Technical Contribution

• Novel information on the effect of fading and interference of communication systems was created on several topics.
  • A number of methods and solutions for combating the effects were obtained.
• The results and developed algorithms are suitable for several applications and systems, and can be used by sponsors in their systems (or parts of them) planning and optimisation.
  • The results include bandwidth efficient solutions for frequency selective broadband channels, new algorithms, simulation environments and analysis methods.
  • Naturally, further investigation is required especially when more detailed definitions, e.g., for frequency allocation, bandwidths, demands on flexible spectrum use, as well as other requirements for future systems get ready and mature.

• Radio interface research
  • a clear insight for the usage of ARL
  • deep understanding on space time turbo coded modulation (STTuCM) and its performance
  • unique and deep knowledge on space-time coding and spreading matrices for MIMO environments, and
  • new results on MC-CDMA concerning performance evaluation and multirate analysis were created.
• Transceiver algorithms research
  • channel estimation methods for MC systems,
  • a new rapid method for synchronisation with antenna arrays and its performance analysis,
  • novel interference suppression algorithms and iterative detection algorithms for frequency-hopping spread spectrum systems were developed.
• Wireless networks research
  • an architecture proposal based on the use of distributed antenna was given
  • imperfect ARL over time-varying channels for upper layer analysis were modeled
  • link layer service capacity of adaptive air interfaces with imperfections was characterized
  • Simulation environment for radio resource management solutions were created.
• 4G systems research
  • capacity and coverage estimations were obtained.
  • A high capacity physical layer solution based on space time turbo coded modulation (STTuCM), and OFDM or MC-CDMA for downlink were proposed and evaluated.
  • Its sensitivity to implementation impairments was studied to some extent and the solution appears to be robust and flexible.
  • Single carrier solution with an equalizer is a candidate for uplink.
  • Frequency domain equalization technique can significantly reduce the complexity of turbo signal processing.
  • Complexity of equalization and signal separation is no longer a reason for not seeking for broadband single carrier MIMO.

Global Contribution

• In FUTURA project, possible solutions and proposals for 4G concepts have been obtained
  • one of the specific goals for the project.
  • therefore, FUTURA project has created and developed deep basic technology knowledge needed in 4G standard development.
• The project has also deepened and spread the existing knowledge on future military concepts and algorithms.
• The competence and technology developed within FUTURA project has been and still is transferred to business use in application oriented co-operation projects.
  • CWC has similar, more customer-oriented co-operation projects with all FUTURA funding organizations.
• One of the main results of FUTURA research for CWC was the establishment of 4G Laboratory (4G Lab) within CWC.
  • 4G Lab consists of people, equipment (MIMO channel sounder, MIMO OFDM modem platform and MIMO channel emulator), simulation environment and projects focusing on applied research towards 4G type systems.
  • The laboratory’s main function is to strengthen future co-operation both nationally and internationally. In yearly FUTURA workshops open for all interested parties, invited speakers from around the world and from sponsor organisations distributed the latest views on the research area to a wide audience.
• International co-operation and networking has increased significantly due to FUTURA.
  • Co-operation in 4G research with Japanese universities and research institutes has taken a remarkable step especially in research aspects related to multi-carrier MIMO schemes.
  • Within FUTURA project, CWC has received and sent visiting researchers from and to Osaka University.
  • In 2004, research exchange has also begun with Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, to which researchers from FUTURA project have been sent.
• FUTURA has also been the driving force to take CWC into the EU 6th Framework integrated project WINNER (Wireless World Initiative New Radio).
  • FUTURA results on multi-carrier research, single-carrier research with turbo processing and flexible spectrum usage have been directly applicable in WINNER project.
• The research results of FUTURA have been actively reported in WWRF (Wireless World Research Forum) meetings, COST273 meetings as well as in all major international conferences.

Results 2002 - 2004

Research areas: Work amount and outputs

		RA1		RA2		RA3		RA4		Σ
Man-months	Planned	182		203		76		144		605 + 17 administration
	Realised	183.5		209.1		70.2		143.3		621.9
Outputs
	Journals	25		11		2		11		49
	Conference	49		50		8		21		128
	Inventions	9		12		6		6		33
	PhD Thesis	1		2		-		-		3
	Lic Thesis	-		3		-		-		3
	MSc Thesis	1		4		-		1		6
	Reports/Seminars	12		18		10		20		60
	TOTAL	97		100		26		59		282