PhD Studentship: Machine Learning for Position Location

Position location, which in general comprises Direction of Arrival (DOA) and Time of Arrival (TOA) estimation, is an important area of research in many applications, including Radar signal processing and Fifth Generation (5G) and Sixth Generation (6G) commercial wireless systems. Conventionally this has been performed using either relatively simple algorithms based on received signal power measurement or more sophisticated subspace techniques, such as MUltiple SIgnal Classification (MUSIC) and Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance techniques (ESPRIT). Recently, the implementation of position location estimation using Machine Learning (ML) techniques has been proposed as a methodology to improve performance beyond that of existing techniques, particularly in non-line-of-sight signal propagation conditions which occur commonly in many applications. This is an active area of research and is showing significant promise.

The project is sponsored by the company AMD and will involve close industrial collaboration to develop and test novel machine learning algorithms for position location. Following an initial literature review to define the state of the art, the following main research phases are expected:

• Determination of the specific application of position location estimation to be addressed within the project. This will entail basic application research and determination of current techniques and future directions.

• Theoretical research into conventional position location techniques based on power measurement and subspace techniques. Here the objective is to establish performance and computational complexity benchmarks for a range of conventional techniques.

• Development of machine learning models suited to position location estimation and software implementation of these based on AMD computer processor and graphics processing unit (GPU) technology. These implementations will develop machine learning models to determine performance and complexity when compared to conventional methods.

It is likely that the specific objectives of the project will evolve throughout the PhD. However, AMD believes that it is important that the project comprises both theoretical study of the candidate techniques and practical implementation on AMD hardware.

Eligibility:

An undergraduate degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related discipline.

Applicants who require an ATAS certificate to work study in the UK will not be eligible for this PhD programme. A list of nationalities can be found here: www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-you-require-an-atas-certificate

Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants: edin.ac/2NThGAe

Further Information

This project will run as part of the research council funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Sensing, Processing, and AI for Defence and Security (SPADS) - spads.ac.uk. This is a four year programme involving both a PhD research project and integrated studies as part of a cohort of like-minded students.

The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity

Funding notes

A successful candidate will receive an enhanced annual stipend of £20,716 tax-free, which increases annually.

Tuition fees + stipend are available for applicants who qualify as Home applicants. Applications will be considered from EU/International Students who meet the eligibility requirements.

To qualify as a Home student, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• You are a UK student;
• You are an EU student with settled/pre-settled status who also has 3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of your Programme. (International students not eligible.)

Further information and other funding options: edin.ac/3Upu0qt

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