arXiv subjects

Rang Liu

Publications and source records attributed to Rang Liu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Delay-Doppler Sensing Performance Analysis for MIMO-OFDM ISAC Systems

In communication-centric integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), delay-Doppler sensing reuses data-bearing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals rather than dedicated radar probing waveforms. Consequently, the resulting range-Doppler map (RDM) is shaped not only by target parameters, but also by communication-symbol randomness and, in multi-antenna transmissions, by spatial beamforming. While existing analyses have largely focused on single-antenna OFDM-ISAC, the delay-Doppler sensing behavior of multi-antenna OFDM-ISAC remains insufficiently understood. This paper analyzes a multi-input multi-output (MIMO)-OFDM-ISAC system in which multiple data streams jointly illuminate a sensing target. We derive second-order moment expressions for the RDM under matched filtering (MF) and reciprocal filtering (RF), and use them to characterize the dynamic range (DR). The analysis reveals two key multi-stream effects. First, under MF, the random superposition of multiple beamformed streams creates an additional RDM floor beyond the modulation-dependent and receiver-noise terms; therefore, constant-modulus signaling no longer eliminates the data-induced pedestal as in single-antenna OFDM-ISAC. Second, under RF, the matched-angle data-induced floor is removed, but the noise floor is amplified according to the reciprocal-power statistics of the beamformed target illumination. These results show that the user-target angular geometry directly governs the MF/RF tradeoff: MF is more robust under weak illumination, whereas RF can achieve a higher DR when reciprocal-noise amplification is mild. Numerical results validate the analysis and demonstrate the distinct geometry-dependent behaviors of MF and RF.

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arXiv2026

Multiuser MIMO-AFDM Beamforming for ISAC in Doubly Dispersive Channels

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in high-mobility channels requires waveform and beamforming designs that are robust to delay-Doppler dispersion. With this in mind, in this paper we study a monostatic multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) affine frequency division multiplexing (AFDM) downlink system. We develop a discrete affine Fourier transform (DAFT)-domain model that preserves Doppler-induced inter-bin coupling and derive a data-aided delay-Doppler detector. The expected matched-bin detector signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is shown to be proportional to a transmit-covariance beampattern, which leads to a detector-SNR-based sector-illumination constraint. The resulting sensing-constrained weighted sum-rate maximization problem is solved using a combined weighted minimum mean squared error (WMMSE) and majorization-minimization (MM) formulation. Simulations show that the proposed AFDM design outperforms its orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) counterpart in terms of the rate-sensing tradeoff, robustness to Doppler, and delay-Doppler sensing quality.

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arXiv2026

Cooperative OFDM-ISAC Networks: Performance Analysis and Resource Allocation

Cooperative integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) enables network-wide sensing by exploiting the spatial diversity of multi-base-station (BS). This paper studies performance analysis and time-frequency resource allocation for a multi-BS cooperative OFDM-ISAC network with fine-grained resource-element (RE)-level orthogonal coordination. Two fusion architectures are considered: signal-level fusion (SLF), which forwards raw echoes to a fusion center, and parameter-level fusion (PLF), which reports only local delay/Doppler estimates and their uncertainty information. For SLF, we derive the Cram\'er--Rao bound (CRB) for joint target position and velocity estimation. For PLF, we develop a two-stage CRB-like metric by combining local delay/Doppler uncertainty characterization with first-order geometric error propagation, and show that only an oracle ML-based PLF benchmark can asymptotically attain the SLF CRB under restrictive conditions. Based on these results, we formulate a joint RE-selection and power-allocation problem under network-wide RE exclusivity, per-BS power budgets, a communication sum-rate constraint, and a sidelobe-amplitude constraint on the delay-Doppler ambiguity function. An efficient solution is developed via Schur-complement reformulations and penalty-based alternating optimization. Numerical results validate the analysis, demonstrate effective ambiguity-sidelobe suppression and consistent localization/velocity gains over representative baselines, while revealing geometry-dependent SLF-PLF performance gaps.

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arXiv2026

Extended Target Sensing in MIMO-OFDM ISAC Systems: Modeling, Optimization and Estimation

This paper develops a comprehensive target modeling, beamforming optimization, and parameter estimation framework for extended-target sensing in wideband MIMO-OFDM integrated sensing and communication systems. We propose a parametric scattering model (PSM) that decouples target geometry from electromagnetic scattering characteristics, requiring only six nonlinear geometric parameters and linear radar cross-section (RCS) coefficients. Based on this compact structure, we derive a hybrid Bayesian Cram\'{e}r-Rao bound (CRB) for joint estimation of azimuth, elevation, and range-related parameters. To handle inherent range ambiguities due to OFDM signaling, we analyze the range ambiguity function and introduce range sidelobe suppression constraints around the true range. Based on these constraints, we formulate an ambiguity-aware transmit beamforming design that minimizes a weighted geometric CRB subject to per-user signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) requirements and a total power budget. As benchmarks, we extend two other common models to the same wideband MIMO-OFDM scenario. We also derive maximum a posteriori estimators and a computational complexity analysis for all three models. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed PSM-based approach achieves improved target localization with significantly reduced runtime for beamforming optimization and parameter estimation, while consistently satisfying communication SINR requirements.

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arXiv2026

Clutter-Aware Integrated Sensing and Communication: Models, Methods, and Future Directions

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) can substantially improve spectral, hardware, and energy efficiency by unifying radar sensing and data communications. In wideband and scattering-rich environments, clutter often dominates weak target reflections and becomes a fundamental bottleneck for reliable sensing. Practical ISAC clutter includes "cold" clutter arising from environmental backscatter of the probing waveform, and "hot" clutter induced by external interference and reflections from the environment whose statistics can vary rapidly over time. In this article, we develop a unified wideband multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) signal model that captures both clutter types across the space, time, and frequency domains. Building on this model, we review clutter characterization at multiple levels, including amplitude statistics, robust spherically invariant random vector (SIRV) modeling, and structured covariance representations suitable for limited-snapshot regimes. We then summarize receiver-side suppression methods in the temporal and spatial domains, together with extensions to space-time adaptive processing (STAP) and space-frequency-time adaptive processing (SFTAP), and we provide guidance on selecting techniques under different waveform and interference conditions. To move beyond reactive suppression, we discuss clutter-aware transceiver co-design that couples beamforming and waveform optimization with practical communication quality-of-service (QoS) constraints to enable proactive clutter avoidance. We conclude with open challenges and research directions toward environment-adaptive and clutter-resilient ISAC for next-generation networks.

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arXiv2026

Message Passing based Parameter Estimation in Cooperative MIMO-OFDM ISAC Systems

In integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) networks, multiple base stations (BSs) collaboratively sense a common target, leveraging diversity from multiple observation perspectives and joint signal processing to enhance sensing performance. This paper introduces a novel message-passing (MP)-based parameter estimation framework for collaborative MIMO-OFDM ISAC systems, which jointly estimates the target's position and velocity. First, a signal propagation model is established based on geometric relationships, and a factor graph is constructed to represent the unknown parameters. The sum-product algorithm (SPA) is then applied to this factor graph to jointly estimate the multi-dimensional parameter vector. To reduce communication overhead and computational complexity, we employ a hierarchical message-passing scheme with Gaussian approximation. By adopting parameterized message distributions and layered processing, the proposed method significantly reduces both computational complexity and inter-BS communication overhead. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MP-based parameter estimation algorithm and highlight the benefits of multi-perspective observations and joint signal processing for cooperative sensing in MIMO-OFDM ISAC systems.

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arXiv2025

OFDM-ISAC Beyond CP Limit: Performance Analysis and Mitigation Algorithms

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is well-suited for integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), yet its cyclic prefix (CP) is dimensioned for communications-grade multipath and is generally insufficient for sensing. When echoes exceed the CP duration, inter-symbol and inter-carrier interference (ISI/ICI) break subcarrier orthogonality and degrade sensing. This paper presents a unified analytical and algorithmic framework for OFDM-ISAC beyond the CP limit. We first develop a general echo model that explicitly captures the structured coupling of ISI and ICI caused by CP insufficiency. Building on this model, we derive closed-form signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and range-Doppler Map (RDM) second-order moment, together with an approximate peak sidelobe level ratio (PSLR), both of which are shown to deteriorate approximately linearly with the normalized excess delay beyond the CP. To mitigate these effects, we propose two standard-compatible successive interference cancellation (SIC) methods: SIC-DFT, a low-complexity DFT-based scheme, and SIC-ESPRIT, a super-resolution subspace approach. Simulations corroborate the analysis and demonstrate consistent gains over representative benchmarks. Both algorithms provide more than $4$~dB SINR improvement under CP-insufficient conditions, while SIC-ESPRIT reduces range/velocity root-mean-square-errors (RMSE) by about one order of magnitude, approaching the performance achievable with a sufficiently long CP. These results offer both theoretical insight and practical solutions for reliable long-range OFDM-ISAC sensing beyond the CP limit.

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arXiv2025

Reconfigurable Antenna Arrays: Bridging Electromagnetics and Signal Processing

Reconfigurable antennas (RAs), capable of dynamically adapting their radiation patterns, polarization states, and operating frequencies, have emerged as a promising technology to meet the stringent performance requirements of sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks. This article systematically introduces essential hardware implementations of RAs and investigates advanced array architectures, such as fully-digital and tri-hybrid designs, emphasizing their capability to synergistically integrate electromagnetic (EM) reconfigurability with analog and digital signal processing. By facilitating coordinated beamforming across the EM and signal processing domains, RA arrays offer unprecedented flexibility and adaptability compared to conventional static antenna systems. Representative applications empowered by RA arrays, including integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), physical layer security (PLS), and near-field communications, are highlighted. A case study illustrates the effectiveness of RA arrays in optimizing beam steering, improving link robustness, and alleviating system power consumption. Finally, several open challenges and future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the need for advancements in theoretical modeling, hardware reliability, channel estimation techniques, intelligent optimization methods, and innovative network architectures, to fully realize the transformative impact of RAs in future 6G wireless networks.

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arXiv2025

Clutter Suppression in ISAC Systems with Compound Reconfigurable Antenna Arrays

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems often suffer severe performance degradation due to strong clutter echoes, and spatial-only beamforming is often inadequate for realistic array sizes. This paper addresses clutter suppression in ISAC by leveraging compound reconfigurable antenna (CRA) arrays, which simultaneously enable dynamic adjustment of both radiation patterns and polarization states, thus substantially expanding the degrees of freedom available in the electromagnetic (EM) domain. We develop a unified compound channel model that integrates virtual angular-domain responses, spatial propagation, and polarization rotation/depolarization. Leveraging statistical information about target and clutter covariances, we formulate a joint EM-domain and baseband-domain optimization aimed at maximizing the radar signal-to-clutter-plus-noise ratio (SCNR). The formulation also enforces multiuser downlink signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio constraints, a total transmit-power budget, and finite-codebook EM-mode selection. The resulting nonconvex mixed-integer problem is tackled by an alternating algorithm that combines fractional programming and majorization-minimization with second-order cone programming-based updates and a penalty relaxation for mode selection. Extensive simulations in QuaDRiGa-based channel environments validate the effectiveness of the proposed CRA array design, demonstrating up to 11 dB SCNR improvements over conventional beamforming methods relying solely on baseband-domain optimization and confirming the substantial benefits of fully exploiting EM-domain reconfigurability for clutter-rich ISAC scenarios.

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arXiv2025

Coordinated Decentralized Resource Optimization for Cell-Free ISAC Systems

Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is emerging as a key enabler for 6G wireless networks, allowing the joint use of spectrum and infrastructure for both communication and sensing. While prior ISAC solutions have addressed resource optimization, including power allocation, beamforming, and waveform design, they often rely on centralized architectures with full network knowledge, limiting their scalability in distributed systems. In this paper, we propose two coordinated decentralized optimization algorithms for beamforming and power allocation tailored to cell-free ISAC networks. The first algorithm employs locally designed fixed beamformers at access points (APs), combined with a centralized power allocation scheme computed at a central server (CS). The second algorithm jointly optimizes beamforming and power control through a fully decentralized consensus ADMM framework. Both approaches rely on local information at APs and limited coordination with the CS. Simulation results obtained using our proposed Python-based simulation framework evaluate their fronthaul overhead and system-level performance, demonstrating their practicality for scalable ISAC deployment in decentralized, cell-free architectures.

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arXiv2025

Graph Learning for Cooperative Cell-Free ISAC Systems: From Optimization to Estimation

Cell-free integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems have emerged as a promising paradigm for sixth-generation (6G) networks, enabling simultaneous high-rate data transmission and high-precision radar sensing through cooperative distributed access points (APs). Fully exploiting these capabilities requires a unified design that bridges system-level optimization with multi-target parameter estimation. This paper proposes an end-to-end graph learning approach to close this gap, modeling the entire cell-free ISAC network as a heterogeneous graph to jointly design the AP mode selection, user association, precoding, and echo signal processing for multi-target position and velocity estimation. In particular, we propose two novel heterogeneous graph learning frameworks: a dynamic graph learning framework and a lightweight mirror-based graph attention network (mirror-GAT) framework. The dynamic graph learning framework employs structural and temporal attention mechanisms integrated with a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (3D-CNN), enabling superior performance and robustness in cell-free ISAC environments. Conversely, the mirror-GAT framework significantly reduces computational complexity and signaling overhead through a bi-level iterative structure with share adjacency. Simulation results validate that both proposed graph-learning-based frameworks achieve significant improvements in multi-target position and velocity estimation accuracy compared to conventional heuristic and optimization-based designs. Particularly, the mirror-GAT framework demonstrates substantial reductions in computational time and signaling overhead, underscoring its suitability for practical deployments.

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arXiv2025

Integrated Polarimetric Sensing and Communication with Polarization-Reconfigurable Arrays

Polarization diversity offers a cost- and space-efficient solution to enhance the performance of integrated sensing and communication systems. Polarimetric sensing exploits the signal's polarity to extract details about the target such as shape, pose, and material composition. From a communication perspective, polarization diversity can enhance the reliability and throughput of communication channels. This paper proposes an integrated polarimetric sensing and communication (IPSAC) system that jointly conducts polarimetric sensing and communications. We study the use of single-port polarization-reconfigurable antennas to adapt to channel depolarization effects, without the need for separate RF chains for each polarization. We address two core sensing tasks in IPSAC systems, target parameter estimation and target detection. For parameter estimation, we consider the problem of minimizing the mean-squared error (MSE) of the target depolarization parameter estimate, which is a critical task for various polarimetric radar applications such as rainfall forecasting, vegetation identification, and target classification. To address this nonconvex problem, we apply semi-definite relaxation (SDR) and majorization-minimization (MM) optimization techniques. Next, we consider a design that maximizes the target SINR leveraging prior knowledge of the target and clutter depolarization statistics to enhance the target detection performance. To tackle this problem, we modify the solution developed for MSE minimization subject to the same quality-of-service (QoS) constraints. Extensive simulations show that the proposed polarization reconfiguration method substantially improves the depolarization parameter MSE. Furthermore, the proposed method considerably boosts the target SINR due to polarization diversity, particularly in cluttered environments.

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arXiv2025

Multi-Domain Optimization Framework for ISAC: From Electromagnetic Shaping to Network Cooperation

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has emerged as a key feature for sixth-generation (6G) networks, providing an opportunity to meet the dual demands of communication and sensing. Existing ISAC research primarily focuses on baseband optimization at individual access points, with limited attention to the roles of electromagnetic (EM) shaping and network-wide coordination. The intricate interdependencies between these domains remain insufficiently explored, leaving their full potential for enhancing ISAC performance largely untapped. To bridge this gap, we consider multi-domain ISAC optimization integrating EM shaping, baseband processing, and network cooperation strategies that facilitate efficient resource management and system-level design. We analyze the fundamental trade-offs between these domains and offer insights into domain-specific and cross-domain strategies contributing to ISAC performance and efficiency. We then conduct a case study demonstrating the effectiveness of joint multi-domain optimization. Finally, we discuss key challenges and future research directions to connect theoretical advancements and practical ISAC deployments. This work paves the way for intelligent and scalable ISAC architectures, providing critical insights for their seamless integration into next-generation wireless networks.

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arXiv2025

Impact of Insufficient CP on Sensing Performance in OFDM-ISAC Systems

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is widely considered a leading waveform candidate for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in 6G networks. However, the cyclic prefix (CP) used to mitigate multipath effects in communication systems also limits the maximum sensing range. Target echoes arriving beyond the CP length cause inter-symbol interference (ISI) and inter-carrier interference (ICI), which degrade the mainlobe level and raise sidelobe levels in the range-Doppler map (RDM). This paper presents a unified analytical framework to characterize the ISI and ICI caused by an insufficient CP length in multi-target scenarios. For the first time, we derive closed-form expressions for the second-order moments of the RDM under both matched filtering (MF) and reciprocal filtering (RF) processing with insufficient CP length. These expressions quantify the effects of CP length, symbol constellation, and inter-target interference (ITI) on the mainlobe and sidelobe levels. Based on these results, we further derive explicit formulas for the peak sidelobe level ratio (PSLR) and integrated sidelobe level ratio (ISLR) of the RDM, revealing a fundamental trade-off between noise amplification in RF and ITI in MF. Numerical results validate our theoretical derivations and illustrate the critical impact of insufficient CP length on sensing performance in OFDM-ISAC systems.

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arXiv2025

Exploiting Symmetric Non-Convexity for Multi-Objective Symbol-Level DFRC Signal Design

Symbol-level precoding (SLP) is a promising solution for addressing the inherent interference problem in dual-functional radar-communication (DFRC) signal designs. This paper considers an SLP-DFRC signal design problem which optimizes the radar performance under communication performance constraints. We show that a common phase modulation applied to the transmit signals from an antenna array does not affect the performance of different radar sensing metrics, including beampattern similarity, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and Cram\'er-Rao lower bound (CRLB). We refer to this as symmetric-rotation invariance, upon which we develop low-complexity yet efficient DFRC signal design algorithms. More specifically, we propose a symmetric non-convexity (SNC)-based DFRC algorithm that relies on the non-convexity of the radar sensing metrics to identify a set of radar-only solutions. Based on these solutions, we further exploit the symmetry property of the radar sensing metrics to efficiently design the DFRC signal. We show that the proposed SNC-based algorithm is versatile in the sense that it can be applied to the DFRC signal optimization of all three sensing metrics mentioned above (beampattern, SINR, and CRLB). In addition, since the radar sensing metrics are independent of the communication channel and data symbols, the set of radar-only solutions can be constructed offline, thereby reducing the computational complexity. We also develop an accelerated SNC-based algorithm that further reduces the complexity. Finally, we numerically demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithms compared to existing methods in terms of sensing and communication performance as well as computational requirements.

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arXiv2025

Sensing-Oriented Adaptive Resource Allocation Designs for OFDM-ISAC Systems

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing - integrated sensing and communication (OFDM-ISAC) has emerged as a key enabler for future wireless networks, leveraging the widely adopted OFDM waveform to seamlessly integrate wireless communication and radar sensing within a unified framework. In this paper, we propose adaptive resource allocation strategies for OFDM-ISAC systems to achieve optimal trade-offs between diverse sensing requirements and communication quality-of-service (QoS). We first develop a comprehensive resource allocation framework for OFDM-ISAC systems, deriving closed-form expressions for key sensing performance metrics, including delay resolution, Doppler resolution, delay-Doppler peak sidelobe level (PSL), and received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Building on this theoretical foundation, we introduce two novel resource allocation algorithms tailored to distinct sensing objectives. The resolution-oriented algorithm aims to maximize the weighted delay-Doppler resolution while satisfying constraints on PSL, sensing SNR, communication sum-rate, and transmit power. The sidelobe-oriented algorithm focuses on minimizing delay-Doppler PSL while satisfying resolution, SNR, and communication constraints. To efficiently solve the resulting non-convex optimization problems, we develop two adaptive resource allocation algorithms based on Dinkelbach's transform and majorization-minimization (MM). Extensive simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed sensing-oriented adaptive resource allocation strategies in enhancing resolution and sidelobe suppression. Remarkably, these strategies achieve sensing performance nearly identical to that of a radar-only scheme, which dedicates all resources to sensing. These results highlight the superior performance of the proposed methods in optimizing the trade-off between sensing and communication objectives within OFDM-ISAC systems.

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arXiv2025

Joint Array Partitioning and Beamforming Designs in ISAC Systems: A Bayesian CRB Perspective

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has emerged as a promising paradigm for next-generation (6G) wireless networks, unifying radar sensing and communication on a shared hardware platform. This paper proposes a dynamic array partitioning framework for monostatic ISAC systems to fully exploit available spatial degrees of freedom (DoFs) and reconfigurable antenna topologies, enhancing sensing performance in complex scenarios. We first establish a theoretical foundation for our work by deriving Bayesian Cram\'{e}r-Rao bounds (BCRBs) under prior distribution constraints for heterogeneous target models, encompassing both point-like and extended targets. Building on this, we formulate a joint optimization framework for transmit beamforming and dynamic array partitioning to minimize the derived BCRBs for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation. The optimization problem incorporates practical constraints, including multi-user communication signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) requirements, transmit power budgets, and array partitioning feasibility conditions. To address the non-convexity of the problem, we develop an efficient alternating optimization algorithm combining the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) with semi-definite relaxation (SDR). We also design novel maximum a posteriori (MAP) DOA estimation algorithms specifically adapted to the statistical characteristics of each target model. Extensive simulations illustrate the superiority of the proposed dynamic partitioning strategy over conventional fixed-array architectures across diverse system configurations.

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arXiv2025

Low Range-Doppler Sidelobe ISAC Waveform Design: A Low-Complexity Approach

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is a pivotal enabler for next-generation wireless networks. A key challenge in ISAC systems lies in designing dual-functional waveforms that can achieve satisfactory radar sensing accuracy by effectively suppressing range-Doppler sidelobes. However, existing solutions are often computationally intensive, limiting their practicality in multi-input multi-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) ISAC deployments. This paper presents a novel low-complexity algorithm leveraging the augmented Lagrangian method (ALM) and Riemannian conjugate gradient (RCG) optimization techniques to address these challenges. The proposed algorithm achieves superior sidelobe suppression compared to state-of-the-art methods while dramatically reducing computational complexity, making it highly suitable for real-world MIMO-OFDM ISAC systems. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach not only outperforms existing benchmarks in sidelobe reduction but also accelerates convergence, ensuring efficient performance across communication and sensing tasks.

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