within or below 3 dB.