Presentations and exhibits at the VDE ITG Expert Committee HF2 "Radio Systems"

Track 1: Radio-Based Positioning and Machine Learning

Track 2: Integrated Communication and Sensing

Track 3: From Research to Practice

During the lunch break, you can experience current developments and their technological implementations from 5G to UWB live in the L.I.N.K. Test and Application Centre of Fraunhofer IIS. 

The system uses a 360° antenna array to precisely determine the angle of incoming signals. Combined with distance measurement via ultra-wideband (UWB), this results in highly accurate environment detection. UWB tags are attached to objects or vehicles - the Roundview system recognises them automatically and localises them precisely in the room.

The exhibit demonstrates how all-round detection of the environment can be realised with UWB technology - a key competence for numerous applications.

Areas of application can be found wherever precise localisation and safety are required:

• perimeter detection
• Collision avoidance and detection for automated guided vehicles (AGV)
• Protection of machine areas (e.g. safety-critical systems)

The UWB mesh system uses channel impulse responses to detect movements or changes in the room. Based on commercially available UWB hardware (approx. 4.5 GHz, 500 MHz bandwidth) and a recording frequency of 40 Hz, movements can be reliably detected - even through walls. The system therefore provides the basis for a wide range of passive sensing applications.

The exhibit is a test platform for future research into passive channel charting, fingerprinting, through-wall imaging, activity recognition or people counting - and is compatible with common IoT devices and mobile end devices thanks to the low-cost components used.

The image shows a sensing node and the display of the channel impulse responses (signals) over time. Each tile represents a connection within the UWB mesh network.

The proof-of-principle FR2 (Frequency Range 2) Joint Communications and Positioning Platform shows how mmWave communication and precise distance measurement can be combined in one system: a platform that not only enables high-speed data transmission in the FR2 range, but also performs precise distance measurements between the units at the same time.

The platform shown is based on a fully controllable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) solution with an implemented 3GPP FR2 physical layer and specially developed UDC boards. The system offers maximum flexibility for research and development. Components can be exchanged or customised as required.

The demonstrator is used in projects such as RIS4NGWB, with the aim of researching new applications for communication and localisation technology in the mmWave range.

As part of the SMARTIES project, localisation in mioty networks will be presented at the ITG conference. SMARTIES are miniaturised measuring instruments that integrate environmental sensors and wireless communication based on mioty technology. They enable the precise recording of atmospheric data in real time and the simultaneous determination of the position of the sensors.

Both the communication module and the sensors are integrated into a flying object. During the flight, the sensor data is transmitted via mioty to a network of base stations, which enables data analysis with high energy efficiency and scalability. The modules are also localised using the wireless LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology mioty from Fraunhofer IIS, based on the runtime difference measurement of the mioty radio signals. This means that no additional radio module is required for localisation, which minimises the weight of the flying object.

The application includes the collection of atmospheric data, such as flow behaviour, to improve weather forecasting and to analyse the effects of natural events such as volcanic eruptions.

With the »Industry 4.0 5G Positioning and Communication Testbed«, Fraunhofer IIS is providing a comprehensive test environment for the development, demonstration and independent evaluation of industrial communication and localisation technologies at its Nuremberg site. Various positioning and communication systems such as a 5G campus network, Wi-Fi 6, UWB and high-precision 3D reference systems are available in the realistically equipped hall. Complemented by modern conveyor and storage systems, individual industrial applications can be tested and validated under controlled conditions. Our expertise in radio measurement technology and system analysis as well as the neutral evaluation by our scientists make the testbed the ideal platform for research, development and the successful practical application of new technologies.

Visitors will be able to gain insights into the 3D positioning system and the measurement infrastructure of the test hall. In addition, an exemplary results report of our new 5G system evaluation will be presented.