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Signal Processing

Research in the Signal Processing for Communications Lab covers a wide range of topics from theory to implementation, including:

• Wireless Communications
• Statistical and Array Signal Processing Detection and Estimation Theory
• Adaptive filtering
• Speech processing
• FPGA implementation of signal processing algorithms
• Underwater acoustic communications

Wireless Communications

Our current activities in signal processing for wireless communication include work on multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems, multiple-access methods, synchronisation, equalization, interference cancellation, multiuser detection and cooperative communications.

We also have intensive activity in block transmission systems such as OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) and single-carrier systems with frequency-domain equalisation (FDE), which will be the subject of future wireless communication standards.

Another focus is the study of spread spectrum systems such as UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access), MC-CDMA (multicarrier CDMA), and other systems, that are deployed in current cellular and satellite communication systems.

Statistical and Array Signal Processing

Another strand of research in the group is statistical and array signal processing, detection and estimation theory. In particular, new detection techniques that provide optimal detection under imperfect channel estimation, have been developed and evaluated.

The development of new efficient techniques for joint frequency and channel estimation in fading channels is also a subject of our research.

Iterative receivers that efficiently combine channel estimation, demodulation, and decoding processes are of great interest and constitute another active area of investigation.

The analysis and design of direction of arrival (DoA) estimation and beamforming algorithms using antenna arrays and sophisticated subspace techniques constitutes another vibrant and active area in the group, including new solutions for communications from HAPs (High Altitude Platforms).

Adaptive Filtering

Adaptive filtering algorithms are another area of our research expertise and our work in this area includes development of new algorithms, analysis using statistical tools, supervised and blind techniques, reduced-rank methods and implementation.

Recently, we have developed new families of adaptive algorithms, such as fast RLS (Recursive Least Squares) algorithms that are well suited for implementation on hardware design platforms such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). A patent application was filed on this design.

Another efficient family of adaptive filtering techniques under investigation in the Group are reduced-rank methods that demonstrate low complexity and high performance in many applications where traditional methods do not work.

The application of adaptive filtering algorithms are numerous and the group is currently considering their deployment in echo cancellation, interference suppression, acoustic echo cancellation, noise cancellation, to name a few.

Speech Processing

Speech processing activities in the Group include the development of speech coding algorithms for VOIP and wideband speech, speech recognition and speaker verification methods and non-intrusive assessment of quality of speech in communication networks.

FPGA Implementations of Signal Processing Algorithms

Efficient implementation of signal processing techniques on DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) platforms has been essential part of our research activity.

We have developed a family of signal processing techniques that are especially well suited to real-time implementation. Among them are adaptive antenna array beamformers, multiuser detectors and MIMO detectors.

Our designs require orders of magnitude smaller chip areas and/or provide significantly better performance than the best known techniques. These are essentially based on our patented solution: the DCD (dichotomous coordinate descent) algorithm.

Acoustic Communications

The Lab has extensive experience in underwater OFDM transmission, acoustic antenna beamforming, Doppler compensation, and many other techniques that are essential for high data rate transmission underwater. The long-distance underwater acoustic channel is considered to be more complicated for data transmission than almost any known radio channel.

This experience includes participation and analysis of ocean experiments.

We have also developed new techniques for other acoustic systems including acoustic echo cancellation.

Signal Processing: Projects

Adaptive Reduced-Rank Space-Time Processing Algorithms for GPS Jammer Suppression and Adaptive Radar Members: Rodrigo de Lamare The project will build on recent work in the Group on reduced-rank signal processing techniques and will develop innovative space-time reduced-rank processors and estimation algorithms for use in GPS navigation receivers and adaptive radar systems. read more...

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