Search for: All records

Utilization of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems as a means of increasing channel capacity has been an area of increasing consideration in radio communications. However, less study has been devoted to MIMO in the high-frequency band. This research is important because high-frequency communication using MIMO allows for international communication at long distances using lower power consumption than many other approaches. The inter-symbol interference caused by the selective fading of multiple received signals and the randomness of the ionospheric conditions means there is a need for a novel solution. The purpose of this research is to introduce two machine learning approaches that can adaptively apply equalization algorithms to address fading and optimize equalization parameters. The novelty of our approach lies in two main factors. The first is that our approach allows for a software-defined radio to switch equalization algorithms depending on conditions during run-time. The second is that we optimize this selected algorithm further by using two machine-learning approaches. The first proposed cognitive engine model, which utilizes a genetic algorithm, demonstrates the validity and advantage of using a cognitive engine to select optimal equalization parameters at the receiver under the problems created by utilizing the high-frequency band. This approach acts as a comparison for our second. We then propose a second cognitive engine, the adaptive manipulator, which optimizes not only by selecting equalization parameters but also continually changes the equalization algorithm. Finally, we compare the performance of the proposed cognitive engine models with state-of-the-art algorithms. 

Ionospheric conditions are variable in nature and can cause destructive interference to transmissions made in the High Frequency (HF) band, which ranges from 3-30 MHz. This poses a problem as the HF band is a critical fre- quency range for various applications (i.e. emergency, military). To manage these dynamic conditions, intelligent techniques should be implemented at the transmitter and receiver to properly maintain reliable communications. In this paper, we present work deriving components of a cognitive HF transceiver with agents called cognitive engines (CEs) operating at the transmitter and receiver. At the transmitter, cognition is employed to determine the combination of modulation and coding techniques that maximize throughput. At the receiver, cognition is implemented to derive the best parameters for equalization (i.e. tap length, step size, filter type, etc.) Results are presented showing that the individual components are able to satisfy their objectives. A discussion is also provided surveying recent research efforts pertaining to the development of cognitive methods for the Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) protocol, a common networking methodology for HF stations.