6G SUMMIT 2023

Keynote Speakers

Robert Heath

North Carolina State University, USA

Title: Advancements and Opportunities in Next-Generation MIMO Wireless Communication for 6G

Abstract:
MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) wireless communication has been an instrumental technology in fourth and fifth generation cellular communication systems. With more aggressive performance targets, the evolution of MIMO is essential to support more antennas, accommodate larger bandwidths and exploit higher carrier frequencies. In this talk, I will describe three areas of opportunity for the next generation of MIMO wireless communications. First, I will discuss the need for methods to model and analyze large arrays. Second, I will motivate the need for new methods to reconfigure the antennas in those arrays. Finally, I will make the case for data-driven algorithms to adaptively configure these new MIMO systems. Throughout the presentation, I will emphasize the importance of revisiting classical models and assumptions.

Bio:
Robert W. Heath Jr. is the Lampe Distinguished Professor in the Department of ECE at North Carolina State University. He is the recipient or co-recipient of several awards including the 2019 IEEE Kiyo Tomiyasu Award, the 2020 IEEE Signal Processing Society Donald G. Fink Overview Paper Award, the 2020 North Carolina State University Innovator of the Year Award, the 2021 IEEE Vehicular Technology Society James Evans Avant Garde Award, and the 2022 IEEE Vehicular Technology Society Best Vehicular Electronics Paper Award. He authored "Introduction to Wireless Digital Communication” (Prentice Hall in 2017) and "Digital Wireless Communication: Physical Layer Exploration Lab Using the NI USRP” (National Technology and Science Press in 2012). He co-authored “Millimeter Wave Wireless Communications” (Prentice Hall in 2014) and "Foundations of MIMO Communications" (Cambridge 2019). He was a member-at-large of the IEEE Communications Society Board-of-Governors (2020-2022) and a member-at-large on the IEEE Signal Processing Society Board-of-Governors (2016-2018). He was EIC of IEEE Signal Processing Magazine from 2018-2020. He is a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, a registered Professional Engineer in Texas, a Private Pilot, a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, and a Fellow of the IEEE.