Ground-to-UAV sub-terahertz channel measurement and modeling

Area of Science:

• Wireless Communications
• Electromagnetics
• Aerial Robotics

Background:

• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are crucial for next-generation wireless networks, acting as repeaters or data collectors.
• Terahertz (THz) wireless channel analysis for UAVs is an under-explored research area.
• 140 GHz frequency band presents unique challenges and opportunities for UAV communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and model the ground-to-UAV wireless channel at 140 GHz.
• To investigate the influence of UAV hovering behavior on channel performance.
• To evaluate the impact of UAV dynamic movements and antenna orientation.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurements using an unmodulated channel setup.
• Development of a geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM).
• Integration of 3D positional coordinates and beamwidth into the GBSM.

Main Results:

• UAV orientation adjustments have a minimal impact on channel performance.
• Increasing beamwidth reduces the requirement for precise alignment between UAVs and ground stations.
• UAV dynamic movements significantly influence channel characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable insights into THz UAV communication channel modeling.
• Findings suggest flexibility in UAV deployment and antenna alignment strategies.
• This research contributes to optimizing future wireless networks leveraging UAVs.