Concurrent Detection of 2-D Angle-of-Arrival and Polarization Enabled by Virtual Transceiver Matrix Architecture

This article introduces and demonstrates an integrated concurrent sensing and communication system characterized by multifunctionality and reconfigurability, underpinned by dynamic cell allocation within a topologically distributed matrix. Unlike traditional angle-of-arrival (AoA) or polarization detection systems, this approach offers a vastly expanded range of matrix cell combinations, facilitating the integration of diverse and simultaneous operations in a single transceiver architecture. Our proposed programmable front-end is set to synthesize transmitter (Tx)/receiver (Rx) channels by adapting to the instantaneous characteristics of incoming signals from various sources. We establish and explore a mathematical model of unit cells and conduct modulation tests using 64-/128-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), achieving data rates of up to 250 MS/s, with a maximum error vector magnitude (EVM) of 4.56%. The AoA measurements demonstrate an error of approximately 0.9^∘ in a range from -12^∘ to 12^∘. In addition, the polarization rotation measurements show an error of maximum 2.8^∘ for an entire spanning range of 0^∘–90^∘. The results underscore the efficacy of proposed virtual transceiver matrix (VTM) for its possible deployment across a spectrum of applications including base stations and user terminals for next-generation fifth/sixth-generation (5G/6G) communications, sensing systems, and beyond.