Signal Processing 4
Signal Processing 4
1 Introduction
The last few years have brought huge development in wireless communication systems.
With technology development, multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) systems have
become more widely used. The advantages of this technology are based on the increased data
capacity, which leads to reaching effective multiple parallel spatial data streams to increase
the number of users and enhance the transmission quality.
With the development of these systems, the types of modulation used in data
transmission have also become an important topic. Therefore, OFDM data transmission
represents one of the most important techniques in advanced wireless communications.
The limited availability of spectrum resources places constraints on the development
of wireless systems as the demand for wireless services continues to increase. To address
this challenge, wireless systems are moving toward incorporating more embedded
intelligence. The cognitive radio (CR) concept appears as a key solution to the
problem of making different systems coexist in the same frequency band. CR
FIGURE 1
BPSK signal (left) and its phase diagram representation (right).
modulation can be identified with a probability of 80% at an φk bi,k · (u(t − (i − 1)Ts ) − u(t − iTs )) · π, (2)
i1
SNR value of 5 dB. However, the identification performance is
affected under low SNR because of the time-domain Gaussianity where Mk represents the total number of symbols transmitted
of the OFDM signals. through the kth subcarrier, Ts is the symbol period, u(t) stands
As we have seen, identifying the OFDM modulation is not an for the Heaviside step function, and bi,k {0, 1} depending on the
easy task. There are different ways of approaching the problem, and transmitted bit.
no unanimously accepted method will provide the desired results. In
the case of most approaches, the biggest impediment is the low SNR 2.1.2 Phase diagram
value. Otherwise, the more complex the approach, the more factors The phase diagram is a way of analyzing nonlinear data based on
involved in the identification process that must be estimated. This a new representation domain of an analyzed time series. In this new
leads to the impossibility of using the blind identification of the representation space, different characteristics can be highlighted,
modulation, which is preferable in the case of real systems. bringing new information about the analyzed time series (Marwan
FIGURE 4
Analog OFDM signal spectrum (left) and spectrogram (right).
m
→ →
v[i] x[i + (k − 1)d] · ek , i 1, 2, . . . , M. (3)
k1
FIGURE 6
Filtered signal: only one subcarrier present (left), two subcarriers present (middle), or no subcarrier present (left).
FIGURE 7
Variation of the angle α (blue) and the detected spikes (red) for the filtered signals: left—single carrier, middle—two subcarriers, and right—no
subcarrier.
FIGURE 8
α angle’s histograms for the filtered signals: left—single carrier, middle—two subcarriers, and right—no subcarrier.
FIGURE 10
PoS and PoA results obtained with white Gaussian noise added.
FIGURE 11
OFDM signal (left) and its corresponding amplitude spectrum (right).
On the filtered signals, we extract the angle from the phase samples, which are in the same bins as the spike’s samples, represent
diagram. Its variation can be observed in Figure 7. less than 3% of the total number of samples (Scripcaru et al., 2021). If
As it can be seen, depending on the case, the variation of the PoS is higher than 3%, we conclude that the filtered signal does not
angle α may highlight a different number of peaks. To be able to represent any BPSK subcarrier.
decide about the existence of the BPSK subcarrier, we quantify these The definition of the PoS is as follows:
peaks using the information provided by the angle variation
Nspike−bins
histogram, as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, we define the size(bini )
PoS i1
· 100%, (6)
percentage of spikes (PoS) as in Eq. 6 to see if the number of N
FIGURE 12
Filtered signal with a single subcarrier present (left), the variation of the angle α (middle), and the histogram (right).
FIGURE 13
Filtered signal with two subcarriers present (left), the variation of the angle α (middle), and the histogram (right).
FIGURE 14
Filtered signal with no subcarrier present (left), the variation of the angle α (middle), and the histogram (right).
where N is the total number of samples and Nspike−bins is the number values of the samples are concentrated in a main bin or near a certain
of bins that contain at least one spike. value. In the case of two subcarriers, the values are distributed in
The PoS values for the three filtered signals analyzed are: multiple bins, and in the case of no carrier, false peaks are
PoS11 0.75%, PoSm 1.12%, and PoS0 88.39%. PoS11 introduced, and their distribution is similar to the previous case.
corresponds to a single subcarrier present, PoSm corresponds to Consequently, the algorithm must be completed with another
multiple subcarriers present, and PoS0 corresponds to the no condition.
subcarriers case. It is necessary to check if the number of samples from the two
Depending on the studied case, we have several possible most-populated bins represents more than 85% of the total number
interpretations of the histogram results. For a single carrier, the of samples. The two most-populated bins contain values close to the
FIGURE 15
Experimental setup and illustration of the OFDM signal recording.
FIGURE 16
Transmitted (left) and received (right) downlink LTE-OFDM signals.
TABLE 2 Parameters of the downlink LTE-OFDM signal. average value of the angle. We introduce the percentage of averages
(PoA) parameter defined by Eq. 7.
Parameter Value
size(bin1 + bin2 )
PoA · 100%. (7)
Channel bandwidth 1.2 MHz N
Number of resource blocks 6 If PoA is smaller than 85%, then we decide that the filtered signal
Modulation QPSK is not a BPSK subcarrier (Scripcaru et al., 2021). The PoA values
for the three filtered signals analyzed are the following:
Subcarrier spacing 15 kHz
PoA11 89.89%, PoAm 54.68%, and PoA0 86.89%.
Sampling frequency 1.92 MHz Therefore, the steps of the presented algorithm for the OFDM
signal carrier detection and characterization are proposed in the
Occupied subcarrier number 72
diagram form shown in Figure 9.
FIGURE 17
Downlink LTE-OFDM filtered signal with one subcarrier (left), the phase diagram angle variation (middle), and its corresponding histogram (right).
FIGURE 18
Downlink LTE-OFDM filtered signal with no subcarrier (left), the phase diagram angle variation (middle), and its corresponding histogram (right).
FIGURE 19
Downlink LTE-OFDM filtered signal with two subcarriers (left), the phase diagram angle variation (middle), and its corresponding histogram (right).
Next, we aim to verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in 2.2.2 Digital OFDM signal with 4 BPSK subcarriers
the presence of noise. In addition, we have considered the cases with In this case, we start from the characteristics of the IEEE 802.11a
four BPSK subcarriers and eight BPSK subcarriers. The data are standard for WLAN [Wireless Local Access Network—(IEEE Std 802.11a-
analyzed by reporting at two levels of the signal-to-noise ratio 1999)] having a bandwidth B 20 MHz and the subcarrier spacing
(SNR): SNR 10 dB and SNR 5 dB. The obtained results are Δf 312.5 kHz, modulation BPSK, and four subcarriers (Figure 11).
shown in Table 1, Figure 10. Hereinafter, we present the evolution of the algorithm in the
We notice that the proposed algorithm successfully detects a three possible situations discussed previously (one carrier in the
single subcarrier of the multi-carrier signal for the two SNR values of filtered signal, more than one carrier in the filtered signal, or no
the additive white Gaussian noise. Thus, the noise presence in the carrier in the filtered signal). Figure 12 highlights the corresponding
analyzed signal still allows the detection of the OFDM signal. filtered signal for a single carrier present case.
FIGURE 20
PoS and PoA results obtained for the experimental setup.
SNR [dB] 8 13 16 21 25
Subcarriers PoS PoA PoS PoA PoS PoA PoS PoA PoS PoA
0 17.2% 59.97% 22.29% 54.78% 19.45% 57.36% 15.74% 56.69% 23.35% 49.35%
1 0.3% 99.26% 0.21% 99.41% 0.18% 99.59% 0.05% 99.76% 0.02% 99.39%
2 1.09% 97.78% 0.82% 98.18% 0.64% 98.34% 0.7% 98.31% 0.8% 97.75%
3 1.68% 95.32% 1.46% 96.7% 1.4% 96.41% 1.91% 95.31% 1.16% 96.34%
4 1.4% 95.87% 2.43% 94.29% 2.19% 95.33% 2.47% 93.37% 1.91% 94%
5 2.75% 93.13% 3.27% 91.54% 2.73% 92.74% 2.25% 92.92% 2.78% 92.8%
6 3.55% 91.2% 3.67% 87.23% 3.41% 90.02% 2.93% 89.8% 3.88% 87.42%
The corresponding angle variation and histogram of this signal with shown in Figure 15. The distance between the two boards is 0.8 m,
a single subcarrier are displayed in Figure 12. The results obtained for and they are placed in an indoor location.
the two parameters required for detection are: PoS1 2.56% and The transmitted signal is generated based on the downlink LTE-
PoA1 95.27% for the bandwidth ΔW [2.4106, 2.4109] MHz. OFDM standard (Rumney, 2013) according to the “R.4” reference
The results obtained for the case in which we have two subcarriers channel defined according to Annex A.3 of 3GPP TS 36.101 as
present are shown in Figure 13. The results obtained for the two presented in Table 2. Figure 16 presents the transmitted and received
parameters required for detection are: PoSm 15.42% and PoAm signals.
46.28% for the bandwidth ΔW [2.4106, 2.4112] MHz. Next, we have applied the same algorithm for the previously
The results obtained for the case in which no subcarrier is considered cases:
present are shown in Figure 14. The results obtained for the two
parameters required for detection are: PoS0 28.25% and PoA0 • No subcarrier is present: filter bandwidth is ΔW
43.69% for the bandwidth ΔW [2.4102, 2.4106]MHz. [2.5, 7.5]kHz.
Based on these results, we can observe that, in the case of a • One subcarrier is present: filter bandwidth is ΔW
single carrier present, the proposed algorithm provides the results [22.5, 37.5]kHz.
in the imposed limits; see Figure 9. Furthermore, in the cases in • Multiple subcarriers are present:
which we do not have any subcarrier present or multiple carriers ○ For two subcarriers, the filter bandwidth is ΔW
are present, the proposed algorithm corresponds to the chosen [22.5, 52.5]kHz.
restrictions. ○ For three subcarriers, the filter bandwidth is ΔW
[22.5, 67.5]kHz.
○ For four subcarriers, the filter bandwidth is ΔW
3 Results for experimental LTE OFDM [22.5, 82.5]kHz.
signals ○ For five subcarriers, the filter bandwidth is ΔW
[22.5, 97.5]kHz.
In this section, we have performed an experimental setup using ○ For six subcarriers, the filter bandwidth is ΔW
two B210 SDR boards connected with a VERT2450 antenna, as [22.5, 112.5]kHz.
We have performed the measurements for five different scenarios Data availability statement
depending on the gain of the receiver: SNR {8, 13, 16, 21, 25} dB.
Figures 17–19 present the results for the SNR 8 dB. The original contributions presented in the study are included in
The recorded downlink LTE-OFDM signals are analyzed by the article/Supplementary Materials; further inquiries can be
reporting for all the noise scenarios and filtering cases. The obtained directed to the corresponding author.
results are shown in Table 3 and Figure 20.
From the aforementioned results, we can see that the restrictions
for the PoS and PoA previously imposed are available for the cases of Author contributions
no subcarrier present or one subcarrier present, but for the case of
multiple subcarriers present, the threshold should be higher than AD: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis,
0.5% for PoS and 99% for PoA. methodology, and writing—original draft. CD, DN and DS:
conceptualization and validation. AD, CI, and AS: methodology
and validation. CI and AM: funding acquisition. AD and CI:
4 Conclusion conceptualization and supervision. All authors contributed to the
article and approved the submitted version.
This paper proposes a novel approach for the detection of the
OFDM modulation. First, using a set of orthogonal bandpass
filters, we perform the decomposition of an OFDM signal so that Funding
each sub-band is analyzed separately. Then, a phase diagram
representation analysis is performed, and the angle of the phase The project has been supported in part by the NATO grant,
diagram representation variation is obtained. The statistical “Implementation of a terahertz system dedicated to identification of
distribution of the angle variation is further used to recognize illicit substances”.
an OFDM signal and characterize its subcarriers.
Based on the defined statistical interpretation of the angle
variation, we implemented a subcarrier detection algorithm for Acknowledgments
BPSK-modulated subcarriers. This algorithm was successively
applied to Gaussian noise-corrupted signals, 802.11a OFDM The authors are grateful to AID-DGA (l’Agence de l’Innovation
signals, and in an experimental scenario using a software- de Défense à la Direction Générale de l’Armement—Minitère des
defined radio testbed to LTE signals. Our findings suggest that Armées) and ANR (Agence Nationale de le Recherche en France) for
the algorithm provides good results even in cases involving a low supporting our ANR-ASTRID—Project (ANR-19-ASTR-0005-03).
SNR level.
With this paper, we propose to present a new approach for
OFDM detection. In future work, we will improve these results by Conflict of interest
classifying different types of OFDM modulation (QPSK and
quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)) in real scenarios Authors AD and CI were employed by the company ALTRANS.
using machine learning algorithms that make use of the The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted
present features. in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that
Hereby, the work presented in this paper will represent a starting could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
point for the further step of automatic digital modulation
classification. With our proposed algorithm, the separation of
each subcarrier in the OFDM transmission will be performed. Publisher’s note
Then, using several machine learning algorithms, such as in
Aslam et al. (2010), we will discriminate between each type of All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors
modulation on each subcarrier. and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated
Furthermore, another next step is to use this approach for the organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors, and the
THz domain in order to enhance the identification of illicit reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or
substances based on the different responses received on each claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or
acquired subcarrier. endorsed by the publisher.
References
3 GPP TS 36.101, 2013 3 GPP TS 36.101 (2013). 3rd generation partnership project; Bahrani, S., Derakhtian, M., and Zolghadrasli, A. (2016). Performance analysis of
technical specification group radio access Network; evolved universal terrestrial radio a low-complexity MAP algorithm for automatic modulation classification in
access (E-UTRA); user equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception (release 11). adaptive OFDM systems. IET Commun. 10, 2363–2371. doi:10.1049/iet-com.
3GPP Organ. Partners (ARIB, ATIS, CCSA, ETSI, TTA, TTC). 2015.0768
Aslam, M. W., Zhu, Z., and Nandi, A. K. (2010). “Automatic digital modulation Digulescu, A., Murgan, I., Ioana, C., Candel, I., and Serbanescu, A. (2016).
classification using Genetic Programming with K-Nearest Neighbor,” in 2010 - MILCOM “Applications of Transient Signal Analysis using the concept of recurrence plot
2010 MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE, San Jose, CA, USA, November analysis,” in Recurrence Plots and their quantifications: Expanding horizons sl.
2010, 1731–1736. Editors C. J. L. Webber, C. Ioana, and N. Marwan (Berlin: Springer), 19–38.
Gorcin, A., and Arslan, H. (2015). An OFDM signal identification method for wireless Lin, Y., Wang, H., and Chen, B. (2002). “Blind identification of OFDM channel using
communications systems. IEEE Trans. Veh. Technol. 64 (12), 5688–5700. doi:10.1109/ receiver diversity,” in 6th International Conference on Signal Processing, Beijing, China, 26-
TVT.2015.2388671 30 August 2002, 1332–1335.
Haring, L., and Kisters, C. “Map-based automatic modulation classification for wireless Mahmoud, H., Yucek, T., and Arslan, H. (2009). OFDM for cognitive radio: merits
adaptive OFDM systems,” in 2013 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and challenges. IEEE Wirel. Commun. 16 (2), 6–15. doi:10.1109/MWC.2009.4907554
and Signal Processing, Vancouver, BC, Canada, May 2013 (IEEE), 5204–5208.
Marwan, N., Carmen Romano, M., Thiel, M., and Kurths, J. (2007). Recurrence plots
Hassan, K., Dayoub, I., Hamouda, W., Nzeza, C. N., and Berbineau, M. (2012). Blind for the analysis of complex systems. Phys. Rep. 438 (5-6), 237–329. doi:10.1016/j.
digital modulation identification for spatially-correlated MIMO systems. IEEE Trans. physrep.2006.11.001
Wirel. Commun. 11 (2), 683–693. doi:10.1109/twc.2011.122211.110236
Park, M. C., and Han, D. S. (2021). Deep learning-based automatic modulation
Huynh-The, T., Pham, Q.-V., Nguyen, T.-V., Da Costa, D. B., and Kim, D.-S. (2022). classification with blind OFDM parameter estimation. IEEE Access 9, 108305–108317.
“Automatic modulation classification with low-cost attention Network for impaired doi:10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3102223
OFDM signals,” in 2022 IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference
Rumney (2013). LTE and the evolution to 4G wireless - design and measurement
(WCNC), Austin, Texas, 10-13 April 2022.
challenges. 2. New Jersey, United States: Wiley.
IEEE Standard for Telecommunications and Information Exchange Between Systems
Scripcaru, R., Nastasiu, D., Digulescu, A., Stanescu, D., Ioana, C., and Serbanescu, A.
(1999). IEEE standard for telecommunications and information exchange between
(2021). “On the potential of phase diagram analysis to identify OFDM modulation,” in
systems - LAN/MAN specific requirements - Part 11: wireless medium access control
Brest, Workshop on Security & Protection of Information (SPI21), Brest, France, 24-
(MAC) and physical layer (PHY) specifications: high speed physical layer in the 5 GHz
25 May 2023.
band. IEEE Std 802.11a-1999, 1–102. doi:10.1109/IEEESTD.1999.90606
Scripcaru, R., Nastasiu, D., Digulescu, A., Stănescu, D., Ioana, C., and
Jafar, N., Paeiz, A., and Farzaneh, A. (2021). Automatic modulation classification using
Şerbănescu, A. (2020). “On the potential of phase diagram analysis to identify
modulation fingerprint extraction. J. Syst. Eng. Electron. 32, 799–810. doi:10.23919/jsee.2021.000069
the wide band modulations,” in 13th International Conference on
Kumar, A., and Nandha kumar, P. (2019). OFDM system with cyclostationary feature Communications (COMM), Bucharest, Romania, June 24-27, 2013, 55–58.
detection spectrum sensing. ICT Express 5 (1), 21–25. doi:10.1016/j.icte.2018.01.007 doi:10.1109/COMM48946.2020.9141963