Dual-Function Signal Generation for OFDM Sensing Compatibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G NR communication systems are not well suited for dual functional sensing and communication, requiring separate hardware for radar-like signals, which is costly and inefficient for diverse sensing requirements and dynamic use cases.

Innovation Solution

A unified signal generation approach using control inputs for symbol pre-processing and post-processing to dynamically adjust between sensing and communication centric signals, allowing the same hardware to support diverse and dynamic use cases while maintaining backward compatibility with OFDM-based systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If OFDM based signals are used for communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but sensing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsensing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single signal generation system that can perform both communication and sensing functions. The base station uses a unified signal processing chain that can generate signals optimized for communication (OFDM) or sensing (radar-like waveforms) or both simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate hardware systems and enabling one system to serve multiple purposes effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the signal generation system adaptable and reconfigurable. The base station can dynamically switch between different signal types (OFDM for communication, radar-like waveforms for sensing) based on current operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize performance for the primary function needed at any given time while maintaining the other capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If separate hardware components are used for radar signal generation, then sensing capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoidhardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the communication and sensing signal generation functions into a single integrated system at the base station. Instead of having separate radar hardware and communication hardware, the invention merges both functionalities into one system that shares common components such as the signal generator, transmitter, and antenna, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a single signal generation system that can perform both communication and sensing functions. The base station uses a unified signal processing chain that can generate signals optimized for communication (OFDM) or sensing (radar-like waveforms) or both simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate hardware systems and enabling one system to serve multiple purposes effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If radar like signals are used for sensing, then sensing accuracy is improved, but communication compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidcommunication compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the signal generation system adaptable and reconfigurable. The base station can dynamically switch between different signal types (OFDM for communication, radar-like waveforms for sensing) based on current operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize performance for the primary function needed at any given time while maintaining the other capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a single signal generation system that can perform both communication and sensing functions. The base station uses a unified signal processing chain that can generate signals optimized for communication (OFDM) or sensing (radar-like waveforms) or both simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate hardware systems and enabling one system to serve multiple purposes effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260067141A1Signal Generation for Dual Functional Sensing and Communication

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes accessing modulation symbols, determining a symbol pre-processing mechanism based on a first control input and a symbol post-processing mechanism based on a second control input, wherein the first and second control inputs are determined based on sensing-and-communication requirements that specify one or more of a sensing centric requirement, a communication centric requirement, or a requirement for dual function of sensing and communication, generating pre-processed symbols based on the symbol pre-processing mechanism and the modulation symbols, generating a post-processed symbols based on the symbol post-processing mechanism and the pre-processed symbols, wherein the symbol pre-processing mechanism and the symbol post-processing mechanism are configured to jointly modify a phase associated with the post-processed symbols linearly or quadratically with respect to the modulation symbols, and transmitting a signal generated based on the post-processed symbols.