The emergence of 6G and beyond networks is set to enable a range of novel services such as personalized highly immersive experiences, holographic teleportation, and human-like intelligent robotic applications. Such applications require a set of stringent sensing, communication, control, and intelligence requirements that mandate a leap in the design, analysis, and optimization of today's wireless networks. First, from a wireless communication standpoint, future 6G applications necessitate extreme requirements in terms of bidirectional data rates, near-zero latency, synchronization, and jitter. Concurrently, such services also need a sensing functionality to track, localize, and sense their environment. Owing to its abundant bandwidth, one may naturally resort to terahertz (THz) frequency bands (0.1 − 10 THz) so as to provide significant wireless capacity gains and enable high-resolution environment sensing. Nonetheless, operating a wireless system at the THz band is constrained by a very uncertain channel which brings forth novel challenges. In essence, these channel limitations lead to unreliable intermittent links ergo the short communication range and the high susceptibility to blockage and molecular absorption. Second, given that emerging wireless services are "intelligence-centric", today's communication links must be transformed from a mere bit-pipe into a brain-like reasoning system. Towards this end, one can exploit the concept of semantic communications, a revolutionary paradigm that promises to transform radio nodes into intelligent agents that can extract the underlying meaning (semantics) or significance in a data stream. However, to date, there has been a lack in holistic, fundamental, and scalable frameworks for building next-generation semantic communication networks based on rigorous and well-defined technical foundations. Henceforth, to panoramically develop the fully-fledged theoretical foundations of future 6G applications and guarantee affluent corresponding experiences, this dissertation thoroughly investigates two thrusts. The first thrust focuses on developing the analytical foundations of THz systems with a focus on network design, performance analysis, and system optimization. First, a novel and holistic vision that articulates the unique role of THz in 6G systems is proposed. This vision exposes the solutions and milestones necessary to unleash THz's true potential in next-generation wireless systems. Then, given that extended reality (XR) will be a staple application of 6G systems, a novel risk and tail-based performance analysis is proposed to evaluate the instantaneous performance of THz bands for specific ultimate virtual reality (VR) services. Here, the results showcase that abundant bandwidth and the molecular absorption effect have only a secondary effect on the reliability compared to the availability of line-of-sight. More importantly, the results highlight that average metrics overlook extreme events and tend to provide false positive performance guarantees. To address the identified challenges of THz systems, a risk-oriented learning-based design that exploits reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) is proposed so as to optimize the instantaneous reliability. Furthermore, the analytical results are extended to investigate the uplink freshness of augmented reality (AR) services. Here, a novel ruin-based performance is conducted that scrutinizes the peak age of information (PAoI) during extreme events. Next, a novel joint sensing, communication, and artificial intelligence (AI) framework is developed to turn every THz communication link failure into a sensing opportunity, with application to digital world experiences with XR. This framework enables the use of the same waveform, spectrum, and hardware for both sensing and communication functionalities. Furthermore, this sensing input is intelligently processed via a novel joint imputation and forecasting system that is designed via non-autoregressive and transformed-based generative AI tools. This joint system enables fine-graining the sensing input to smaller time slots, predicting missing values, and fore- casting sensing and environmental information about future XR user behavior. Then, a novel joint quality of personal experience (QoPE)-centric and sensing-driven optimization is formulated and solved via deep hysteretic multi-agent reinforcement learning tools. Essentially, this dissertation establishes a solid foundation for the future deployment of THz frequencies in next-generation wireless networks through the proposal of a comprehensive set of principles that draw on the theories of tail and risk, joint sensing and communication designs, and novel AI frameworks. By adopting a multi-faceted approach, this work contributes significantly to the understanding and practical implementation of THz technology, paving the way for its integration into a wide range of applications that demand high reliability, resilience, and an immersive user experience. In the second thrust of this dissertation, the very first theoretical foundations of semantic communication and AI-native wireless networks are developed. In particular, a rigorous and holistic vision of an end-to-end semantic communication network that is founded on novel concepts from AI, causal reasoning, transfer learning, and minimum description length theory is proposed. Within this framework, the dissertation demonstrates that moving from data-driven intelligence towards reasoning-driven intelligence requires identifying association (statistical) and causal logic. Additionally, to evaluate the performance of semantic communication networks, novel key performance indicators metrics that include new "reasoning capacity" measures that could go beyond Shannon's bound to capture the imminent convergence of computing and communication resources. Then, a novel contrastive learning framework is proposed so as to disentangle learnable and memoizable patterns in source data and make the data "semantic-ready". Through the development of a rigorous end-to-end semantic communication network founded on novel concepts from communication theory and AI, along with the proposal of novel performance metrics, this dissertation lays a solid foundation for the advancement of reasoning-driven intelligence in the field of wireless communication and paves the way for a wide range of future applications. Ultimately, the various analytical foundations presented in this dissertation will provide key guidelines that guarantee seamless experiences in future 6G applications, enable a successful deployment of THz wireless systems as a versatile band for integrated communication and sensing, and build future AI-native semantic communication networks. / Doctor of Philosophy / To date, the evolution of wireless networks has been driven by a chase for data rates, i.e., higher download or upload speeds. Nonetheless, future 6G applications (the generation succeeding today's fifth generation 5G), such as the metaverse, extended reality (encompassing augmented, mixed, and virtual reality), and fully autonomous robots and vehicles, necessitate a major leap in the design and functionality of a wireless network. Firstly, wireless networks must be able to perform functionalities that go beyond communications, encompassing control, sensing, and localization. Such functionalities enable a wide range of tasks such as remotely controlling a device, or tracking a mobile equipment with high precision. Secondly, wireless networks must be able to deliver experiences (e.g. provide the user a sense of immersion in a virtual world), in contrast to a mere service. To do so, extreme requirements in terms of data rate, latency, reliability, and sensing resolution must be met. Thirdly, intelligence must be native to wireless networks, which means that they must possess cognitive and reasoning abilities that enable them to think, act, and communicate like human beings. In this dissertation, the three aforementioned key enablers of future 6G experiences are examined. Essentially, one of the focuses of this dissertation is the design, analysis, and optimization of wireless networks operating at the so-called terahertz (THz) frequency band. The THz band is a quasi-optical (close to the visible light spectrum) frequency band that can enable wireless networks to potentially provide the extreme speeds needed (in terms of communications) and the high-resolution sensing. However, such frequency bands tend to be very susceptible to obstacles, humidity, and many other weather conditions. Therefore, this dissertation investigates the potential of such bands in meeting the demands of future 6G applications. Furthermore, novel solutions, enablers, and optimization frameworks are investigated to facilitate the successful deployment of this frequency band. To provide wireless networks with their reasoning ability, this dissertation comprehensively investigates the concept of semantic communications. In contrast to today's traditional communication frameworks that convert our data to binary bits (ones and zeros), semantic communication's goal is to enable networks to communicate meaning (semantics). To successfully engineer and deploy such networks, this dissertation proposes a novel suite of communication theoretic tools and key performance indicators. Subsequently, this dissertation proposes and analyzes a set of novel artificial intelligence (AI) tools that enable wireless networks to be equipped with the aforementioned cognitive and reasoning abilities. The outcomes of this dissertation have the potential to transform the way we interact with technology by catalyzing the deployment of holographic societies, revolutionizing the healthcare via remote augmented surgery, and facilitating the deployment of autonomous vehicles for a safer and more efficient transportation system. Additionally, the advancements in wireless networks and artificial intelligence proposed in this dissertation could also have a significant impact on various other industries, such as manufacturing, education, and defense, by enabling more efficient and intelligent systems. Ultimately, the societal impact of this research is far-reaching and could contribute to creating a more connected and advanced world.

Submitted by Maria Suzana Diniz (msuzanad@hotmail.com) on 2015-11-05T14:36:51Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 4812802 bytes, checksum: e5276e62e6294058de196c6252bedc95 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-05T14:36:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 4812802 bytes, checksum: e5276e62e6294058de196c6252bedc95 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-27 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This work deals with the evaluation of the communication system by radio frequency using the NRF-24L01+® transceiver to be used in monitoring of electrical systems on the concept of smart grid. The complete system consists of one or more Units Remote Data Acquisition - URDAs; multiple Smart Sensing Units - SSUs; and Supervisory Control Subsystem - SCS. The connection between URAD and SSUs may occur via wired connection (Ethernet, RS232, USB, CAN or PLC) and wireless (RF). URADs fit to the acquisition, processing and communication of variables with low time constant while the USIs are primarily responsible for the acquisition of magnitudes with larger time constants (temperature, pressure, humidity, etc.). In this work, we focus on development and communication of SSUs. For these tests the units are of two types: a master unit, responsible for requesting data (wireless) and sending the SCS (Communication RS232, USB, CAN or RF); and a slave unit, which may account for the measured variables of interest to send to the master unit when requested. For wireless communication (RF), the transceiver nRF - 24L01+® from NORDICTM was used, because its processing characteristics and communication satisfactorily meet the needs and requirements of the project, which will be addressed in the course of this work. / O presente trabalho trata da avaliação do sistema de comunicação por meio de rádio-frequência utilizando o transceiver nRF-24L01+® para ser utilizado no monitoramento de sistemas elétricos no conceito de smart grid. O sistema completo é composto de uma ou mais Unidades Remotas de Aquisição de Dados – URADs; de várias Unidades de Sensoriamento Inteligente – USIs; e um Subsistema de Controle Supervisório – SCS. A conexão entre a URAD e as USIs pode ocorrer através de conexão cabeada (Ethernet, RS232, USB, CAN ou PLC) e sem fio (RF). Cabem às URADs a aquisição, processamento e comunicação das grandezas com pequena constante de tempo, enquanto que as USIs encarregam-se da aquisição de grandezas com constantes de tempo maiores (temperatura, pressão, umidade, etc.). Neste trabalho, tratamos do desenvolvimento e de testes de comunicação da USI. Para estes testes as unidades são de 2 tipos: uma unidade mestre, responsável pela requisição dos dados (sem fio) e pelo envio ao SCS (comunicação RS232, USB, CAN ou RF); e uma unidade escravo, que pode ser responsável pela medição de grandezas de interesse para envio à unidade mestre quando requisitada. Para a comunicação sem fio (RF), utilizou-se o transceptor nRF-24L01+® da NORDICTM, pois suas características de processamento e comunicação atendem satisfatoriamente às necessidades e exigências do projeto, que serão abordadas no transcurso deste trabalho.

<p dir="ltr">Sensing and communication circuits and systems are crucial components in various electronic devices and technologies. These systems are designed to acquire information from the surrounding environment through sensors, process that information, and facilitate communication between different devices or systems. It plays a vital role in modern electronic devices, enabling them to collect, process, and exchange information to perform various functions in applications such as IoB (Internet of Body), healthcare, hardware security, industrial automation, and more.</p><p dir="ltr">This work focuses on innovations in sensing and communication circuits spanning two independent application areas – human body communication and hardware emanations security.</p><p dir="ltr">First, an ultra-low power ECG monitoring system is implemented to perpetually power itself using Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) to harvest body energy while securely transmitting sensed data through on-body communication, achieving closed-loop operation without external charging or batteries. Custom circuits allow demonstrated feasibility of self-sustaining wearables leveraging Human Body Communication’s advantages.</p><p dir="ltr">Second, investigations reveal vulnerabilities introduced when repairing broken cables, with unintended monopole antennas boosting electromagnetic emissions containing signal correlations. Experiments characterize long-range detection regimes post-repair across USB keyboard cables. Further circuit and structural innovations provide localized shielding at repair points as a potential mitigation. Advancements offer contributions in understanding hardware emission security risks to inform protection strategies.</p><p dir="ltr">The two separate research work demonstrate specialized circuits advancing the state-of-the-art in sensing and communication for wearable body-based systems and hardware security through greater awareness of vulnerabilities from unintended emissions.</p><p><br></p>

Future mobile networks are anticipated to not only enhance communication performance but also facilitate new sensing-based applications. This highlights the essential role of integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in sixth-generation (6G) and beyond mobile networks. The seamless integration of sensing and communication poses challenges in deployment and resource allocation. Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) networks, characterized by multiple distributed access points, offer a promising infrastructure for ISAC implementation. However, the effective realization of ISAC necessitates joint design and resource allocation optimization. In this thesis, we study ISAC within cell-free massive MIMO systems, with a particular emphasis on developing power allocation algorithms under various scenarios. In this thesis, we explore two scenarios: utilizing existing communication signals and incorporating additional sensing signals. We propose power allocation algorithms aiming to maximize the sensing performance while meeting communication and power constraints. In addition, we develop two maximum a posteriori ratio test (MAPRT) target detectors under clutter-free and cluttered scenarios. Results indicate that employing additional sensing signals enhances sensing performance, particularly in scenarios where the target has low reflectivity. Moreover, although the clutter-aware detector requires more advanced processing, it leads to better sensing performance. Furthermore, we introduced sensing spectral efficiency (SE) to measure the effect of resource block utilization, highlighting the integration advantages of ISAC over orthogonal resource sharing approaches.  In the next part of the thesis, we study the energy efficiency aspects of ISAC in cell-free massive MIMO systems with ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) users. We propose a power allocation algorithm aiming to maximize energy efficiency of the system while meeting communication and sensing requirements. We conduct a comparative analysis between the proposed power allocation algorithms and a URLLC-only approach which takes into account only URLLC and power requirements. The results reveal that while the URLLC-only algorithm excels in energy efficiency, it is not able to support sensing requirements.   Moreover, we study the impact of ISAC on end-to-end (including radio and processing) energy consumption. Particularly, we present giga-operations per second (GOPS) analysis for both communication and sensing tasks. Two optimization problems are formulated and solved to minimize transmission and end-to-end energy through blocklength and power optimization. Results indicate that while end-to-end energy minimization offers substantial energy savings, its efficacy diminishes with sensing integration due to processing energy requirements. / Framtida mobila nätverk förväntas inte bara förbättra kommunikations-prestanda utan även mögliggöra nya applikationer baserade på sensorer. Dettaunderstryker den avgörande rollen för Integrerad avkänning och kommunika-tion (ISAC) i sjätte generationens (6G) och efterföljande mobila nätverk. Densömlösa integrationen av sensorer och kommunikation medför utmaningar iutrullning och resursallokering. Cellfria massiva flerantennsystem (MIMO-nätverk), kännetecknade av flera distribuerade åtkomstpunkter, erbjuder enlovande infrastruktur för implementering av ISAC. Dock kräver den effektivarealiseringen av ISAC samverkande design och optimering av resursallokering.I denna avhandling studerar vi ISAC inom cellfria massiva MIMO-system,med särskild tonvikt på att utveckla effektallokeringsalgoritmer under olikascenarier.Vi utforskar två scenarier: att utnyttja befintliga kommunikationssignaleroch att inkludera ytterligare sensorssignaler. Vi föreslår effektallokeringsalgo-ritmer med målet att maximera sensorsprestandan samtidigt som kommunika-tions och effektbegränsningar uppfylls. Dessutom utvecklar vi två detektorerbaserade på maximum a posteriori ratio test (MAPRT) under störningsfriaoch störda scenarier. Resultaten visar att användning av ytterligare sensors-signaler förbättrar sensorsprestandan, särskilt i scenarier där målet har lågreflektivitet. Dessutom, även om den störkänsliga detektorn kräver mer avan-cerad bearbetning, leder den till bättre sensorsprestanda. Vidare introducerarvi sensorerspektral effektivitet (SE) för att mäta effekten av resursblocksan-vändning och framhäva integrationsfördelarna med ISAC över ortogonala re-sursdelningsmetoder.I den andra delen av avhandlingen studerar vi energieffektivitetsaspek-terna av ISAC i cellfria massiva MIMO-system med användare med ultra-tillförlitlig låg-latens (URLLC) kommunikation. Vi föreslår en effektalloke-ringsalgoritm med syfte att maximera systemets energieffektivitet samtidigtsom kommunikations- och sensorskraven uppfylls. Vi utför en jämförande ana-lys mellan de föreslagna effektallokeringsalgoritmerna och ett URLLC-ensamttillvägagångssätt som tar hänsyn enbart till URLLC- och effektkrav. Resul-taten avslöjar att medan URLLC-ensamma algoritmen utmärker sig i energi-effektivitet, kan den inte stödja sensorskraven. Dessutom studerar vi effektenav ISAC på slut till slut (inklusive radios och bearbetning) energiförbruk-ning. Särskilt presenterar vi giga-operationer per sekund (GOPS) analys förbåde kommunikations- och sensorsuppgifter. Två optimeringsproblem formu-leras och löses för att minimera överförings- och slut till slut energi genomblocklängd- och effektoptimering. Resultaten indikerar att medan slut till slutenergiminimering erbjuder betydande energibesparingar, minskar dess effek-tivitet med sensorintegrationen på grund av bearbetningsenergikrav. / <p>QC 20240513</p>