The next-generation communication industry has been recognized as one of the five trustworthy industries promoted by the new Taiwanese government. A global priority within this industry is the development of standards for Joint Com-munication and Sensing (JCAS) in 6G and WiFi systems, which hold significant po-tential for killer applications. Supported by the National Science and Technology Council's "Key Technology R&D Project for Next-Generation Communication Sys-tems," a distinguished research team has made remarkable strides in this field. Led by Chair Professor Tzyy-Sheng Jason Horng from the Department of Electrical En-gineering at National Sun Yat-sen University, along with Dean Shawn Shuo-Hung Hsu from the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at National Tsing Hua University, Professor Zuo-Min Tsai from the Department of Electrical En-gineering at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, and Director Da-Chiang Chang from the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute of the National Applied Research Laboratories, the team has successfully developed Multiple Input Multi-ple Output (MIMO) 4D sensing technology. This breakthrough was made possible using advanced facilities at the 6G Communication and Sensing Research Center at National Sun Yat-sen University. The innovative technology integrates seamlessly with modern MIMO communication systems, enabling a wide range of wireless sensing services accessible anytime and anywhere. By enhancing convenience, safety, and health in daily life, this breakthrough moves us closer to realizing the vision of active well-being.
During this press conference on academic achievements, three key technical highlights were presented:
1. Develop a MIMO transceiver chip for 6G terahertz frequencies that effec-tively addresses inefficiency and high power consumption challenges.
The 6G communication system will build on the existing 5G frequency bands—FR1 (< 6 GHz) and FR2 (24-52 GHz, commonly known as millimeter wave)—by introducing the FR3 band (7-24 GHz, referred to as mid-high frequen-cy) and the terahertz band (>100 GHz). For JCAS, higher operating frequencies not only enhance communication throughput but also improve sensing resolution. However, terahertz integrated circuits typically face challenges such as low effi-ciency and high power consumption. This research tackles these challenges by uti-lizing heterogeneously integrated semiconductor technologies, including Com-plementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS), third-generation semiconductor Gallium Nitride (GaN), and Integrated Passive Device (IPD) glass substrates, com-bined with flip-chip system-in-package processes. These innovations have enabled the design of 6G terahertz MIMO transceiver chips that effectively mitigate the is-sues of low efficiency and high power consumption.
2. Implement an innovative self-injection locking mechanism to transform the extremely low-frequency Doppler shift into wideband modulation by inject-ing the target echo signal into the transmission signal source, significantly enhancing sensing sensitivity.
The most promising applications for 6G JCAS are in smart transportation and healthcare, where communication infrastructure enables precise, real-time auton-omous vehicle navigation and body activity monitoring. However, detecting slow-motion activities, such as limb movements and vital signs, poses challenges due to minimal Doppler frequency shifts. To overcome this, the research introduces an innovative self-injection locking mechanism, where the target's echo signal is in-jected back into the transmission signal source, placing it in an injection-locked state. This mechanism converts the ultra-low-frequency Doppler shift into wide-band frequency modulation, significantly enhancing sensing sensitivity and sur-passing the limitations of traditional methods, making it an invaluable advance-ment for wireless health monitoring.
3. 4D sensing technology is expected to be widely used in areas such as the In-ternet of Medical Things, the Internet of Vehicles, and smart home applica-tions.
The research team’s 4D sensing technology utilizes MIMO beamforming to capture four-dimensional data, including target range, azimuth angle, elevation angle, and Doppler velocity. When combined with MIMO communication and AI, it enables smart Internet of Things (IoT) applications that fuse communication, sensing, and computing. In healthcare applications, the team demonstrated the ability to track multiple individuals' positions, postures, and movements, while al-so performing non-contact vital sign monitoring focused on the chest area. Cur-rently, the team is collaborating with industry partners to develop products such as non-contact patient monitors, autonomous vehicle 4D imaging radars, in-car child presence detectors, driver fatigue sensors, and home elderly fall detection alarms. As 6G and WiFi JCAS standards are finalized, 4D sensing technology is poised to expand across services related to the Internet of Medical Things, the In-ternet of Vehicles, and smart homes, becoming a crucial component of next-generation communication systems.
Media Contact：
Mr. Chih-Hung Chien
Program Manager/Assistant Research Fellow
Department of Engineering and Technologies
National Science and Technology Council
Tel: +886 (2) 27377276
Mr. Chih-Hung Chien
Program Manager/Assistant Research Fellow
Department of Engineering and Technologies
National Science and Technology Council
Tel: +886 (2) 27377276
