Simultaneous User Localization and Identification Using Leaky-Wave Antennas and Backscattering Communications

High-speed detection and identification of mobile terminals located in the vicinity of highly directive base stations is essential for future mm-wave communication systems. We propose a novel optoelectronic frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system for detection, localization and identification of multiple mobile terminals. The simultaneous localization and identification of multiple mobile terminals is achieved by using frequency scanning mm-wave leaky-wave antennas (LWAs) and backscattering communications. LWAs provide RF-based beam steering for estimating the direction of arrival of the echoes using a FMCW radar signal. Additionally, the implementation of backscattering technology in the mobile terminals allows the identification of users. Hence, simultaneous user localization and identification without the use of any complicated radar signal post-processing algorithms is possible. Finally, the introduced modulated backscattering reflection shifts the signals of the targets at higher frequencies, which exhibit lower noise floor and thus have higher signal to noise ratio (SNR).