Joint Communication and Sensing: 5G NR Compliant Ranging Using the Sounding Reference Signal

Abstract: In this work, a proof of concept for 5G-compliant user-equipment side sensing is presented. It is based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing radar-based ranging which is realized in this work by using the sounding reference signal from the 5G New Radio standard. The signal configuration and thus the corresponding waveform is generated in compliance with the existing 3rd Generation Partnership Project standard for 5G. It is an uplink physical signal and is originally intended, amongst others, for channel estimation. The used model is introduced, followed by the sounding reference signal. This leads to a first proof of concept by presenting simulation and measurement results. We show, that a range estimation error in the order of centimeters is achievable.