There are currently intensive research efforts to develop the fifth generation (5G) wireless technologies, with standards and demonstrations expected in the next five years. 5G wireless systems will provide higher data rates to users, enhance the user experience and significantly improve network energy efficiency. This activity will require new radio propagation or channel models that can be used to support accurate 5G system evaluations for use by standards bodies and system designers. There are several areas of technology development that will necessitate new channel models:

1. The use of very large antenna arrays or Massive MIMO in future base stations – using hundreds of antennas in a base station will provide a high resolution view in angle of multipath channels.

2. The use of high frequency millimetre wave frequency bands (above 10 GHz) to increase network capacity. These bands have very different propagation characteristics to microwave frequencies (e.g. 400 MHz-6 GHz) where most current cellular communications systems operate.

3. The increasing use of heterogeneous networks of base stations which operate over multiple frequency bands and potentially use direct device-to-device communications. These systems require a much more detailed understanding of propagation at all relevant frequencies.

This project will study developments within the research and industrial communities to evaluate channel model developments. The project will study the detailed requirements for these models in one or more of the scenarios described above. Techniques to provide the most efficient software implementations for these channel models using MATLAB(TM) software will also be evaluated. This project will involve close collaboration with Mathworks, the company behind MATLAB software. The student working on the project will also be expected to attend regular meetings with Mathworks to present their project progress. It is also planned that the student would undertake an internship with Mathworks as part of the project

42 months funding towards full-time PhD study at a salary of £18,000 tax free per annum.

Applicants require a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree in electronic and electrical engineering or related numerate discipline such as computer science, physics or mathematics.

This funding is restricted to EU nationals. 

Please contact John Thompson (John.Thompson@ed.ac.uk) with a copy of your CV for further details of how to apply formally for this funding.