Brief Description
Terahertz (THz)-band (0.1–10 THz) communication is envisioned as a key wireless technology of the next decade. The very large bandwidth available at THz frequencies (tens to hundreds of consecutive GHz) can alleviate the spectrum scarcity problem while opening the door to Terabit-per-second (Tb/s) wireless links in personal and local area networks, backhaul for urban and rural areas, and even space networks. Moreover, the very small size of THz transceivers and antennas (submillimetric at THz frequencies) leads to miniature communication devices with applications in wireless networks-on-chip, wireless nanosensor networks, and the Internet of Nano-Things, to name a few. Nevertheless, there are several roadblocks that need to be overcome to tap into the THz band, ranging from the lack of compact and energy-efficient THz sources, high sensitivity detectors, and steerable directional antenna systems, to advanced signal processing, communication, and networking techniques that can make the most of the ultra-broadband THz channel while overcoming the challenging propagation characteristics of THz waves.
In this course, a comprehensive view of the enabling technologies, challenges, and opportunities for THz communication networks will be provided. First, the underlying physics of innovative THz transceivers and antennas will be described. A flipped classroom[1] strategy will be followed to study the constantly-evolving state-of-the-art in the field. Second, existing THz-band channel models, including line-of-sight, non-line-of-sight and multi-path propagation will be described, for indoor, outdoor, and intra-body scenarios. Experimental data sets collected with the TeraNova testbed at Northeastern University will be utilized to illustrate and understand the impact of several phenomena on THz waves. Third, physical layer techniques (synchronization, channel estimation, and equalization, modulation, ultra-massive MIMO) tailored to the hardware capabilities and the channel peculiarities will be presented. Matlab assignments combined with experimental datasets will be utilized to test and benchmark different existing solutions. Lastly, the foundations for medium access control, spectrum sharing, neighbor discovery, and routing in ultra-broadband THz networks will be presented, and the next steps towards unleashing the potential of the THz band will be jointly brainstormed.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to contribute to the development of wireless communication networks in the THz band.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the main differences between THz communication networks and traditional wireless networks at lower (microwave, millimeter-wave) and higher (infrared, visible) frequency bands;
- Identify and describe the main technologies at the basis of THz transceivers and antennas;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the main phenomena affecting the propagation of THz signals;
- Interpret experimental data sets, including channel measurements and transmitted/received data traces;
- Design, implement and test different physical layer solutions utilizing numerical tools (e.g., Matlab);
- Identify the challenges faced at the link and network layers when designing practical solutions for ultra-broadband THz communication networks;
- Demonstrate knowledge of key spectrum regulation and policy challenges at terahertz frequencies;
- Find relevant sources of information about a specified topic in the library and on the world wide web;
- Write an effective project report to present technical knowledge to a variety of audiences;
- Generate an oral presentation on a topic related to class material using electronic tools.
Contents
- Introduction, motivation, and applications of the terahertz band
- THz device technologies
- THz sources, detectors, modulators and demodulators
- THz antenna, antenna arrays and reflect-arrays
- Digital electronics for ultra-broadband systems
- THz propagation and channel modeling
- Line-of-Sight
- Non-Line-of-Sight
- Multi-path propagation
- Noise
- Ultra-broadband communication and signal processing
- Synchronization
- Channel estimation and equalization
- Modulation and channel coding
- Multi-user interference
- Physical-layer security
- Ultra-massive MIMO
- THz network architecture and protocol stack
- Medium access control
- Neighbor discovery
- Relaying and routing
- THz Spectrum Regulation and Policy
- Standards
Prerequisites (Working Knowledge of)
- EECE 5576. Wireless Communication Systems
OR
- EECE 7336. Digital Communications
OR
- EECE 7374. Fundamentals of Computer Networks
OR
- EECE 7364. Mobile and Wireless Networking
Depth/Breadth Designation
This is a depth course for the CCSP (Communications, Control and Signal processing) and CNWS (Computer Networks and Security) concentrations, and breadth for other concentrations.
Organization
- Class Assignments:
- Starting the fourth week of the semester and throughout the semester, students will be required to summarize and present in class the latest publications related to THz technologies (different students in different weeks, for the first 15 minutes of the lecture).
- Homework Assignments:
- There will be four assignments throughout the semester, covering both conceptual questions as well as numerical problems which may require the use of Matlab to interpret experimental data and to implement and test different communication and networking solutions.
- Exams:
- Midterm exam (closed book): TBD (mid-semester)
Grading Policy
Grade Distribution:
- Class Assignments: 25%
- Homework Assignments: 50%
- Midterm Exam: 25%
Course Materials
All the course materials will be available in Canvas:
- Lecture notes
- Homework assignments
- Laboratory guided assignments
- Additional reading materials
Professionalism
As specified in the grading policy, 5% of the grade is based upon the professional behavior and interaction of the students. For this, please
- Use professional style in all communications, including email, with course faculty and teaching assistants
- Refrain from use of cell phones or other electronic devices unless they are clearly linked to class purposes (e.g., note-taking)
- Attendance will be also considered for your professionalism grade including coming to class late. Attendance will be randomly checked in the lectures.
- Respect: You are expected to treat your instructor and all other participants in the course with courtesy and respect. Your comments to others should be factual, constructive, and free from harassing statements. You are encouraged to disagree with other students and the instructor, but such disagreements need to be respectful and be based upon facts and documentation (rather than prejudices and personalities). Falling to adhere to this expectation may result in a lower grade. Part of the learning process in this course is respectful engagement of ideas with others.
Expectations of Students
- Students are expected to act in a professional manner. A student's grade may be reduced (up to 5%) due to unprofessional or disruptive behavior. Please
- Use professional style in all communications, including email, with course instructors and assistants
- Respect: You are expected to treat your instructor and all other participants in the course with courtesy and respect. Your comments to others should be factual, constructive, and free from harassing statements. You are encouraged to disagree with other students and the instructor, but such disagreements need to be respectful and be based upon facts and documentation (rather than prejudices and personalities). Falling to adhere to this expectation may result in a lower grade. Part of the learning process in this course is the respectful engagement of ideas with others.
- To avoid late penalty deductions, assignments should be submitted on or prior to the due date. There will be an automatic 10-point per day deduction in homework assignments submitted past the deadline.
- Students are allowed to share ideas regarding homework problems, but each student must independently write and submit their own solution.
- Makeup quizzes will be given provided that the two following conditions are simultaneously satisfied:
- You contact the instructor prior to the exam
- You have a valid and documented reason to miss the exam
- Serious illness or family emergency are acceptable excuses
- Sleeping in, lack of preparation, ennui, grogginess, etc. are not acceptable excuses
Academic Integrity
A commitment to the principles of academic integrity is essential to the mission of Northeastern University. The promotion of independent and original scholarship ensures that students derive the most from their educational experience and their pursuit of knowledge. Academic dishonesty violates the most fundamental values of an intellectual community and undermines the achievements of the entire University.
As members of the academic community, students must become familiar with their rights and responsibilities. In each course, they are responsible for knowing the requirements and restrictions regarding research and writing, examinations of whatever kind, collaborative work, the use of study aids, the appropriateness of assistance, and other issues. Students are responsible for learning the conventions of documentation and acknowledgment of sources in their fields. Northeastern University expects students to complete all examinations, tests, papers, creative projects, and assignments of any kind according to the highest ethical standards, as set forth either explicitly or implicitly in this Code or by the direction of instructors.
Go to http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/academic-integrity-policy/ to access the full academic integrity policy.
Student Accommodations
Northeastern University and the Disability Resource Center (DRC) are committed to providing disability services that enable students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) to participate fully in the activities of the university. To receive accommodations through the DRC, students must provide appropriate documentation that demonstrates a current substantially limiting disability.
For more information, visit http://www.northeastern.edu/drc/getting-started-with-the-drc/
Diversity and Inclusion
Northeastern University is committed to equal opportunity, affirmative action, diversity and social justice while building a climate of inclusion on and beyond campus. In the classroom, members of the University community work to cultivate an inclusive environment that denounces discrimination through innovation, collaboration and an awareness of global perspectives on social justice. It is my intention that students from all backgrounds and perspectives will be well served by this course, and that the diversity that students bring to this class will be viewed as an asset. I welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, national origins, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, socioeconomic background, family education level, ability – and other visible and nonvisible differences. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment for every other member of the class. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated.
Please visit http://www.northeastern.edu/oidi/ for complete information on Diversity and Inclusion.
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from sex or gender-based discrimination, including discrimination based on gender-identity, in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
Northeastern’s Title IX Policy prohibits Prohibited Offenses, which are defined as sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, and stalking. The Title IX Policy applies to the entire community, including male, female, transgender students, faculty and staff.
In case of an emergency, please call 911.
Please visit www.northeastern.edu/titleix for a complete list of reporting options and resources both on- and off-campus.
Additional Expectations in the time of COVID-19
The university has put into place a robust plan to make the campus healthy and safe for all --- but you must do your part. On August 22, all students received an email from Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Madeleine Estabrook on the expectations for behavior both on campus and off campus. Please read it carefully today.
To summarize:
- Gatherings on or off campus must conform to healthy practices as outlined by university and Massachusetts state guidance. If you host or attend an inappropriate party or gathering, you run the very real risk of immediate removal from the community.
- Wear a mask indoors and outdoors as you maintain a 6-foot distance from everyone.
- Get tested every three days using the COVID-19 Test Scheduler (Covid19-testing.northeastern.edu.) We may require more frequent testing as the semester progresses. It’s quick, easy and will help us to quickly identify and care for anyone who tests positive. I will not be told the identity of anyone who tests positive, and you do not need to share that information with me or anyone else unless you want to. If you receive a positive test result, you will be contacted by a member of the university’s telehealth team who will provide you with next steps.
- Do a Daily Wellness Check (wellness-check.northeastern.edu), wash your hands well and regularly, and disinfect high-touch surfaces and spaces.
- I will be wearing a face covering or mask as I teach and expect that you will do the same in class. If you come to class without a mask, I’ll ask you to go and get one on campus. You can get a mask at the Visitor Center or at the Curry Student Center Help Desk. If you refuse to wear a mask in class, I won’t be able to continue the class. If you are not sitting six feet apart from your classmate, I’ll ask you to do so. We won’t be able to eat or drink in class (except water). If you test positive, you will need to enter isolation as directed by the university’s telehealth team. I expect that you will not come in-person to class and that you will follow the guidance from the university telehealth team to isolate and get appropriate healthcare if needed.
- Staying safe is a responsibility that we all must take seriously. Keep in mind the “Protect the Pack” theme. Remember that our individual actions will help everyone stay safe this fall.
[1] In a flipped classroom, students are directed to read the relevant related materials before the lecture at home. The time in the classroom is then utilized to solidify the concepts through group discussions and guided examples.