Theoretical and Experimental Evaluation of AoA Estimation in Single-Anchor 5G Uplink Positioning

As we move towards 6G, the demand for high-precision, cost-effective positioning solutions becomes increasingly critical. Single-anchor positioning offers a promising alternative to traditional multi-anchor approaches, particularly in complex propagation environments where infrastructure costs and deployment constraints present significant challenges. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of key algorithmic choices in the development of a single-anchor 5G uplink positioning testbed. Our developed testbed uses angle of arrival (AoA) estimation combined with range measurements from an ultra-wideband pair, to derive the position. The simulations conducted assess the impact of the selected algorithms on channel order and AoA estimation, while the influence of antenna calibration errors on AoA estimation is also examined. Finally, we compare simulations and results obtained from our developed platform.

USRP-Based Single Anchor Positioning: AoA with 5G Uplink Signals, and UWB Ranging

This paper presents a novel testbed designed for 5th-Generation (5G) positioning using Universal Software Radio Peripherals (USRPs). The testbed integrates multiple units: an Operation Unit for test management, a User Unit equipped with an Ettus E312 USRP, and a Station Unit featuring an Ettus N310 USRP equipped with a three-element Uniform Linear Array for Angle of Arrival estimation. Alongside ultra wideband ranging, the testbed estimates the user's position relative to the base station. Signal processing algorithms are executed in a dedicated processing unit. Key challenges addressed include phase misalignment between RX channel pairs due to different Local Oscillators in the Ettus N310, necessitating real-time calibration for precise signal alignment. High sampling rates (up to 61.44 MSps) result in large IQ sample files, managed efficiently using a snapshot technique to optimize storage without compromising testbed positioning capabilities. The testbed synchronizes angular measurements with ranging estimates allowing consistent performance evaluation for real-life cases of dynamic users (e.g. pedestrian). Experimental results demonstrate the testbed's effectiveness in achieving accurate pedestrian user localization.

Angle of Arrival Estimation Using SRS in 5G NR Uplink Scenarios

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of Angle of Arrival (AoA) estimation techniques in 5G environments, using the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) in Uplink scenarios both in simulations and with actual measurements. Leveraging 5G capabilities, we investigate AoA algorithms for single-base station positioning. The study includes simulations and practical tests on a developed dedicated testbed featuring a base station equipped with a three-element Uniform Linear Array (ULA), considering Line of Sight conditions in an open environment. The testbed, employing Ettus E312 as the transmitter and Ettus N310 as the receiver, details waveform structures and reception processes. Additionally, our study examines the performance of Angle of Arrival (AoA) estimation algorithms, such as Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC), Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariant Techniques (ESPRIT), and Joint Angle and Delay Estimation (JADE) ESPRIT. A MATLAB ray tracing propagation model of the environment where the measurements are conducted, has been constructed. Simulation results using this model are presented, along with the actual measurements. The obtained results affirm the effectiveness of our implementation.