PhD Study : Low-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles based communication systems

Summary

Low-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, based communication systems are expected to provide wireless communication services (e.g. flying base stations or a relays) in future wireless networks. They are expected to provide communication services in unexpected (e.g. emergency) or on-demand (e.g. sports events) situations. They will be part of a multi-tier network architecture where they will be able to connect users on the ground and have backhaul wireless links to High-altitude UAVs, cellular networks (e.g. XG and upcoming 5G), satellites and their combinations.

In order to develop a reliable low-altitude UAV based communication system, it is important to understand the radio propagation channel among users on the ground and the UAV, commonly known as air-to-ground radio propagation channel. It is expected that along with or without line-of-sight (LOS) component, the radio propagation channel will consist of considerable multipath components due to the complex environments (e.g. urban or suburban).

Currently, very limited measurements are available to understand the low-altitude air-to-ground radio propagation channel. The better understating of the air-to-ground radio propagation channel will help the research communities and manufactures to develop reliable communication systems.

The successful applicant will be expected to investigate the low-altitude air-to-ground radio propagation channel. This will be an experimental based work where data will be collected in real environments (e.g. urban) and process to quantify the radio propagation channel parameters. Following is the breakdown of this Ph.D.:

1.Calibration of the wideband channel sounding equipment The channel sounding equipment will be tested to quantify its performance (e.g. sensitivity and dynamic range).

2.Data collection and processing Data will be collected with the wideband channel sounding equipment (attached with a drone) to record the radio propagation channel in different environments (e.g. urban) and processed to understand the radio propagation channel parameters.

The candidate will ideally have good knowledge of channel sounder, radio propagation channel, signal processing and programming (e.g. C/C++ and MATLAB).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living