Non-Coherent Radio-Based Positioning

Abstract: In this thesis, a new Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) technique is used to determine the direction of a target in an outdoor environment using Radio Frequency (RF) signals. This technique estimates the AoA based on the difference between the Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI) from two/four directive antennas. This thesis work includes a mathematical model for this new technique, simulations that matches real life scenarios, and many measurements in real environments. The main task is a proof-of-concept for the RSSI difference-based AoA. In order to test the developed algorithm, two communication technologies were used, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). Both technologies are power efficient systems and are widely used in Internet of Things (IoT); BLE is used for short range applications while LoRa is used for long range applications. Two estimation techniques were developed based on hard decisions, but the core for both estimation techniques was the same. The difference was in the number of antennas used in each setup and the estimation procedure. The obtained results complied with the theoretical expectations. Though there was some range issues in the LoRa case. The results looked promising and the next step for this thesis work is to use more advanced estimation techniques in order to enhance the accuracy of AoA, and to work on suggested solutions for the LoRa issues.