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Pan Tang

Publications and source records attributed to Pan Tang.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Near-Field Propagation and Spatial Non-Stationarity Channel Model for 6-24 GHz (FR3) Extremely Large-Scale MIMO: Adopted by 3GPP for 6G

Next generation cellular deployments are expected to exploit the 6-24 GHz frequency range 3 (FR3) and extremely large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (XL-MIMO) to enable ultra-high data rates and reliability. However, the significantly enlarged antenna apertures and higher carrier frequencies render the far-field and spatial stationarity assumptions in the existing 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) channel models invalid, giving rise to new features such as near-field propagation and spatial non-stationarity (SNS). Despite extensive prior research, incorporating these new features within the standardized channel modeling framework remains an open issue. To address this, this paper presents a channel modeling framework for XL-MIMO systems that incorporates both near-field and SNS features, adopted by 3GPP. For the near-field propagation feature, the framework models the distances from the base station (BS) and user equipment to the spherical-wave sources associated with clusters. These distances are used to characterize element-wise variations of path parameters, such as nonlinear changes in phase and angle. To capture the effect of SNS at the BS side, a stochastic-based approach is proposed to model SNS caused by incomplete scattering, by establishing power attenuation factors from visibility probability and visibility region to characterize antenna element-wise path power variation. In addition, a physical blocker-based approach is introduced to model SNS effects caused by partial blockage. Finally, a simulation framework for near-field and SNS is developed within the structure of the existing 3GPP channel model. Performance evaluations demonstrate that the near-field model captures higher channel capacity potential compared to the far-field model. Coupling loss results indicate that SNS leads to more pronounced propagation fading relative to the spatial stationary model.

eess.SP

Theoretical Analysis of Near-Field MIMO Channel Capacity and Mid-Band Experimental Validation

With the increase of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) array size and carrier frequency, near-field MIMO communications will become crucial in 6G wireless networks. Due to the increase of MIMO near-field range, the research of near-field MIMO capacity has aroused wide interest. In this paper, we focus on the theoretical analysis and empirical study of near-field MIMO capacity. First, the near-field channel model is characterized from the electromagnetic information perspective. Second, with the uniform planar array (UPA), the channel capacity based on effective degree of freedom (EDoF) is analyzed theoretically, and the closed-form analytical expressions are derived in detail. Finally, based on the numerical verification of near-field channel measurement experiment at 13 GHz band, we reveal that the channel capacity of UPA-type MIMO systems decreases continuously with the communication distance increasing. It can be observed that the near-field channel capacity gain is relatively obvious when large-scale MIMO is adopted at both receiving and transmitter ends, but the near-field channel capacity gain may be limited in the actual communication system with the small antenna array at receiving end. This work will give some reference to the near-field communication systems.

eess.SP

Empirical Study on Near-Field and Spatial Non-Stationarity Modeling for THz XL-MIMO Channel in Indoor Scenario

Terahertz (THz) extremely large-scale MIMO (XL-MIMO) is considered a key enabling technology for 6G and beyond due to its advantages such as wide bandwidth and high beam gain. As the frequency and array size increase, users are more likely to fall within the near-field (NF) region, where the far-field plane-wave assumption no longer holds. This also introduces spatial non-stationarity (SnS), as different antenna elements observe distinct multipath characteristics. Therefore, this paper proposes a THz XL-MIMO channel model that accounts for both NF propagation and SnS, validated using channel measurement data. In this work, we first conduct THz XL-MIMO channel measurements at 100 GHz and 132 GHz using 301- and 531-element ULAs in indoor environments, revealing pronounced NF effects characterized by nonlinear inter-element phase variations, as well as element-dependent delay and angle shifts. Moreover, the SnS phenomenon is observed, arising not only from blockage but also from inconsistent reflection or scattering. Based on these observations, a hybrid NF channel modeling approach combining the scatterer-excited point-source model and the specular reflection model is proposed to capture nonlinear phase variation. For SnS modeling, amplitude attenuation factors (AAFs) are introduced to characterize the continuous variation of path power across the array. By analyzing the statistical distribution and spatial autocorrelation properties of AAFs, a statistical rank-matching-based method is proposed for their generation. Finally, the model is validated using measured data. Evaluation across metrics such as entropy capacity, condition number, spatial correlation, channel gain, Rician K-factor, and RMS delay spread confirms that the proposed model closely aligns with measurements and effectively characterizes the essential features of THz XL-MIMO channels.

eess.SP

High-Resolution Multipath Angle Estimation Based on Power-Angle-Delay Profile for Directional Scanning Sounding

Directional scanning sounding (DSS) has become widely adopted for high-frequency channel measurements because it effectively compensates for severe path loss. However, the resolution of existing multipath component (MPC) angle estimation methods is constrained by the DSS angle sampling interval. Therefore, this communication proposes a high-resolution MPC angle estimation method based on power-angle-delay profile (PADP) for DSS. By exploiting the mapping relationship between the power difference of adjacent angles in the PADP and MPC offset angle, the resolution of MPC angle estimation is refined, significantly enhancing the accuracy of MPC angle and amplitude estimation without increasing measurement complexity. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method reduces the mean squared estimation errors of angle and amplitude by one order of magnitude compared to traditional omnidirectional synthesis methods. Furthermore, the estimation errors approach the Cramér-Rao Lower Bounds (CRLBs) derived for wideband DSS, thereby validating its superior performance in MPC angle and amplitude estimation. Finally, experiments conducted in an indoor scenario at 37.5 GHz validate the excellent performance of the proposed method in practical applications.

eess.SP

A Survey of New Mid-Band/FR3 for 6G: Channel Measurement, Characterization and Modeling in Outdoor Environment

The new mid-band (6-24 GHz) has attracted significant attention from both academia and industry, which is the spectrum with continuous bandwidth that combines the coverage benefits of low frequency with the capacity advantages of high frequency. Since outdoor environments represent the primary application scenario for mobile communications, this paper presents the first comprehensive review and summary of multi-scenario and multi-frequency channel characteristics based on extensive outdoor new mid-band channel measurement data, including UMa, UMi, and O2I. Specifically, a survey of the progress of the channel characteristics is presented, such as path loss, delay spread, angular spread, channel sparsity, capacity and near-field spatial non-stationary characteristics. Then, considering that satellite communication will be an important component of future communication systems, we examine the impact of clutter loss in air-ground communications. Our analysis of the frequency dependence of mid-band clutter loss suggests that its impact is not significant. Additionally, given that penetration loss is frequency-dependent, we summarize its variation within the FR3 band. Based on experimental results, comparisons with the standard model reveal that while the 3GPP TR 38.901 model remains a useful reference for penetration loss in wood and glass, it shows significant deviations for concrete and glass, indicating the need for further refinement. In summary, the findings of this survey provide both empirical data and theoretical support for the deployment of mid-band in future communication systems, as well as guidance for optimizing mid-band base station deployment in the outdoor environment. This survey offers the reference for improving standard models and advancing channel modeling.

eess.SP

Homophily-aware Heterogeneous Graph Contrastive Learning

Heterogeneous graph pre-training (HGP) has demonstrated remarkable performance across various domains. However, the issue of heterophily in real-world heterogeneous graphs (HGs) has been largely overlooked. To bridge this research gap, we proposed a novel heterogeneous graph contrastive learning framework, termed HGMS, which leverages connection strength and multi-view self-expression to learn homophilous node representations. Specifically, we design a heterogeneous edge dropping augmentation strategy that enhances the homophily of augmented views. Moreover, we introduce a multi-view self-expressive learning method to infer the homophily between nodes. In practice, we develop two approaches to solve the self-expressive matrix. The solved self-expressive matrix serves as an additional augmented view to provide homophilous information and is used to identify false negatives in contrastive loss. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the superiority of HGMS across different downstream tasks.

cs.LG

Experimental Analysis and Modeling of Penetration Loss for Building Materials in FR1 and FR3 bands

This study focuses on analysis and modeling of the penetration loss of typical building materials in the FR1 (450 MHz-6 GHz) and FR3 (7-24 GHz) bands based on experimental measurements. Firstly, we measure the penetration loss characteristics of four different typical building materials from 4 to 16 GHz, including wood, glass, foam and concrete, by using a penetration loss measurement platform based on the vector network analyzer (VNA). Next, we analyze the frequency dependence and thickness dependence of penetration loss. Finally, the linear model is applied to fit the curve of the measured penetration loss, and new model parameters for the penetration loss of different building materials are given, which are compared with that in the third generation partnership project (3GPP) technical report (TR) 38.901. The analysis results and new model parameters may provides insight into understanding propagation characteristics in FR1 and FR3 bands and 3GPP channel model standardisation.

eess.SP

Environment Reconstruction with Multi-targets Reflectors-merged Sensing Method Based on THz Single-sided Channel Characteristics

Terahertz (THz) integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) holds the potential to achieve high data rates and high-resolution sensing. Reconstructing the propagation environment is a vital step for THz ISAC, as it enhances the predictability of the communication channel to reduce communication overhead. In this letter, we propose an environment reconstruction methodology (ERM) merging reflectors of multi-targets based on THz single-sided channel small-scale characteristics. In this method, the inclination and position of tiny reflection faces of one single multi-path (MPC) are initially detected by double-triangle equations based on Snells law and geometry properties. Then, those reflection faces of multi-target MPCs, which are filtrated as available and one-order reflection MPCs, are globally merged to accurately reconstruct the entire propagation environment. The ERM is capable of operating with only small-scale parameters of receiving MPC. Subsequently, we validate our ERM through two experiments: bi-static ray-tracing simulations in an L-shaped room and channel measurements in an urban macrocellular (UMa) scenario in THz bands. The validation results demonstrate a small deviation of 0.03 m between the sensing outcomes and the predefined reflectors in the ray-tracing simulation and a small sensing root-mean-square error of 1.28 m and 0.45 m in line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight cases respectively based on channel measurements. Overall, this work is valuable for designing THz communication systems and facilitating the application of THz ISAC communication techniques.

eess.SP

3GPP-Like GBSM THz Channel Characterization, Modeling, and Simulation Based on Experimental Observations

Terahertz (THz) communication is envisioned as one of the possible technologies for the sixth-generation (6G) communication system due to its rich spectrum. To evaluate the performance of THz communication, it is essential to propose THz channel models within the common framework of the geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM) in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). This paper focuses on THz channel modeling and simulation by a 3GPP-like GBSM, based on channel measurements. We first present channel measurements at 100 GHz in an indoor office scenario and 132 GHz in an urban microcellular scenario. Subsequently, channel characteristics such as path loss, delay spread, angle spread, K-factor, cluster characteristic, cross-correlations, and correlation distances are obtained and analyzed based on channel measurement. Additionally, the channel characteristics are modeled by the statistical distribution of 3GPP channel models, which can be used to reconstruct the channel impulse response (CIR). Furthermore, these obtained distributions are studied referring to the default models in the 3GPP, revealing the channel sparsity in the THz channel. For instance, in the case of line-of-sight links in the indoor office, the mean of the measured cluster number is 4 while the default value is 15. Finally, we propose the THz channel model and its simulation framework to reconstruct CIRs based on the obtained models, which aim at characterizing the sparser THz channels. The obvious channel sparsity is characterized in both scenarios, as the Gini factors obtained by the proposed model only have the maximum deviation of 0.04 for those of the measurement. Overall, these findings are helpful in understanding and modeling the THz channel, facilitating the application of THz communication techniques for 6G.

eess.SP

Empirical Studies of Propagation Characteristics and Modeling Based on XL-MIMO Channel Measurement: From Far-Field to Near-Field

In the sixth-generation (6G), the extremely large-scale multiple-input-multiple-output (XL-MIMO) is considered a promising enabling technology. With the further expansion of array element number and frequency bands, near-field effects will be more likely to occur in 6G communication systems. The near-field radio communications (NFRC) will become crucial in 6G communication systems. It is known that the channel research is very important for the development and performance evaluation of the communication systems. In this paper, we will systematically investigate the channel measurements and modeling for the emerging NFRC. First, the principle design of massive MIMO channel measurement platform are solved. Second, an indoor XL-MIMO channel measurement campaign with 1600 array elements is conducted, and the channel characteristics are extracted and validated in the near-field region. Then, the outdoor XL-MIMO channel measurement campaign with 320 array elements is conducted, and the channel characteristics are extracted and modeled from near-field to far-field (NF-FF) region. The spatial non-stationary characteristics of angular spread at the transmitting end are more important in modeling. We hope that this work will give some reference to the near-field and far-field research for 6G.

cs.IT

Analysis of Near-Field Effects, Spatial Non-Stationary Characteristics Based on 11-15 GHz Channel Measurement in Indoor Scenario

In the sixth-generation (6G), with the further expansion of array element number and frequency bands, the wireless communications are expected to operate in the near-field region. The near-field radio communications (NFRC) will become crucial in 6G communication systems. The new mid-band (6-24 GHz) is the 6G potential candidate spectrum. In this paper, we will investigate the channel measurements and characteristics for the emerging NFRC. First, the near-field spherical-wave signal model is derived in detail, and the stationary interval (SI) division method is discussed based on the channel statistical properties. Then, the influence of line-of-sight (LOS) and obstructed-LOS (OLOS) environments on the near-field effects and spatial non-stationary (SnS) characteristic are explored based on the near-field channel measurements at 11-15 GHz band. We hope that this work will give some reference to the NFRC research.

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CPS-MEBR: Click Feedback-Aware Web Page Summarization for Multi-Embedding-Based Retrieval

Embedding-based retrieval (EBR) is a technique to use embeddings to represent query and document, and then convert the retrieval problem into a nearest neighbor search problem in the embedding space. Some previous works have mainly focused on representing the web page with a single embedding, but in real web search scenarios, it is difficult to represent all the information of a long and complex structured web page as a single embedding. To address this issue, we design a click feedback-aware web page summarization for multi-embedding-based retrieval (CPS-MEBR) framework which is able to generate multiple embeddings for web pages to match different potential queries. Specifically, we use the click data of users in search logs to train a summary model to extract those sentences in web pages that are frequently clicked by users, which are more likely to answer those potential queries. Meanwhile, we introduce sentence-level semantic interaction to design a multi-embedding-based retrieval (MEBR) model, which can generate multiple embeddings to deal with different potential queries by using frequently clicked sentences in web pages. Offline experiments show that it can perform high quality candidate retrieval compared to single-embedding-based retrieval (SEBR) model.

cs.IR

Channel Sparsity Variation and Model-Based Analysis on 6, 26, and 132 GHz Measurements

In this paper, the level of sparsity is examined at 6, 26, and 132 GHz carrier frequencies by conducting channel measurements in an indoor office environment. By using the Gini index (value between 0 and 1) as a metric for characterizing sparsity, we show that increasing carrier frequency leads to increased levels of sparsity. The measured channel impulse responses are used to derive a Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-style propagation model, used to calculate the Gini index for the comparison of the channel sparsity between the measurement and simulation based on the 3GPP model. Our results show that the mean value of the Gini index in measurement is over twice the value in simulation, implying that the 3GPP channel model does not capture the effects of sparsity in the delay domain as frequency increases. In addition, a new intra-cluster power allocation model based on measurements is proposed to characterize the effects of sparsity in the delay domain of the 3GPP channel model. The accuracy of the proposed model is analyzed using theoretical derivations and simulations. Using the derived intra-cluster power allocation model, the mean value of the Gini index is 0.97, while the spread of variability is restricted to 0.01, demonstrating that the proposed model is suitable for 3GPP-type channels. To our best knowledge, this paper is the first to perform measurements and analysis at three different frequencies for the evaluation of channel sparsity in the same environment.

eess.SP

Frequency-Angle Two-Dimensional Reflection Coefficient Modeling Based on Terahertz Channel Measurement

Terahertz (THz) channel propagation characteristics are vital for the design, evaluation, and optimization for THz communication systems. Moreover, reflection plays a significant role in channel propagation. In this letter, the reflection coefficient of the THz channel is researched based on extensive measurement campaigns. Firstly, we set up the THz channel sounder from 220 to 320 GHz with the incident angle ranging from 10° to 80°. Based on the measured propagation loss, the reflection coefficients of five building materials, i.e., glass, tile, aluminium alloy, board, and plasterboard, are calculated separately for frequencies and incident angles. It is found that the lack of THz relative parameters leads to the Fresnel model of non-metallic materials can not fit the measured data well. Thus, we propose a frequency-angle two-dimensional reflection coefficient model by modifying the Fresnel model with the Lorenz and Drude model. The proposed model characterizes the frequency and incident angle for reflection coefficients and shows low root-mean-square error with the measured data. Generally, these results are useful for modeling THz channels.

eess.SP

A Geometry-Based Stochastic Model for Truck Communication Channels in Freeway Scenarios

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) wireless communication systems are fundamental in many intelligent transportation applications, e.g., traffic load control, driverless vehicle, and collision avoidance. Hence, developing appropriate V2V communication systems and standardization require realistic V2V propagation channel models. However, most existing V2V channel modeling studies focus on car-to-car channels; only a few investigate truck-to-car (T2C) or truck-to-truck (T2T) channels. In this paper, a hybrid geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM) is proposed for T2X (T2C or T2T) channels in freeway environments. Next, we parameterize this GBSM from the extensive channel measurements. We extract the multipath components (MPCs) by using a joint maximum likelihood estimation (RiMAX) and then cluster the MPCs based on their evolution patterns.We classify the determined clusters as line-of-sight, multiple-bounce reflections from static interaction objects (IOs), multiple-bounce reflections from mobile IOs, multiple-bounce reflections, and diffuse scattering. Specifically, we model multiple-bounce reflections as double clusters following the COST 273/COST2100 method. This article presents the complete parameterization of the channel model. We validate this model by contrasting the root-mean-square delay spread and the angular spreads of departure/arrival derived from the channel model with the outcomes directly derived from the measurements.

eess.SP

BGC: Multi-Agent Group Belief with Graph Clustering

Recent advances have witnessed that value decomposed-based multi-agent reinforcement learning methods make an efficient performance in coordination tasks. Most current methods assume that agents can make communication to assist decisions, which is impractical in some situations. In this paper, we propose a semi-communication method to enable agents can exchange information without communication. Specifically, we introduce a group concept to help agents learning a belief which is a type of consensus. With this consensus, adjacent agents tend to accomplish similar sub-tasks to achieve cooperation. We design a novel agent structure named Belief in Graph Clustering(BGC), composed of an agent characteristic module, a belief module, and a fusion module. To represent each agent characteristic, we use an MLP-based characteristic module to generate agent unique features. Inspired by the neighborhood cognitive consistency, we propose a group-based module to divide adjacent agents into a small group and minimize in-group agents' beliefs to accomplish similar sub-tasks. Finally, we use a hyper-network to merge these features and produce agent actions. To overcome the agent consistent problem brought by GAT, a split loss is introduced to distinguish different agents. Results reveal that the proposed method achieves a significant improvement in the SMAC benchmark. Because of the group concept, our approach maintains excellent performance with an increase in the number of agents.

cs.AI

Enable Super-resolution Parameter Estimation for Mm-wave Channel Sounding

This paper investigates the capability of millimeter-wave (mmWave) channel sounders with phased arrays to perform super-resolution parameter estimation, i.e., determine the parameters of multipath components (MPC), such as direction of arrival and delay, with resolution better than the Fourier resolution of the setup. We analyze the question both generally, and with respect to a particular novel multi-beam mmWave channel sounder that is capable of performing multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) measurements in dynamic environments. We firstly propose a novel two-step calibration procedure that provides higher-accuracy calibration data that are required for Rimax or SAGE. Secondly, we investigate the impact of center misalignment and residual phase noise on the performance of the parameter estimator. Finally we experimentally verify the calibration results and demonstrate the capability of our sounder to perform super-resolution parameter estimation.

cs.IT