EMF-Aware Waveform for Dual-functional Radar Communication Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces an EMF-aware waveform design for dual-functional radar communication systems that balances radar performance with electromagnetic field exposure limits, especially in sensitive areas.

Contribution

It proposes a convex optimization-based waveform design that ensures RadCom systems operate within EMF safety constraints while maintaining performance.

Findings

The proposed design effectively reduces EMF exposure in sensitive areas.

The waveform optimization achieves a good trade-off between radar and communication functions.

Numerical results confirm the feasibility of low-EMF RadCom systems.

Abstract

Emerging dual-functional radar communication(RadCom) systems promise to revolutionize wireless systems by enabling radar sensing and communication on a shared platform, thereby enhancing spectral efficiency. However, the high transmit power required for efficient radar operation poses risks by potentially exceeding the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure limits enforced by the regulations. To address this challenge, we propose an EMF-aware signalling design that enhances RadCom system performance while complying with EMF constraints. Our approach considers exposure levels not only experienced by network users but also in sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals, where the exposure must be further reduced. First, we model the exposure metric for the users and the sectors that encounter sensitive areas. Then, we design the waveform by exploiting the trade-off between radar and communication while satisfying the exposure constraints. We reformulate the problem as a convex optimization program and solve it in closed form using Karush Kuhn Tucker (KKT) conditions. The numerical results demonstrate the feasibility of developing a robust RadCom system with low electromagnetic (EM) radiations.