R&D Projects

Research projects

Foundations and Methodologies for Future Communication and Sensor Networks (COMONSENS)

Funded by: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Subprograma CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010).

Duration: 2008-2012

Summary: COMONSENS is one of the 12 projects selected in 2008 by CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010 Program sponsored by the "Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación" of the Spanish Government. COMONSENS is a five-year project that integrates 67 researchers from 10 different research institutions in Spain and is coordinated by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). The objectives of the project include development of theoretical tools, algorithmic design, and testbed evaluation, combining disciplines such as Information Theory, Signal Processing and Network Theory with the aim of advancing the state of the art in communication and sensor networks.

Advanced MIMO systems for maximum reliability and performance (MIMAX)

Funded by: Comisión Europea, 7º Programa Marco (FP7-ICT-213952)

Duration: 2008-2010

Summary: MIMAX aims at developing of a pervasive, low-power consuming and low-cost MIMO network platform with reliable data-rate of up to 100 Mb/s in environments with strong multipath and coverage ranges up to several hundred meters. The current state-of-the-art performs the combining and processing of the complex antenna signal in the baseband. Since complete transmitter and receiver paths are required for each path, the resulting power consumption and costs of conventional MIMO approaches limit applications for ubiquitous networks. MIMAX significantly decreases the hardware complexity by performing the adaptive weighting and combining of the antenna signals in the RF/LO front-end. The required front-end including phase and amplitude control elements will be implemented in low-cost BiCMOS technology. Novel topologies are applied to solve the challenges concerning phase and amplitude control accuracy, reliability and power consumption. Moreover, novel opportunistic MIMO approaches with single antenna path in the receiver and time-multiplexed signal combining will be studied. The platform will be implemented on basis of existing WLAN standards. Further goals of the project comprise the development of the control units, the baseband signal processing including MAC aspects, antenna arrays and smart MIMO algorithms. To verify the developments, reconfigurable demonstrator platforms will be designed and tested. Supported by marketing studies, the involved industry partners will exploit the results for multimedia streaming, television via internet, health applications and sensor networks. MIMAX will contribute to the enhancement, standardisation and benchmarking for integrated MIMO WLAN systems in Europe.

MIMO technologies for multiterminal wireless networks

Funded by: MEC, Plan Nacional I+D+i, (TEC2007-68020-C04-02/TCM)

Duration: 2008-2010

Summary: This coordinated proyect has four partners: Universidad de La Coruña, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Mondragón, Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas de Guipúzcoa (CEIT) y Universidad de Cantabria (GTAS). The aim of this project is the development of novel signaling schemes that deliver on the full range of multiplexing, diversity and directivity gains inherent to the MIMO multiterminal networks. The project also considers the assessment of the developed signaling techniques in realistic scenarios. Towards this aim, we propose the construction of six terminal nodes equipped with MIMO air interfaces, three nodes with low cost and performance and another three nodes with better performance but more expensive. With these nodes, we will be able to design a wide variety of multiterminal scenarios with different characteristics: multiple access channels, boradcast channels, channels with limited feedback, relay channels, etc.

Development and hardware demonstration of new transmission techniques for MIMO systems (MIMESIS)

Funded by: MEC, Plan Nacional I+D+I, (TEC2004-06541-C05-02)

Duration: 2005-2007

Summary: This is a coordinated project in which four research institutions (Universidad de La Coruña, Universidad de Sevilla, Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas de Guipúzcoa (CEIT) y Universidad de Cantabria (GTAS) ) investigate new transmission techniques for signal processing and space-time coding for MIMO channels that will enable us to approximate, as much as possible, to the limits predicted by the information theory. More specifically, we address problems such as channel estimation, equalization, synchronization, interference cancellation, MIMO capacity analysis, space time coding, source-channel coding and adaptivity at transmission, among others. Investigations are not be limited to a theoretical level. An important part of the project is devoted to the construction of two hardware MIMO testbeds that will enable us to evaluate the developed algorithms in realistic wireless indoor scenarios. Specifically, we have developed a 2x2 MIMO platform working at 2,4 GHz and a 4x3 MIMO platform working at 5,25 GHz. Both platforms handle channels of up to 20 MHz, the signal generation and the subsequent processing of the base band signals are carried out off-line using standard simulation tools (e.g. Matlab). The advantage of this scheme is the large versatility of the platform since all the transmission and reception base band operations will be done by means of software libraries that are easy to update and improve.

Development of a software tool for automatic arousal scoring with application to polysomnographic analysis

Funded by: Fundación Marqués de Valdecilla, (API04/08)

Duration: 2004-2005

Summary: Arousals frequently appear in subjects with sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, for instance). Therefore, scoring and detecting arousals is a key point in order to assess the quality of sleep. Typically, this scoring task is manually carried out by an expert, according to his/her expertise. In this coordinated proposal, the GTAS research group collaborated with a group of physicians with a broad experience on sleep disorders. The aim of the project was to develop a software tool for automatic arousal detection and scoring. To this end, polysomnographic records obtained in a number of subjects (adults) with OSA were independently staged by several (2 / 3) experts who also marked the presence of arousals in every segment. These labeled data were used to develop parametric (Bayesian, for example) as well as non-parametric (for instance, Neural Networks or Support Vector Machines) detection algorithms. The results provided by the proposed detectors were validated by blind tests. The detectors were programmed in Matlab and integrated in a software tool that runs in a PC.

Software Radio Platform for 4Gmobile Systems (PLASOFTRA)

Funded by: MCYT, Plan Nacional I+D+I, (TIC2001-0755-C04-03)

Duration: 2002-2004

Summary: The partners of this project were the University of La Coruña, University of Alcalá, University of Sevilla and the University of Cantabria (GTAS). Its goal was the construction of a software radio platform for the development of radio interfaces for the fourth generation of mobile communication systems (4Gmobile). These systems will demand data rates much higher than those provided by current systems. In order to accomplish these requirements, this project studied new frequency bands around 5 GHz and the development of new signal processing techniques to exploit the radiofrequency spectrum more efficiently. In the project a platform with two RF transmitters and one receiver at 5 GHz employing the MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits) technology was built. All the base band operations, both in transmission and reception, were programmable (according to the software radio idea). Towards this aim we used programmable RF signal generators and a high performance A/D converter that will enable us to capture the received signal in order to subsequently implement by software the fundamental base band operations: synchronization, equalization, interference cancellation, etc. Direct Sequence Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA) and Orthogonal Frequency Multiplexing (OFDM) technologies were considered.

Development of linear amplifiers for radio communications at microwave and millimetre-wave frequencies based on modelling, linealization and baseband predistortion techniques

Funded by: FEDER/CICYT, (1FD97-1863-C02-01)

Duration: 2000-2001

Summary: In collaboration with the RF research group of the University of Cantabria, the goal of this project was to development power linear amplifiers for communication applications working from microwave to millimetre-wave frequency bands. The work was carried out following two different lines on the basis of the techniques to be used as well as of the frequency band of the system. 1) Firstly, new nonlinear model amplifiers as well as new predistorting and linealisation techniques for low microwave frequency bands (L and C) were developed. To this end, a new system for measuring and characterising nonlinear amplifiers, based on direct conversion techniques (subsampling) was developed. The designed system acquired the input/output complex envelope measurements; therefore taking into account the special characteristics of multicarrier or OFDM modulations. Direct conversion techniques were also used to develop a base-band adaptive predistorter for L band applications. The potential extension of these predistorting schemes to higher frequency bands (C: 3,2.3,5 GHz and 5,1-5,2 Ghz) was explored. The new models obtained using the direct conversion measurement system were be used to develop linear amplifiers for several applications. 2) A second working line of the project is intended to the design of linear amplifiers without the need of external linearization systems. To get this goal it is necessary to have new nonlinear models for the traditional microwave active devices (LDMOS, MESFET, HEMT and HBT). Small and large signals models able to predict intermodulation products were developed for these devices. The developed models are based on splines and modular neural networks.

Development of WLAN networks for surveillance systems and multimedia communications

Funded by: FEDER/CICYT, (1FD97-1066-C02-01)

Duration: 2000-2001

Summary: In this project we developed hardware components for a WLAN network based on industrial PCs and specifically designed for surveillance and access control systems. A Plug and Play WLAN 802.11 card based on the ISA bus was developed using the architecture provided by Intersil-AMD and known as PRISM. PRISM supports the PHY and MAC layers of the IEEE 802.11a standard. Working at the ISM band (2.412 -2.4835 GHz) this architecture provides a chipset that performs the DS-spread spectrum baseband modulation, I/Q modulation and demodulation, mixing, low noise amplification and all the operation of the PHY and MAC layers. Moreover some software configuration tools, as well as the image and processing libraries were also programmed.

Mobile Real Time TV Via Satellite Systems (MOBILITY)

Funded by: European Commission, (IST-2000-25096)

Duration: 2000 - 2001

Summary: The basic goal of the MOBILITY project was to provide real-time TV broadcasting services to ships via satellite. A mobile DVB-S receiver was designed and developed. It consisted of three main parts: a high-gain broadband antenna, a pointing antenna mechanism will allow the terminal to track the GEO satellite regardless of the ship movement, and a set of sensors to adquire the information about the ship motion. The project included field trials where the receiver was sucesfully tested in a real maritime scenario. The receiver was installed during 45 days in the Juan J. Sister ship of Compania Trasmediterranea, which cover the route between Cadiz and Las Palmas (Canary Islands). The system was working during 2 round trips (each round trip = 8 days), and successfully results were achieved receiving the transmission of VIA DIGITAL from a HISPAST satellite.

ASICs for digital TV distribution through SMATV channels

Funded by: CICYT, (TIC96-1074-C02-01)

Duration: 1997-1999

Summary: The goal of this project was to design and develop ASICs for distributing satellite digital TV signals through collective antenna systems (SMATV) including the receiver for final users. Specifically, the project was focused on the design of the Transparent Digital Transmodulator (TDT), which performs transmodulation of the signal received at the head-end from QPSK to 64-QAM; as well as for the Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), which includes blind equalization of the SMATV channel, demodulation and decoding. The design and specifications provided by the GTAS group were used by the Microelectronics group of the University of Cantabria to develop VHDL specifications and to develop the final ASICs.

Nature-based algorithms applied to prediction, decision and communications

Funded by: CICYT, (TIC96-1074-C02-01)

Duration: 1997-1999

Summary: This was a coordinated project in which 10 spanish universities were involved. Its goal was to apply techniques such as neural networks, nonlinear dynamical models and genetic/evolutionary algorithms, including their combinations with advanced signal processing methods (based on higher-order statistics, for instance) to a set of selected problems in the areas of medical imaging, bussiness, energy and communications. The work of the GTAS group was mainly directed towards the application of neural networks to electric load prediction and fraud detection techniques in cellular networks; and the development of new nonlinear models applied to microwave amplifiers. Also, we started a research line on dynamic nonlinear models and chaos.

Industrial projects

Distributed wireless system for tower crane monitoring

Funded by: Innova Consulting, Gobierno de Cantabria (INVESNOVA 2004)

Duration: 2004-2006

Summary: The goal of this project is to develop a wireless distributed system for monitoring and predictive maintenance of tower cranes. The system will increase the security at work in this field since it is able to predict potential failures and to assess the risk of fall of the crane. The system consists on a set of wireless sensors (to measure load, wind speed, etc ) transmitting data to an acquisition and signal processing unit located close to the crane. The sensors and the unit communicate to each other using the ZigBee standard. Finally the signal processing unit transmits data (using a GPRS modem) to a remote host that performs monitoring and predictive maintenance. A prototype of this system has been successfully developed.

Wireless system for information delivery and entertainment in trains

Funded by: SETEL S.A., Gobierno de Cantabria (INVESNOVA 2004)

Duration: 2004-2005

Summary: In this project the GTAS group developed a wireless system for information delivery among the different coachs of a train. Basically, the system is composed of an industrial PC, working as a video server, and several devices equipped with wireless 802.11 cards. The system permits the transmission of video, images or other information to passengers, as well as the transmission of other information among coachs useful, for instance, for synchronization between carriages. The system was successfully installed in several trains of the spanish FEVE railroad company.

Acquisition and signal processing system for the nuclear power plant of Santa María de Garoña

Funded by: Nuclenor

Duration: 2002

Summary: This is one of a set of collaboration projects with Nuclenor to improve and update the integrated intrumentation system of the nuclear power plant of Santa María de Garoña (Spain). This project includes hardware and software developments.

Digital Modem for PowerLine Communications (PLC)

Funded by: IKUSI

Duration: 2000 - 2001

Summary: In this project we developed a digital modem for communications through low power electric lines, specifically in the CENELEC A band (9-95kHz), with application to remote control and billing. During the project the particular characteristics of this transmission channel were studied (low SNR, impulsive noise, impedance variations, ...). Also the influence of these impairments in the parameters of the designed modem (shaping filter, oversampling ratio, synchronism, ...). The final product fulfills the norm CENELEC EN 50065-1 and uses a differential BPSK Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum (DS-SS) modulation. The modem has an adjustable transmission rate between 1260 y 5580 bps. In several field trials the developed modem outperformed other commercial products available in the market.

Design of a Digital Acquisition and Signal Processing Unit for vibration analysis of rotating machinery

Funded by: SETEL, S. A., as a part of the european project PROMOSHYGES (BRITE-EURAM 789)

Duration: 1995-1998

Summary: This was an european project within the BRITE-EURAM framework with the final goal of monitoring large turbo-generator sets in hydroelectric plants. The project leader was Iberdrola (SP) and, besides the GTAS group, the rest of partners were ANSALDO (IT), IRCOM (FR), LETI (FR) and the groups of mechanical engineering and photonics of the University of Cantabria. The work of our group was focused on the development of a flexible and powerful acquisition and signal processing unit that we called DASPU (Digital Acquisition Signal Processing Unit). The DASPU was based on the TMS320C30 Digital Signal Processor from Texas Instruments and it was able to acquire up to 16 channels from displacement and vibration sensors located in the turbine of the hydroelectric group. The DASPU also carried out signal processing tasks such as simultaneous sampling among the channels, asynchornous to synchronous conversion , FFT-based spectral analysis, frequency, amplitude and phase estimation of the main harmonics, etc. The temporal and frequency data we transferred to a remote host through a RS-422 network. A software program was also developed to perform the tasks of system configuration, data storage and visualization and predictive maintenance analysis (based on neural networks). The final system was successfully installed in two spanish hydroelectric plants (Villarino y Soutelo).

RETRASDIG-TVD

Funded by: IKUSI

Duration: 1995-1997

Summary: In this project the GTAS group developed a unit called DAT (Digital to Analog Transmodulator), which receives the satellite digital TV signal (QPSK modulated) and transforms this signal into a conventional analog PAL channel. The DAT carries out the following tasks: QPSK demodulation, FEC channel decoding (Reed-Solomon and Viterbi), demultiplexing of the MPEG-2 stream and audio /video decoding en enconding form MPEG to PAL. We used chips from LSI LOGIC and made the design, implementation and evaluation of the overall system.

Design and development of a Transparent Digital Transmodulator (TDT)

Funded by: IKUSI

Duration: 1995-1996

Summary: In this project we developed a TDT to operate in Satellite Master Antenna TV (SMATV) systems. The goal of the TDT is to transmodulate the digital TV signal from the satellite link modulation (QPSK) to the cable modulation format (64-QAM). The main tasks of the TDT are: QPSK demodulation, forward error correcting code (Reed-Solomon y Viterbi) and QAM modulation. A new Reed-Solomon encoder is introduced as a channel encoder for the cable link. For the design of the TDT we used chips from LSI LOGIC. More than 50000 units of the final product were sold by IKUSI in several countries.