Multi-Functional Chirp Signalling for Next-Generation Multi-Carrier Wireless Networks: Communications, Sensing and ISAC Perspectives

TL;DR

This paper explores multi-functional chirp signalling waveforms for next-generation wireless networks, emphasizing their benefits for reliable high-mobility communication and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC).

Contribution

It introduces a novel multi-carrier chirp waveform framework combining various chirp sequences and waveforms for enhanced communication and sensing.

Findings

Chirp waveforms improve resilience in doubly selective channels.

Chirp-based schemes support high-mobility communication.

Potential for integrated sensing and communication applications.

Abstract

To meet the increasingly demanding quality-of-service requirements of the next-generation multi-carrier mobile networks, it is essential to design multi-functional signalling schemes facilitating efficient, flexible, and reliable communication and sensing in complex wireless environments. As a compelling candidate, we advocate chirp signalling, beneficially amalgamating sequences (e.g., Zadoff-Chu sequences) with waveforms (e.g., chirp spread spectrum and frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar), given their resilience against doubly selective channels. Besides chirp sequences, a wide range of chirp waveforms is considered, ranging from FMCW to affine frequency-division multiplexing (AFDM), to create a promising chirp multicarrier waveform. This study also highlights the advantages of such waveforms in supporting reliable high-mobility communications, plus integrated sensing and communications (ISAC). Finally, we outline several emerging research directions for chirp signalling designs.