Saturday 13 September 2025
Scientists have long been fascinated by the prospect of creating a single device that can both communicate and sense its environment. This dual-function technology, known as Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC), has the potential to revolutionize everything from wireless networks to autonomous vehicles.
Recently, researchers have made significant progress in developing ISAC systems using a technique called Affine Frequency Division Multiplexing (AFDM). In essence, AFDM is a way of transmitting data through radio waves that allows for both high-speed communication and precise sensing capabilities.
The key to AFDM’s success lies in its ability to transmit multiple signals at the same time, each with its own unique characteristics. This allows ISAC devices to not only send and receive data, but also to detect changes in their environment, such as movement or presence of obstacles.
One of the most promising applications of AFDM is in wireless networks. By incorporating sensing capabilities into these networks, ISAC technology could enable devices to adapt to changing environmental conditions, improving everything from network reliability to data transmission speeds.
Another area where AFDM shows great promise is in autonomous vehicles. Imagine a self-driving car that can not only navigate through complex environments but also detect and respond to hazards, such as pedestrians or other vehicles, in real-time. ISAC technology could make this a reality, allowing cars to communicate with each other and their surroundings while also using sensors to gather information about the environment.
But how does it work? Essentially, AFDM uses a technique called index modulation to transmit data through radio waves. This involves modulating the power level of each subcarrier to represent different bits of data. The result is a signal that can be transmitted at high speeds while still maintaining precise sensing capabilities.
Researchers have also developed new algorithms to process the signals received by ISAC devices, allowing for more accurate detection and estimation of environmental conditions. These algorithms take into account the unique characteristics of AFDM signals, enabling devices to extract valuable information from the signals they receive.
The potential applications of ISAC technology are vast and varied. From improving wireless networks to enhancing autonomous vehicles, this dual-function technology has the power to revolutionize many areas of our lives. As researchers continue to develop and refine ISAC technology, we can expect to see even more innovative uses emerge in the future.
Cite this article: “Integrated Sensing and Communications: Revolutionizing Wireless Networks and Autonomous Vehicles”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Integrated Sensing And Communications, Affine Frequency Division Multiplexing, Wireless Networks, Autonomous Vehicles, Index Modulation, Radio Waves, Environmental Conditions, Signal Processing, Algorithms, Dual-Function Technology
