Background:
Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a new paradigm that allows to change any aspect of a communication protocol, including the signaling method, by changing the software. The only limitation is the bandwidth of RF (radio frequency) part.

At LCM (Mobile Communications Laboratory), we are currently using the bladeRF SDR platform (http://www.nuand.com/) for various projects and purposes, including for example the acquisition of a GPS signal (which is used in the SDR class).

Objectives:
The goal of this project is to implement an over-the-air communication system using two bladeRF modules, one at each end of the wireless link. Some of the basic blocks are already implemented in Matlab (data source, modulator, pulse shaper, matched filter, demodulator, error correction mechanism).
In order to have a fully operational wireless link, there are several modules that are still missing. The purpose of this project is to implement them. First, one needs to perform the clock synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver. Next, one has to synchronize the received data and detect the start/end of the transmitted blocks/frames. Finally, one has to estimate the channel parameters, using some training data. Once these blocks are implemented, a fully operational transmission chain should be demonstrated.

Prerequisites: Matlab, COM-302 Principles of digital communications (or equivalent).
(COM-511 Software-defined radio: A hands-on course is a plus. This can be taken in parallel.)

Laboratory: LCM, IC faculty

Project available for: Master in Communication Systems / Computer Science

Number of students: 1

Supervisor:
Nicolae Chiurtu, tel: 35657, office INR 138, nicolae.chiurtu@epfl.ch

Professor:
Bixio Rimoldi, tel: 32679, office INR 111, bixio.rimoldi@epfl.ch

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