Support for standardisation of sample-by-sample waveform uncertainty computation

Today’s key technologies for communications are based on the analysis of digitally modulated signals, used to describe, distribute and process information. Additionally, Europe’s aim of being the first carbon-neutral continent requires an increased integration of renewable energy into the grid. In these and other sectors it is essential to know what alterations may have occurred to the waveform from its initial generation to its final reception. Waveforms can be affected by various factors including interaction with hardware, measuring devices, computational effects or the environment. Currently, waveforms are analysed in accordance with international standards IEC 60469 and IEC 62754.  However, these only specify measurements on a small set of waveform parameters and are no longer suitable for advanced Information Technology and Communication systems such as 5G/6G, or for the integration of renewables into the energy grid. These require the measurements of the full waveform to enable the interplay of complex devices and systems – but the metrology required to do this is still lacking.

This project will address this by developing methods for the calculation of multivariate sample-by-sample uncertainty analysis. This will include accounting for real-time measurement effects, environmental effects, and corrections for errors from interacting systems.
Project work will also provide guidelines and examples for the correction and reconstruction of waveforms due to distinct hardware impairments.

The work is anticipated to input into existing standards in this area, allow an easier introduction of energy from renewable sources into existing networks and hasten the introduction of advanced communication systems.