Integrated Sensing and Communications via 5G NR Waveform: Performance Analysis

Nowadays, a possible approach to designing a commercial-attractive sensing solution is integrating sensing capability into widely deployed communication systems, e.g., the force coming fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR), by slightly modifying the standard. To this end, in this paper, we firstly investigate the possibility of re-using the NR waveform for sensing by reviewing current NR frame structure. Then, the self-ambiguity and cross-ambiguity functions are analyzed to exploit the NR waveform performance limitations. Several synchronizations and reference NR signal structures are considered for both downlink and uplink NR transmissions. Finally, the simulated NR frame and its self- and cross-ambiguity simulation results demonstrate the performance limitations.