P300 spellers can provide a means of communication for individuals with severe neuromuscular limitations. However, its use as an effective communication tool is reliant on high P300 classification accuracies (>70‰) to account for error revisions. Error-related potentials (ErrP), which are changes in EEG potentials when a person is aware of or perceives erroneous behavior or feedback, have been proposed as inputs to drive corrective mechanisms that veto erroneous actions by BCI systems. The goal of this study is to demonstrate that training an additional ErrP classifier for a P300 speller is not necessary, as we hypothesize that error information is encoded in the P300 classifier responses used for character selection. We perform offline simulations of P300 spelling to compare ErrP and non-ErrP based corrective algorithms. A simple dictionary correction based on string matching and word frequency significantly improved accuracy (35-185%), in contrast to an ErrP-based method that flagged, deleted and replaced erroneous characters (-47-0‰). Providing additional information about the likelihood of characters to a dictionary-based correction further improves accuracy. Our Bayesian dictionary-based correction algorithm that utilizes P300 classifier confidences performed comparably (44-416%) to an oracle ErrP dictionary-based method that assumed perfect ErrP classification (43-433%).

Free-space optical communication (FSO) has been proposed as an attractive alternative to radio frequency communication in the sense that it provides wide bandwidth and high capacity without requirement of license. However, the scalability of FSO link is limited by pointing error, atmospheric turbulence, and loss. Especially, when it comes to the FSO link between moving platforms, it is imperative works to analyze the statistical channel model considering accurate pointing errors and atmospheric turbulence at the same time. In this paper, we analyze performance of FSO links over various atmospheric situations with pointing errors. First, we assume strong turbulence and obtain a unified approximation of the composite probability density function (PDF) of channel gain, which embraces generalized pointing error models. This approximation leads to new unified formulas for the bit error rate (BER) and outage capacity of a FSO link, which account for the two possible detection mechanisms of intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) and heterodyne detection. Secondly, we statistically derive the unified composite PDF containing all possible pointing error models based on weak turbulence model. In addition, we analyze BER performance in FSO communication with IM/DD and heterodyne detection technology based on the derived unified composite PDF results. Finally, we investigate the ergodic capacity of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based FSO links over random foggy channel. More specifically, we derive composite PDF and close approximation for the moments of the composite PDF using the statistical model of a UAV-based 3D pointing error and a random foggy channel. With it, we obtain upper bound and asymptotic approximation of the ergodic capacity for the two possible detection techniques of IM/DD and heterodyne detection at high and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regimes.

Over the last ten years, Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology has attracted tremendous research attention. Frequency allocation of 3.1-10.6 GHz for UWB application by FCC made it apparent that UWB will be the technology for future wireless high speed communication applications. With the promise of high data rates (high channel capacity), UWB also offers advantages such as communication security, high multi-path resolution, good penetration capability, ability to coexist with other communication schemes in the same band, and finally, circuit simplicity. The theoretical advantages of UWB has made it a great candidate for short distance communications, however, UWB communications have many challenges, for example, sub-nanosecond pulse generation, timing sensitivity of modulation and synchronization, flat antenna performance over a wide bandwidth, effect of existing systems on UWB systems. In order to experiment with various UWB modulation schemes, and to study transmitter and receiver structures, an accurate channel model need be established. In this dissertation, our first contribution is to evaluate and implement two major statistical channel models. The first model is proposed by AT\&T Labs and is in the form of an autoregressive IIR filter. Although this is an accurate channel model to represent UWB behavior, it is proposed before the allocation of 3.1-10.6 GHz frequency band, hence, it could not simulate the correct frequency spectrum. The second model is proposed by Saleh and Valenzuela, which has been widely accepted by UWB community to be the most accurate channel model for UWB systems. Recently disbanded task group 802.15.3a which was assigned to standardize a UWB communication scheme has also accepted the latter model. Our second contribution is to derive optimal pulses for PPM signals. Using the accurate channel model in computer simulations, we experimented on various UWB communication schemes. We found that the traditional UWB pulses being used in pulse position modulated UWB systems did not perform optimally. A set of optimized UWB pulses and the methodology to calculate optimal pulses for any modulation index for PPM systems have been proposed in this dissertation. It is found that the optimal pulse can improve the performance of UWB systems by as much as 0.7 dB. With the PPM pulse optimization, the theoretical performance limits of PPM systems are derived. The third contribution from this dissertation is to design near optimal practical implementable receiver structures. Some of the results obtained from PPM pulse optimization are found to be theoretical and not practical. More practical approach to the receiver structures were needed for industrial interest. We proposed simple sub-optimal receiver structures that are able to perform only a few dB less than the optimal receivers are proposed. These simple, low-cost receiver structures are strong alternatives to the complex traditional optimal receivers.

This thesis examines resource allocation for Federated Learning in wireless networks. In Federated learning a server and a number of users exchange neural network parameters during training. This thesis aims to create a realistic simulation of a Federated Learning process by creating a channel model and using compression when channel capacity is insufficient. In the thesis we learn that Federated learning can handle high ratios of sparsification compression. We will also investigate how the choice of users and scheduling schemes affect the convergence speed and accuracy of the training process. This thesis will conclude that the choice of scheduling schemes will depend on the distributed data distribution.

Ever faster data transmission in wireless communication is desired to satisfy emerging markets for various media services, such as voice, picture and video calls, multimedia messaging, music and video downloads, and even television. With the explosive increase in the use of mobile devices such as cellular phones, PDAs, GPS, and laptop computers, power consumption has become a prime consideration in the design of mobile communication systems. In order to reliably maintain a high rate of transmission and low power consumption, it is imperative that the receiver obtains as much knowledge as possible about the current state of the channel. A more accurate model of wireless communication channels will indisputably help in obtaining more knowledge about the transient channel state, providing a more accurate and efficient reproduction of the transmitted signal, and decreased power consumption by the receiver. With careful choice and consideration of the channel model, systemic optimization based on the selected channel model will improve the system performance of the transmitter and receiver through better encoding and decoding, as well as through better control of transmitted signal's power level. This thesis focuses on understanding the physical and statistical characteristics of wireless channels, and investigates how to represent wireless channels using simple mathematical models. This thesis initially studied a simple time-varying stationary channel, i.e.a multipath fiat fading channel without terminal motion, which is typically used for indoor wireless communication. With an introduction of stochastic differential equations, we derived a first-order AR stochastic process to represent this stationary channel. For a general multipath fiat fading channel with terminal motion, the traditional Clarke's model was then extended by incorporating the effects of fluctuations in the component phases and analyzed statistically. The resulting theoretical power spectrum was shown to fit practical measured spectra, in contrast to the traditional theoretical fiat fading channel spectra (Jakes' spectrum in [19]) . Finally, we developed a state-space model that represents a wireless channel using these modified spectral characteristics. This was achieved by developing a relationship between the state-space model and the theory of a rational transfer function. A novel method for designing a rational transfer function for linear systems was then proposed. In this method, the rational transfer function is represented via the Observable Canonical Form (OCF) to obtain the state-space model, which can be used to represent and simulate a fiat fading wireless channel. The presented state-space approach is simple and provides rapid computation. The present AR and state-space models provide valuable contributions that can be integrated with other algorithms for better system optimization of wireless communication networks. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

In the push for spectrum sharing and open spectrum access, the 3.5 GHz frequency band is under consideration for small cells and general Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) in the United States. The same band is beginning to see deployment in China, Japan, and South Korea, for the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular standard to increase coverage and capacity in urban areas through small cell deployment. However, since the adoption of this band is new, there is a distinct shortage of propagation data and accurate channel modeling at 3.5 GHz in indoor environments. These models are necessary for cellular coverage planning and evaluating the performance and feasibility of wireless systems. This report presents the results of a fixed wireless channel measurement campaign at 3.5 GHz. Measurements were taken in environments typical of indoor wireless deployment: traditional urban indoor office, hallway, classroom, computer laboratory, and atrium areas, as well as within a hospital. Primarily Non Line of Sight (NLOS) experiments were carried out in areas with a controllable amount of partitions separating the transmitter and receiver in order to document material-based attenuation values. Indoor-to-outdoor measurements were carried out, focusing on attenuation due to common exterior building materials such as concrete, brick, wood, and reinforced glass. Documented metrics include large scale path loss, log-normal shadowing, and channel power delay profiles combined with delay spread characteristics for multipath analysis. The statistical multi-antenna diversity gain was evaluated to gauge the benefit of using multi-antenna systems in an indoor environment, which has much greater spatial diversity than an outdoor environment. Measurements were compared to indoor path loss models used for WLAN planning in the low GHz range to investigate the applicability of extending these models to 3.5 GHz. / Master of Science

Recently, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology based on the transmission of short duration pulses has gained much interest for its application to wireless communications. This thesis covers a range of topics related to the analysis of indoor UWB channels for communications and to system level design issues for UWB receivers. Measurement based UWB small scale modeling and characterization efforts as well as UWB communications system analysis and simulation are presented. Relevant background material related to UWB communications and wireless channel modeling is presented. The details of the small scale channel modeling work, including statistical characterization and potential models, are discussed. A detailed analysis of the CLEAN algorithm, which was used to process all the measurement data, is also given, and some limitations of the algorithm are presented. The significance of the channel impulse response model chosen for the simulation of UWB communications systems is also evaluated. Three traditional models are found to be useful for modeling NLOS UWB channels, but not LOS channels. A new model for LOS UWB channels is presented and shown to represent LOS channels much more accurately than the traditional models. Receiver architectures for UWB systems are also discussed. The performance of correlation receivers and energy detector receivers are compared as well as Rake diversity forms of each of these types to show tradeoffs in system complexity with performance. Interference to and by UWB signals is considered. A narrowband rejection system for UWB receivers is shown to offer significant system improvement is the presence of strong interferers. / Master of Science

A técnica de localização móvel utilizando o sistema celular recebeu especial atenção por parte de empresas fabricantes e operadoras de telecomunicações, devido à necessidade de se cumprir as exigências estabelecidas para chamadas de serviços de emergência e outros serviços de apelo comercial. Neste trabalho são analisados os principais métodos de localização propostos na literatura, incluindo, para cada um, a formulação matemática envolvida no cálculo da localização, os principais algoritmos utilizados e suas limitações. É analisada, também, a modelagem do canal de propagação no ambiente celular baseada na proposta do relatório do COST 259. A partir desta análise pode ser encontrada uma correlação entre o atraso médio do sinal e o seu espalhamento, que motivou sua utilização em um novo algoritmo para estimativa de localização. Esse novo algoritmo, particularmente eficiente para os casos em que uma ou mais estações rádio-bases não apresentam visada direta com a unidade móvel (NLoS), é apresentado neste trabalho, e diversos resultados de simulação são analisados, comparando-se o seu desempenho com outros algoritmos amplamente aceitos e reconhecidos. Para melhorar a estimativa de posição final, a filtragem de Kalman também é aplicada ao algoritmo proposto. / The mobile location technique using the cellular system received a special attention from the telecommunication manufacturers and operators, regarding the need of accomplishing the established demands by the emergency service calls and other commercial ones. This study analyzes the main location methods proposed in the literature, including, in each one, the mathematical formulation involved in the location calculus, the main used algorithms and their limitations. Also, it is analyzed the modeling of the propagation channel based on a cellular environment proposed in COST 259 report. After this analysis we can find a correlation between the signal mean delay and its delay spread, which motivated the use of a new algorithm for location estimative. A new algorithm, especially efficient for the cases where one or more base stations don\'t have Line-of-Sight (NLoS) with mobile station, is presented and several simulation results are analyzed and compared with other algorithms widely accepted and recognized. In order to improve the final position estimation, the Kalman filtering is also applied to the new proposed algorithm.

A técnica de localização móvel utilizando o sistema celular recebeu especial atenção por parte de empresas fabricantes e operadoras de telecomunicações, devido à necessidade de se cumprir as exigências estabelecidas para chamadas de serviços de emergência e outros serviços de apelo comercial. Neste trabalho são analisados os principais métodos de localização propostos na literatura, incluindo, para cada um, a formulação matemática envolvida no cálculo da localização, os principais algoritmos utilizados e suas limitações. É analisada, também, a modelagem do canal de propagação no ambiente celular baseada na proposta do relatório do COST 259. A partir desta análise pode ser encontrada uma correlação entre o atraso médio do sinal e o seu espalhamento, que motivou sua utilização em um novo algoritmo para estimativa de localização. Esse novo algoritmo, particularmente eficiente para os casos em que uma ou mais estações rádio-bases não apresentam visada direta com a unidade móvel (NLoS), é apresentado neste trabalho, e diversos resultados de simulação são analisados, comparando-se o seu desempenho com outros algoritmos amplamente aceitos e reconhecidos. Para melhorar a estimativa de posição final, a filtragem de Kalman também é aplicada ao algoritmo proposto. / The mobile location technique using the cellular system received a special attention from the telecommunication manufacturers and operators, regarding the need of accomplishing the established demands by the emergency service calls and other commercial ones. This study analyzes the main location methods proposed in the literature, including, in each one, the mathematical formulation involved in the location calculus, the main used algorithms and their limitations. Also, it is analyzed the modeling of the propagation channel based on a cellular environment proposed in COST 259 report. After this analysis we can find a correlation between the signal mean delay and its delay spread, which motivated the use of a new algorithm for location estimative. A new algorithm, especially efficient for the cases where one or more base stations don\'t have Line-of-Sight (NLoS) with mobile station, is presented and several simulation results are analyzed and compared with other algorithms widely accepted and recognized. In order to improve the final position estimation, the Kalman filtering is also applied to the new proposed algorithm.

<p>Prediction of the rapidly fading envelope of a mobile radio channel enables a number of capacity improving techniques like fast resource allocation and fast link adaptation. This thesis deals with linear prediction of the complex impulse response of a channel and unbiased quadratic prediction of the power. The design and performance of these predictors depend heavily on the correlation properties of the channel. Models for a channelwhere the multipath is caused by clusters of scatterers are studied. The correlation for the contribution from a cluster can be approximated as a damped complex sinusoid. A suitable model for the dynamics of the channel is an ARMA-process. This motivates the use of linear predictors.</p><p>A limiting factor in the prediction are the estimation errors on the observed channels. This estimation error, caused by measurement noise and time variation, is analyzed for a block based least squares algorithm which operates on a Jakes channel model. Efficient noise reduction on the estimated channel impulse responses can be obtained with Wienersmoothers that are based on simple models for the dynamics of the channel combined with estimates of the variance of the estimation error.</p><p>Power prediction that is based on the squared magnitude of linear prediction of the taps will be biased. Hence, a bias compensated power predictor is proposed and the optimal prediction coefficients are derived for the Rayleigh fading channel. The corresponding probability density functions for the predicted power are also derived. A performance evaluation of the prediction algorithm is carried out on measured broadband mobile radio channels. The performance is highly dependent on the variance of the estimation error and the dynamics of the individual taps.</p>