B0227 - VEHICULAR RADIO PROPAGATION M

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows: i) fundamentals of electromagnetic fields as the basics of radio propagation in free space with or without sources; the fundamentals of antennas and their main parameters (radiation pattern, directivity, gain, efficiency, and effective area); the formula of the radio link power budget (Friis’ formula); ii) more advanced concepts as the basics of radio propagation in presence of obstacles and the fundamental concepts of geometrical theory of propagation, including the concepts of ray, spreading factor and of ray interactions on canonical obstacles; knows the architecture and characteristics of vehicular radiocommunication systems as well as the characteristics of the corresponding dynamic multipath radio channel; knows the concepts of radar cross-section, radar equation. Finally, the student has acquired the basic principles of radiolocation using radar, GNSS systems and cellular signals.

Course contents

Introduction. Different concepts of mobility and its achievement in different mobile radio systems. Basics of antennas and geometrical optics. Ideal and real propagation: methods of propagation in the presence of obstacles. Ground reflection, diffraction, Fresnel ellipsoid. Geometric theory of propagation: ray-based models. Multipath propagation.

The mobile radio channel: multidimensional characterization of propagation. Introduction to Array, MIMO and beamforming. Channel models.

Main types of wireless systems for vehicular environments and their technical solutions; standards 5G e ITS-G5. Hata-like path-loss models and design of a system in relation to the type of multiple access and environmental characteristics.

Radio sensing and localization principles: radar, GNSS and radio localization.

Readings/Bibliography

H. L. Bertoni, Radio propagation for modern wireless systems, Pearson Education, 1999

L Azpilicueta, C. Vargas-Rosales, F. Falcone, A Alejos, Radio Wave Propagation in Vehicular Environments, IET Scitech Publishing, London, 2021

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures taught by the professor, and exercises including a project done by the students.

Periodically during the course some lessons are carried out interactively (or in flip-mode), presenting questions to which students must answer in relation to the program seen up to that time

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a written and an oral test. Written and oral tests are held on the same exam day. The final mark is the overall evaluation of both written and oral tests. It is possible to vision and discuss the written test manuscript(s) only during the oral test. If written test average mark is insufficient (below 18 out of 30) the candidate must skip the oral exam and take the whole test again on a following exam session.

The validity of the written test score is limited to the current exam session

Teaching tools

Computer, overhead projector, SAF Tehnika mm-wave link kit

Office hours

See the website of Vittorio Degli Esposti

See the website of Diego Masotti