Electronic Engineering PhD student, Mr Dauda Ayanda, won best paper at the international Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Wireless Africa Conference (WAC) at the University of Pretoria.
The IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organisation that is dedicated to advancing and fostering technical innovation for the benefit of humanity. This was the second annual WAC which was sponsored by the Vehicular Technology Society (VTS) and hosted by VTS South Africa.
The conference provided a platform for wireless researchers to share their results, collaborate, and exchange innovative ideas on cutting-edge research in wireless technologies. Technical workshops were held on Implementing Industry 4.0, 5G Industry Technology/Business Forum and Spectrum Sensing and Sharing for 5G Cognitive Radio Networks. Keynote speakers from the USA, Spain, South Korea and South Africa discussed their current work as well as future research directions in wireless technology.
Ayanda won best paper for his presentation on A Unified Error Analysis of Uncoded Space-Time Labeling Diversity with Three Transmit Antennas in Rician Fading Channels which focused on wireless communications and multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques in the physical layer of an Open System Interconnection model.
‘I am investigating uncoded space-time labeling diversity schemes for improved error performance of space-time block-coded wireless communication channels. The aim is to achieve better wireless communication systems in terms of improved data rate, detection complexity and diversity,’ he explained.
It is envisaged that this research will advance technology and revolutionise next-generation consumer electronics.
‘MIMO techniques have become the choice of future wireless systems due to the presence of multiple antennas both at the transmitter and at the receiver. These features open the way for significant enhancement towards meeting the higher demands in data rate (bandwidth efficiency) and link reliability (for multipath fading). Hence, my research contributions are very important in driving current 5G technologies as well as meeting the technical needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa in particular and the world in general,’ said Ayanda.
He added that he feels both humbled and honoured to have received the best paper award and thanked his supervisor, Electronic Engineering lecturer, Professor Hongjun Xu as well as the School of Engineering, for financial support to attend the conference.
Words: Zolile Duma
Photograph: Supplied
