Experimental evaluation of RF waveform designs for Wireless Power Transfer using Software Defined Radio

in IEEE Access (2021), 9

The possibility to harvest energy from ambient radio-frequency (RF) sources has intrigued humankind for the past several decades. In this context, there has been a tremendously growing research interest ... [more ▼]

The possibility to harvest energy from ambient radio-frequency (RF) sources has intrigued humankind for the past several decades. In this context, there has been a tremendously growing research interest in the field of wireless power transfer (WPT) using the RF range of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. In this paper, we experimentally investigate the aspect of real-time energy harvesting (EH) via different types of waveform designs such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), square, triangular, sinusoidal, and sawtooth. We make use of a Software Defined Radio (SDR) and a Powercast P21XXCSR-EVB EH module to carry out the experiments on a practical device to assess performance. Specifically, we are interested in obtaining some insights based on the comparison between the aforementioned waveform designs from the perspectives of the separation distance between the USRP and P21XXCSR-EVB EH module, and power emission via USRP. In this vein, we perform additional subsequent experiments after reporting the practical effectiveness of the OFDM waveform, which also follows our intuitive analysis. Correspondingly, we study the effect on WPT with variable USRP transmit power, the separation distance between the USRP and EH antennas, number of OFDM sub-carriers, and multipath setting. As an application of OFDM, the effectiveness of fifth generation-new radio (5G-NR) and long-term evolution (LTE) waveforms are also tested for the WPT mechanism. The demonstration of the EH is provided in terms of the above-mentioned investigation metrics while seeking the best waveform to support WPT. [less ▲]

Energy Efficiency Optimization Technique for SWIPT-enabled Multi-Group Multicasting Systems with Heterogeneous Users

Poster (2021, June)

We consider a multi-group (MG) multicasting (MC) system wherein a multi-antenna transmitter serves heterogeneous users capable of either information decoding (ID) or energy harvesting (EH), or both. In ... [more ▼]

We consider a multi-group (MG) multicasting (MC) system wherein a multi-antenna transmitter serves heterogeneous users capable of either information decoding (ID) or energy harvesting (EH), or both. In this context, we investigate a precoder design framework to explicitly serve the ID and EH users categorized within certain MC and EH groups. Specifically, the ID users are categorized within multiple MC groups while the EH users are a part of single (last) group. We formulate a problem to optimize the energy efficiency in the considered scenario under a quality-of-service (QoS) constraint. An algorithm based on Dinkelback method, slack-variable replacement, and second-order conic programming (SOCP)/semi-definite relaxation (SDR) is proposed to obtain a suitable solution for the above-mentioned fractional-objective dependent non-convex problem. Simulation results illustrate the benefits of proposed algorithm under several operating conditions and parameter values, while drawing a comparison between the two proposed methods. [less ▲]

Feasible Point Pursuit and Successive Convex Approximation for Transmit Power Minimization in SWIPT-Multigroup Multicasting Systems

in IEEE Transactions on Green Communications and Networking (2021)

We consider three wireless multi-group (MG) multicasting (MC) systems capable of handling heterogeneous user types viz., information decoding (ID) specific users with conventional receiver architectures ... [more ▼]

We consider three wireless multi-group (MG) multicasting (MC) systems capable of handling heterogeneous user types viz., information decoding (ID) specific users with conventional receiver architectures, energy harvesting (EH) only users with non-linear EH module, and users with joint ID and EH capabilities having separate units for the two operations, respectively. Each user is categorized under unique group(s), which can be of MC type specifically meant for ID users, and/or an energy group consisting of EH explicit users. The joint ID and EH users are a part of both EH group and single MC group. We formulate an optimization problem to minimize the total transmit power with optimal precoder designs for the three aforementioned scenarios, under certain quality-of-service constraints. The problem may be adapted to the well-known semidefinite program and solved via relaxation of rank-1 constraint. However, this process leads to performance degradation in some cases, which increases with the rank of solution obtained from the relaxed problem. Hence, we develop a novel technique motivated by the feasible-point pursuit successive convex approximation method in order to address the rank-related issue. The benefits of proposed method are illustrated under various operating conditions and parameter values, with comparison between the three above-mentioned scenarios. [less ▲]

Weighted Sum-SINR and Fairness Optimization for SWIPT-Multigroup Multicasting Systems with Heterogeneous Users

in IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society (2020)

The development of next generation wireless communication systems focuses on the expansion of existing technologies, while ensuring an accord between various devices within a system. In this paper, we ... [more ▼]

The development of next generation wireless communication systems focuses on the expansion of existing technologies, while ensuring an accord between various devices within a system. In this paper, we target the aspect of precoder design for simultaneous wireless information and power transmission (SWIPT) in a multi-group (MG) multicasting (MC) framework capable of handling heterogeneous types of users, viz., information decoding (ID) specific, energy harvesting (EH) explicit, and/or both ID and EH operations concurrently. Precoding is a technique well-known for handling the inter-user interference in multi-user systems, however, the joint design with SWIPT is not yet fully exploited. Herein, we investigate the potential benefits of having a dedicated precoder for the set of users with EH demands, in addition to the MC precoding. We study the system performance of the aforementioned system from the perspectives of weighted sum of signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) and fairness. In this regard, we formulate the precoder design problems for (i) maximizing the weighted sum of SINRs at the intended users and (ii) maximizing the minimum of SINRs at the intended users; both subject to the constraints on minimum (non-linear) harvested energy, an upper limit on the total transmit power and a minimum SINR required to close the link. We solve the above-mentioned problems using distinct iterative algorithms with the help of semi-definite relaxation (SDR) and slack-variable replacement (SVR) techniques, following suitable transformations pertaining the problem convexification. The main novelty of the proposed approach lies in the ability to jointly design the MC and EH precoders for serving the heterogeneously classified ID and EH users present in distinct groups, respectively. We illustrate the comparison between the proposed weighted sum-SINR and fairness models via simulation results, carried out under various parameter values and operating conditions. [less ▲]

Successive Convex Approximation for Transmit Power Minimization in SWIPT-Multicast Systems

Scientific Conference (2020, June)

We propose a novel technique for total transmit power minimization and optimal precoder design in wireless multi-group (MG) multicasting (MC) systems. The considered framework consists of three different ... [more ▼]

We propose a novel technique for total transmit power minimization and optimal precoder design in wireless multi-group (MG) multicasting (MC) systems. The considered framework consists of three different systems capable of handling heterogeneous user types viz., information decoding (ID) specific users with conventional receiver architectures, energy harvesting (EH) only users with non-linear EH module, and users with joint ID and EH capabilities having separate units for the two operations, respectively. Each user is categorized under unique group(s), which can be of MC type specifically meant for ID users, and/or an energy group consisting of EH explicit users. The joint ID and EH users are a part of the (last) EH group as well as any one of the MC groups distinctly. In this regard, we formulate an optimization problem to minimize the total transmit power with optimal precoder designs for the three aforementioned scenarios, under constraints on minimum signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio and harvested energy by the users with respective demands. The problem may be adapted to the well-known semi-definite program, which can be typically solved via relaxation of rank-1 constraint. However, the relaxation of this constraint may in some cases lead to performance degradation, which increases with the rank of the solution obtained from the relaxed problem. Hence, we develop a novel technique motivated by the feasible-point pursuit and successive convex approximation method in order to address the rank-related issue. The benefits of the proposed method are illustrated under various operating conditions and parameter values, with comparison between the three above-mentioned scenarios. [less ▲]

Joint Optimization for PS-based SWIPT Multiuser Systems with Non-linear Energy Harvesting

in IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (WCNC), Seoul, 25-38 May 2020 (2020, May)

In this paper, we investigate the performance of simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) multiuser systems, in which a base station serves a set of users with both information and ... [more ▼]

In this paper, we investigate the performance of simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) multiuser systems, in which a base station serves a set of users with both information and energy simultaneously via a power splitting (PS) mechanism. To capture realistic scenarios, a nonlinear energy harvesting (EH) model is considered. In particular, we jointly design the PS factors and the beamforming vectors in order to maximize the total harvested energy, subjected to rate requirements and a total transmit power budget. To deal with the inherent non-convexity of the formulated problem, an iterative optimization algorithm is proposed based on the inner approximation method and semidefinite relaxation (SDR), whose convergence is theoretically guaranteed. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme significantly outperforms the baseline max-min based SWIPT multicast and fixed-power PS designs. [less ▲]

DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF SIMULTANEOUS WIRELESS INFORMATION AND POWER TRANSFER SYSTEMS

Doctoral thesis (2020)

The recent trends in the domain of wireless communications indicate severe upcoming challenges, both in terms of infrastructure as well as design of novel techniques. On the other hand, the world ... [more ▼]

The recent trends in the domain of wireless communications indicate severe upcoming challenges, both in terms of infrastructure as well as design of novel techniques. On the other hand, the world population keeps witnessing or hearing about new generations of mobile/wireless technologies within every half to one decade. It is certain the wireless communication systems have enabled the exchange of information without any physical cable(s), however, the dependence of the mobile devices on the power cables still persist. Each passing year unveils several critical challenges related to the increasing capacity and performance needs, power optimization at complex hardware circuitries, mobility of the users, and demand for even better energy efficiency algorithms at the wireless devices. Moreover, an additional issue is raised in the form of continuous battery drainage at these limited-power devices for sufficing their assertive demands. In this regard, optimal performance at any device is heavily constrained by either wired, or an inductive based wireless recharging of the equipment on a continuous basis. This process is very inconvenient and such a problem is foreseen to persist in future, irrespective of the wireless communication method used. Recently, a promising idea for simultaneous wireless radio-frequency (RF) transmission of information and energy came into spotlight during the last decade. This technique does not only guarantee a more flexible recharging alternative, but also ensures its co-existence with any of the existing (RF-based) or alternatively proposed methods of wireless communications, such as visible light communications (VLC) (e.g., Light Fidelity (Li-Fi)), optical communications (e.g., LASER-equipped communication systems), and far-envisioned quantum-based communication systems. In addition, this scheme is expected to cater to the needs of many current and future technologies like wearable devices, sensors used in hazardous areas, 5G and beyond, etc. This Thesis presents a detailed investigation of several interesting scenarios in this direction, specifically concerning design and optimization of such RF-based power transfer systems. The first chapter of this Thesis provides a detailed overview of the considered topic, which serves as the foundation step. The details include the highlights about its main contributions, discussion about the adopted mathematical (optimization) tools, and further refined minutiae about its organization. Following this, a detailed survey on the wireless power transmission (WPT) techniques is provided, which includes the discussion about historical developments of WPT comprising its present forms, consideration of WPT with wireless communications, and its compatibility with the existing techniques. Moreover, a review on various types of RF energy harvesting (EH) modules is incorporated, along with a brief and general overview on the system modeling, the modeling assumptions, and recent industrial considerations. Furthermore, this Thesis work has been divided into three main research topics, as follows. Firstly, the notion of simultaneous wireless information and power transmission (SWIPT) is investigated in conjunction with the cooperative systems framework consisting of single source, multiple relays and multiple users. In this context, several interesting aspects like relay selection, multi-carrier, and resource allocation are considered, along with problem formulations dealing with either maximization of throughput, maximization of harvested energy, or both. Secondly, this Thesis builds up on the idea of transmit precoder design for wireless multigroup multicasting systems in conjunction with SWIPT. Herein, the advantages of adopting separate multicasting and energy precoder designs are illustrated, where we investigate the benefits of multiple antenna transmitters by exploiting the similarities between broadcasting information and wirelessly transferring power. The proposed design does not only facilitates the SWIPT mechanism, but may also serve as a potential candidate to complement the separate waveform designing mechanism with exclusive RF signals meant for information and power transmissions, respectively. Lastly, a novel mechanism is developed to establish a relationship between the SWIPT and cache-enabled cooperative systems. In this direction, benefits of adopting the SWIPT-caching framework are illustrated, with special emphasis on an enhanced rate-energy (R-E) trade-off in contrast to the traditional SWIPT systems. The common notion in the context of SWIPT revolves around the transmission of information, and storage of power. In this vein, the proposed work investigates the system wherein both information and power can be transmitted and stored. The Thesis finally concludes with insights on the future directions and open research challenges associated with the considered framework. [less ▲]

Wireless Multi-group Multicast Precoding with Selective RF Energy Harvesting

Scientific Conference (2019, September 05)

We present a novel framework for multi-group multicast precoding in the presence of three types of wireless users which are distributed among various multicast groups. A multi-antenna transmitter conveys ... [more ▼]

We present a novel framework for multi-group multicast precoding in the presence of three types of wireless users which are distributed among various multicast groups. A multi-antenna transmitter conveys information and/or energy to the groups of corresponding receivers using more than one multicast streams. The information specific users have conventional receiver architectures to process data, energy harvesting users collect energy using the non-linear energy harvesting module and each of the joint information decoding and energy harvesting capable user is assumed to employ the separated architecture with disparate non-linear energy harvesting and conventional information decoding units. In this context, we formulate and analyze the problem of total transmit power minimization for optimal precoder design subjected to minimum signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio and harvested energy demands at the respective users under three different scenarios. This problem is solved via semi-definite relaxation and the advantages of employing separate information and energy precoders are shown over joint and per-user information and energy precoder designs. Simulation results illustrate the benefits of proposed framework under several operating conditions and parameter values. [less ▲]

Relay Selection and Resource Allocation for SWIPT in Multi-User OFDMA Systems

in IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications (2019)

We investigate the resource allocation and relay selection in a two-hop relay-assisted multi-user Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, where the end-nodes support Simultaneous ... [more ▼]

We investigate the resource allocation and relay selection in a two-hop relay-assisted multi-user Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, where the end-nodes support Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer (SWIPT) employing a Power Splitting (PS) technique. Our goal is to optimize the end-nodes’ power splitting ratios as well as the relay, carrier and power assignment so that the sum-rate of the system is maximized subject to harvested energy and transmitted power constraints. Such joint optimization with mixed integer non-linear programming structure is combinatorial in nature. Due to the complexity of this problem, we propose to solve its dual problem which guarantees asymptotic optimality and less execution time compared to a highly-complex exhaustive search approach. Furthermore, we also present a heuristic method to solve this problem with lower computational complexity. Simulation results reveal that the proposed algorithms provide significant performance gains compared to a semi-random resource allocation and relay selection approach and close to the optimal solution when the number of OFDMA sub-carriers is sufficiently large. [less ▲]

Sequential Resource Distribution Technique for Multi-User OFDM-SWIPT based Cooperative Networks

Scientific Conference (2018, December)

In this paper, we investigate resource allocation and relay selection in a dual-hop orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based multi-user network where amplify-and-forward (AF) enabled relays ... [more ▼]

In this paper, we investigate resource allocation and relay selection in a dual-hop orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based multi-user network where amplify-and-forward (AF) enabled relays facilitate simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) to the end-users. In this context, we address an optimization problem to maximize the end-users’ sum-rate subjected to transmit power and harvested energy constraints. Furthermore, the problem is formulated for both time-switching (TS) and power-splitting (PS) SWIPT schemes.We aim at optimizing the users’ SWIPT splitting factors as well as sub-carrier–destination assignment, sub-carrier pairing, and relay–destination coupling metrics. This kind of joint evaluation is combinatorial in nature with non-linear structure involving mixed-integer programming. In this vein, we propose a sub-optimal low complex sequential resource distribution (SRD) method to solve the aforementioned problem. The performance of the proposed SRD technique is compared with a semi-random resource allocation and relay selection approach. Simulation results reveal the benefits of the proposed design under several parameter values with various operating conditions to illustrate the efficiency of SWIPT schemes for the proposed techniques. [less ▲]