A key requirement of an adaptive sensor array involves the ability to deterministically adjust the directional response of the array to reduce noise and reverberations, null interferences and enhance the gain and recognition of the desired signal. This paper presents a low-carbon adaptive broadband beamforming algorithm called the regulated-element Frost beamformer. It enhances the desired signal based on the noise conditions of the individual omnidirectional sensors deployed in a complex dynamic environment that is prone to steering errors. The investigation of this algorithm was carried out in an interference-dominant, noisy automobile environment characterised by diffuse noise conditions. An embedded system measurement of real-time signals was carried out using omnidirectional acoustic sensors mounted in a model convertible F-Type car driven at speed limits of 20 to 50 mph. The simulation results indicate an array gain enhancement of 2 dB higher than the conventional Frost beamformer and it requires less sensors and filter taps for real-time reconfigurable implementations. The experimental results reveal that the average array gain of the regulated-element beamformer is 2.9 dB higher than the conventional Frost beamformer response. The minimum floor array gain of the regulated-element beamformer is 5 dB, representing 70 % noise reduction than the conventional adaptive beamformers.

Despite modern vehicles having the necessary advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for autonomous operation, current implementations rely solely on sensor information from the surrounding environment or data from smart infrastructure. However, shortcomings in current implementations and standards around cost-effective variable latency and data rate have prevented widespread adoption of the technology to enable autonomous operation. This paper presents a proof-of-concept (PoC) reconfigurable design and performance of a hybrid high-ultra-high bands [i.e., millimetre-Wave (mmWave)-light fidelity (Li-Fi)] fifth generation (5G) architecture for autonomous vehicular communication applications. The hybrid multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system architecture design is mathematically modelled and presented. The reported prelim PoC validation focuses on the Li-Fi experiment and results. The proposed hybrid system’s effectiveness was evaluated using the open-source “Model-based Autonomous Traffic Simulation” (MOBATSim). The simulation results of a potential Li-Fi system and a PoC prototype are presented to demonstrate the role of the Li-Fi system in the proposed hybrid mmWave-Li-Fi 5G architecture. Three models of LED/lamp and two models of photodiode were simulated at three different vehicle speeds to ascertain the potential of the system. Promising results are reported at low speeds with received power values of up to -8.39 dBm and signal to noise ratios of up to 29.39 dB. Practical prototype simulations showed auspicious results including received power of -24.6 dBm to -34.12 dBm at the vehicle speeds of 10 MPH to 30 MPH respectively. The implemented PoC Li-Fi technology component has demonstrated the ability to transmit information with a theoretical output of 333 bits per second at 1.92 m, without the use of any high-power processors, components, and modulation techniques. The proposed system yields high data rates due to reconfigurable high bandwidth channels; many simultaneous multimedia mmWave-Li-Fi connections enabled due to spatial reuse with narrow beams; and easier mmWave-Li-Fi ultra-low latency support occasioned by smaller packet sizes. This holds a great promise for the hybrid 5G/6G mmWave-Li-Fi autonomous vehicular communication use case and/or applications.

This paper presents three- and five-ports radio frequency (RF) hybrid power divider combiner (HPDC) designs with multiband characteristics operating at 2.4 GHz (ISM, IEEE 802.11b,g); 5.8 GHz (IEEE 802.11n, a and 802.11ac); and 6 GHz (IEEE 802.11ax) wireless standards for energy-efficient 5G-enabled passive Internet of Things (IoT) sensors; energy harvesting (E.H); passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags; multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna beamforming; and data communication applications spanning DC to the 6-GHz frequency range. The presented HPDC designs operate at a centre-design frequency of 3 GHz on a Rogers RO4350 substrate. The designed novel HPDC demonstrates a good match between the ports, high isolation between the output ports, and equal power distribution between the output ports. Furthermore, the obtained return and isolation losses are less than −10 dB for the Wi-Fi 6E standards. The reported findings hold an excellent promise for RF energy harvesting and utilisation, adaptive intelligent energy-efficient data communication, and seamless ubiquitous satellite-cellular convergence connectivity applications.

To achieve appropriate link budget and system engineering analyses of capability-based small satellites missions, an objective assessment and computation of the component-, subsystem-, and system-levels parameters requirements must be carried out. This paper presents the measurement-derived parametric models for the system engineering analysis of communication, meteorology, planetary, and other small satellite programs with recourse to the initial mission, conceptual design, and postmission objectives. Mass and power margins are the critical resources under investigation besides the link contingencies and operational times. The case study spacecraft systems engineering analyzes indicate a transmit power for data transmission uplink and downlink of at least 33 dBm for the generic communication, meteorology, and planetary missions applications. The presented parametric models also reveal a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 16 dB per radio communication link for worst case noise floor and path loss. For a 30-W power utilization, a two-power communication-overpower mode mission operates for an extra 8.3 min compared with a three-power payload-overpower mode mission. This holds a great promise for the development of adaptive subsystems for reconfigurable multiband, and multistandard transponders for multipurpose missions and postmission applications.

Thermal Subsystem Operational Times Analysis for Ubiquitous Small Satellites Relay in LEO