Tag-based Joint Communication and Sensing for Smart Mobility with Modulated Active Backscatter and Harmonic Radar at 61/122 GHz

Abstract:
This paper presents the novel concept of harmonic tag-based joint communication and sensing (JCS) with modulated active backscatter. In the sensing mode, the tag reflects the doubled input frequency, allowing radar measurements with a high resilience to clutter. Here, the tag is biased for maximum conversion gain achieving a wideband FMCW radar response with high SNR. In communications mode, we utilize the inherent on-off keying (OOK) capabilities of the active tag. The potential of the system for JCS with an RFID protocol at the free 61 and 122 GHz ISM bands is presented theoretically and shown in measurements by using an OOK-modulation.