Virtual Array for Dual Function MIMO Radar Communication Systems using OTFS Waveforms

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Angle estimation performance of the OTFS system on 3 targets with all DD bins used as shared. Black lines represent ground truth 

Invention Summary:

Multi-input multi-output (MIMO) technology is widely used for its ability to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. A major advantage of MIMO radars is their capacity to form virtual arrays. However, existing Dual-Function MIMO Radar-Communication (DFRC) systems employing orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) waveforms—considered a leading candidate for 6G—cannot generate MIMO virtual arrays without severely reducing communication rates. Since virtual arrays can substantially enhance sensing performance, they are crucial for enabling next-generation 6G devices. 

Rutgers researchers have developed a method to enable virtual array formation in MIMO DFRC systems using OTFS waveforms, without significantly reducing communication rates. The approach introduces private bins in the time–frequency (TF) domain to facilitate virtual array creation. Although this requires a slight reduction of delay–Doppler (DD) domain symbols, the loss in communication rate is minimal, while the sensing gains are substantial. By making virtual arrays feasible in MIMO OTFS devices, this method promises enhanced sensing accuracy and more precise parameter estimation for future MIMO DFRC systems. 

Market Applications:

• Next-generation wireless 

• High-speed rail 

• Autonomous vehicles 

• Aerospace communications 

Advantages:

• Grants all antennas access to the entire spectrum, optimizing bandwidth usage and maximizing communication rates.  

• Low-complexity radar compared 

• Allows for both sensing and communications simultaneously 

• Sensing power greatly increased by virtual array

Publications:

• K. Wang and A. Petropulu, "Virtual Array for Dual Function MIMO Radar Communication Systems using OTFS Waveforms," 2025 IEEE 5th International Symposium on Joint Communications & Sensing (JC&S), Oulu, Finland, 2025, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/JCS64661.2025.10880655. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10880655

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact:  marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu