Characterizing the statistical properties of mutual information in MIMO channels

We consider Gaussian multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) frequency-selective spatially correlated fading channels, assuming that the channel is unknown at the transmitter and perfectly known at the receiver. For Gaussian codebooks, using results from multivariate statistics, we derive an analytical expression for a tight lower bound on the ergodic capacity of such channels at any signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We show that our bound is tighter than previously reported analytical lower bounds, and we proceed to analytically quantify the impact of spatial fading correlation on ergodic capacity. Based on a closed-form approximation of the variance of mutual information in correlated flat-fading MIMO channels, we provide insights into the multiplexing-diversity tradeoff for Gaussian code books. Furthermore, for a given total number of antennas, we consider the problem of finding the optimal (ergodic capacity maximizing) number of transmit and receive antennas, and we reveal the SNR-dependent nature of the maximization strategy. Finally, we present numerical results and comparisons between our capacity bounds and previously reported bounds.     

Physicomechanical and hydrophobic properties of starch foams extruded with different biodegradable polymers

Blends of hydroxypropylated high amylose starch and various functional aids listed below were extruded into foams using a twin‐screw extruder ZSK ‐ 30. In this study, the hydrophobic character and mechanical properties of starch foams were improved by using other biodegradable polymers, such as poly‐caprolactone (PCL), poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), cellulose acetate (CA), methylated pectin (MP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and crosslinkers like glyoxal. The hydrophobic character was improved in terms of a reduction in steady state weight gain, and an increase in dimensional stability (reduction in loss of radial and longitudinal dimensions) on moisture sorption. At the same time, efforts were made to maximize the expansion ratios by reduction of unit densities. Formulations of these foams (in terms of additive content and other processing parameters) were optimized. Particular formulations with PVA, polyesters like PCL and PBAT, and glyoxal with PVA gave foams with unit densities lower than 25 kg/m³. The dimensional stability increased with an increase in the polyester content, but the density increased beyond an optimum polyester content, too. The loss in radial and longitudinal dimensions under steady state conditions was 12–20% with polyesters as compared to about 50–55% for control starch. Addition of these processing aids did decrease the water sensitivity of the starch foams. Foams with CA and methylated pectin, in the presence/absence of glyoxal, had marginally lower unit densities and slightly higher expansion ratios, as compared to those of control starch. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 58–68, 2006     

Experimental and numerical investigation on bare tube cross flow heat exchanger-using COMSOL

ABSTRACT

In this study, COMSOL multi-physics modelling software was used to make a computational model of a bare helical tube cross flow heat exchanger in order to simulate the temperature changes in the heat exchanger. The computational results of heat transfer are validated by using the analytical models. A conjugate convection/conduction heat transfer model was developed, which exhibited good agreement to the experiments. A different velocity of air taken into the consideration to find out the temperature distribution through the pipe and air temperature inside the duct. The temperature profile, and the overall heat transfer rate from the wall of the tube were calculated and plotted for theoretical, experimental and Numerical method using the k- conjugate heat transfer model. The model is validated through comparison with theoretical relations for single-pass cross-flow arrangements and with experimental results also. Simulation results showed good agreement with experimental values with respect to different mass flow rates.     

Fixed broadband wireless access: state of the art, challenges, andfuture directions

This article provides an overview of fixed broadband wireless access technology. Focusing on the band below 3 GHz, we describe BWA service and carrier needs, deployment scenarios, architectural requirements, physical layer, medium access control, and radio link protocol requirements. We characterize fixed BWA channels, outline the major challenges of fixed BWA, and study requirements for future BWA systems. Finally, we show that the use of multiple antennas at both ends of a fixed wireless link provides significant leverages     

Analysis of the dynamic behavior of a starch foam extrusion process

The starch foam extrusion process was modeled as a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) process, and the dynamics of the process were studied as a response to step changes in the input variables such as starch feed rate, screw speed, moisture content (MC), and poly(hydroxy aminoether) (PHAE) feed rate. The responses were modeled as first‐order responses with a time delay. The linearity of the process was determined over a range around the set‐point, and the parameters defining the first‐order system such as gain “K,” time constant “τ,” and dead time “t_d” were determined in the linear range. The transfer function models can then be used in a predictive computer control system for on‐line fine‐tuning of the operating conditions. This could ensure a consistently high quality product even when low frequency disturbances are present in the system. It was observed that the time constants and the dead times recorded for both the pressure and torque responses did not exhibit significant variation within each manipulated or input variable tested, indicating a dynamic linearity with respect to each manipulated variable. It was also observed that for the same step‐input variations in the manipulated variables, the torque loading on the twin‐screw extruder exhibited a faster response (lower dead time), and also reached a steady state sooner (lower time constant). The MC and screw speed seem to be the most destabilizing variables, as they induce rapid responses in the process variables. The MC in the extruder was, hence, determined to be the most influential factor in the stability of the process, followed by screw speed and starch feed rate. PHAE feed rate was the least significant variable. Multiple step‐input tests were carried out to determine the validity of the principle of superposition. The validity of the principle of superposition implied the linearity of the process in the domain tested. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3983–3995, 2006     

Representing uncertain data: models, properties, and algorithms

In general terms, an uncertain relation encodes a set of possible certain relations. There are many ways to represent uncertainty, ranging from alternative values for attributes to rich constraint languages. Among the possible models for uncertain data, there is a tension between simple and intuitive models, which tend to be incomplete, and complete models, which tend to be nonintuitive and more complex than necessary for many applications. We present a space of models for representing uncertain data based on a variety of uncertainty constructs and tuple-existence constraints. We explore a number of properties and results for these models. We study completeness of the models, as well as closure under relational operations, and we give results relating closure and completeness. We then examine whether different models guarantee unique representations of uncertain data, and for those models that do not, we provide complexity results and algorithms for testing equivalence of representations. The next problem we consider is that of minimizing the size of representation of models, showing that minimizing the number of tuples also minimizes the size of constraints. We show that minimization is intractable in general and study the more restricted problem of maintaining minimality incrementally when performing operations. Finally, we present several results on the problem of approximating uncertain data in an insufficiently expressive model.     

Performance of Multi-Antenna Signaling Strategies Using Dual-Polarized Antennas: Measurement Results and Analysis

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems employ spatialmultiplexingto increase spectral efficiency or transmit diversity (space-time coding)techniques to improve link reliability.The performance of these signaling techniques is highly dependent on channelcharacteristics whichin turn depend on antenna height and spacing and richness of scattering. Theuse ofdual-polarized antennas is a cost- and space-effective alternative where twospatially separated uni-polarized antennas can be replaced by a singledual-polarizedantenna element. In this paper, we use fixed-wireless experimental datacollected in atypical suburban environment at 2.5 GHz to investigate the performance ofspatialmultiplexing and transmit diversity (Alamouti scheme) for a dual-polarizedantennasetup. Channel measurements were conducted over a cell of radius 7 km andchannel statistics such as K-factor, cross-polarizationdiscrimination (XPD), and fading signal correlation were extracted fromthe gathered data. At each location, differentcombinations of these parametersyield different performance (measured in terms of average uncoded bit errorrate)of spatial multiplexing and the Alamouti scheme.The results indicate that proper selection of the transmissionmode through feedback, if possible, can reduce thebit error rate by several orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the resultshint at the existence of a preferred-mode switching distance within a cell– above/below which one mode of transmission exhibits generally superiorperformance.     

Performance of multiantenna signaling techniques in the presence of polarization diversity

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems employ spatial multiplexing to increase spectral efficiency or transmit diversity to improve link reliability. The performance of these signaling strategies is highly dependent on MIMO channel characteristics, which, in turn, depend on antenna height and spacing and richness of scattering. In practice, large antenna spacings are often required to achieve significant multiplexing or diversity gain. The use of dual-polarized antennas (polarization diversity) is a promising cost- and space-effective alternative, where two spatially separated uni-polarized antennas are replaced by a single antenna structure employing orthogonal polarizations. This paper investigates the performance of spatial multiplexing and transmit diversity (Alamouti (see IEEE J. Select. Areas Commun., vol.16, p.1451-58, Oct. 1998) scheme) in MIMO wireless systems employing dual-polarized antennas. In particular, we derive estimates for the uncoded average symbol error rate of spatial multiplexing and transmit diversity and identify channel conditions where the use of polarization diversity yields performance improvements. We show that while improvements in terms of symbol error rate of up to an order of magnitude are possible in the case of spatial multiplexing, the presence of polarization diversity generally incurs a performance loss for transmit diversity techniques. Finally, we provide simulation results to demonstrate that our estimates closely match the actual symbol error rates.