Millimeter-Wave Joint Sensing and Communication System Design for Connected Automated Vehicles

This paper introduces a novel mmWave joint radar and communication (JRC) system operating in the 24 GHz ISM band, specifically designed for automated connected vehicles. The system utilizes a single transceiver platform featuring a frequency-shift keying modulation scheme that enables simultaneous operation in the radar and communication modes. The proposed JRC system boasts several distinctive features. Firstly, its simultaneous sensing and communication capability, a departure from the conventional sequential arrangement in the time domain. Secondly, the system is characterized by its simplicity, offering ease of implementation and operation. The third feature addresses synchronization challenges through an innovative approach that eliminates the dependence on a shared clock or timing reference, enhancing the system flexibility and adaptability. Lastly, the system stands out for its cost-effectiveness. Results from simulations and experiments collectively showcase the system’s promising performance. In particular, the JRC system demonstrates robust radio communication capabilities with adjustable data rate based on the instantaneous measured Doppler frequency, while also exhibiting promising radar capabilities. This dual functionality underscores the system’s versatility and potential for practical applications in smart environments. Notably, throughout the transmission of vital information, no errors were detected in the communication mode, affirming the reliability of the system.