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Multi-layer Optimization Aspects of Deep Learning and MIMO-based Communication Systems

This dissertation addresses multi-layer optimization aspects of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) and deep learning-based communication systems. The initial focus is on the rate optimization for multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) configurations; specifically, multiple access channel (MAC) and interference channel (IC). First, the ergodic sum rates of MIMO MAC and IC configurations are determined by jointly integrating the error and overhead effects due to channel estimation (training) and feedback into the rate optimization.

Then, we investigated methods that will increase the achievable rate for parallel Gaussian IC (PGIC) which is a special case of MIMO IC where there is no interference between multiple antenna elements. We derive a generalized iterative waterfilling algorithm for power allocation that maximizes the ergodic achievable rate. We verified the sum rate improvement with our proposed scheme through extensive simulation tests.

Next, we introduce a novel physical layer scheme for single user MIMO spatial multiplexing systems based on unsupervised deep learning using an autoencoder. Both transmitter and receiver are designed as feedforward neural networks (FNN) and constellation diagrams are optimized to minimize the symbol error rate (SER) based on the channel characteristics. We first evaluate the SER in the presence of a constant Rayleigh-fading channel as a performance upper bound.

Then, we quantize the Gaussian distribution and train the autoencoder with multiple quantized channel matrices. The channel is provided as an input to both the transmitter and the receiver. The performance exceeds that of conventional communication systems both when the autoencoder is trained and tested with single and multiple channels and the performance gain is sustained after accounting for the channel estimation error.

Moreover, we evaluate the performance with increasing number of quantization points and when there is a difference between training and test channels. We show that the performance loss is minimal when training is performed with sufficiently large number of quantization points and number of channels.

Finally, we develop a distributed and decentralized MU-MIMO link selection and activation protocol that enables MU-MIMO operation in wireless networks. We verified the performance gains with the proposed protocol in terms of average network throughput. / Doctor of Philosophy / Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) wireless systems include multiple antennas both at the transmitter and receiver and they are widely used today in cellular and wireless local area network systems to increase robustness, reliability and data rate. Multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) configurations include multiple access channel (MAC) where multiple transmitters communicate simultaneously with a single receiver; interference channel (IC) where multiple transmitters communicate simultaneously with their intended receivers; and broadcast channel (BC) where a single transmitter communicates simultaneously with multiple receivers.

Channel state information (CSI) is required at the transmitter to precode the signal and mitigate interference effects. This requires CSI to be estimated at the receiver and transmitted back to the transmitter in a feedback loop. Errors occur during both channel estimation and feedback processes. We initially analyze the achievable rate of MAC and IC configurations when both channel estimation and feedback errors are taken into account in the capacity formulations. We treat the errors associated with channel estimation and feedback as additional noise.

Next, we develop methods to maximize the achievable rate for IC by using interference cancellation techniques at the receivers when the interference is very strong. We consider parallel Gaussian IC (PGIC) which is a special case of MIMO IC where there is no interference between multiple antenna elements. We develop a power allocation scheme which maximizes the ergodic achievable rate of the communication systems. We verify the performance improvement with our proposed scheme through simulation tests.

Standard optimization techniques are used to determine the fundamental limits of MIMO communications systems. However, there is still a gap between current operational systems and these limits due to complexity of these solutions and limitations in their assumptions. Next, we introduce a novel physical layer scheme for MIMO systems based on machine learning; specifically, unsupervised deep learning using an autoencoder. An autoencoder consists of an encoder and a decoder that compresses and decompresses data, respectively. We designed both the encoder and the decoder as feedforward neural networks (FNNs). In our case, encoder performs transmitter functionalities such as modulation and error correction coding and decoder performs receiver functionalities such as demodulation and decoding as part of the communication system. Channel is included as an additional layer between the encoder and decoder. By incorporating the channel effects in the design process of the autoencoder and jointly optimizing the transmitter and receiver, we demonstrate the performance gains over conventional MIMO communication schemes.

Finally, we develop a distributed and decentralized MU-MIMO link selection and activation protocol that enables MU-MIMO operation in wireless networks. We verified the performance gains with the proposed protocol in terms of average network throughput.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/102705
Date20 September 2019
CreatorsErpek, Tugba
ContributorsElectrical Engineering, Clancy, Thomas Charles III, Raman, Sanjay, MacKenzie, Allen B., Mili, Lamine M., Wang, Yue J., Lou, Wenjing, Buehrer, Richard M.
PublisherVirginia Tech
Source SetsVirginia Tech Theses and Dissertation
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
FormatETD, application/pdf
RightsIn Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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