#communications-and-networking #chirp #frequency #artificial-intelligence #machine-learning

Title: Covert Symbol Embedding via Chirp Signals for Integrated Sensing and Communications

 

Abstract: 

Wireless research is increasingly moving toward Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), which unifies radar and communication on a shared platform to improve spectral efficiency and reduce hardware costs. In this talk, we present a covert communication framework for Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar systems that embeds binary symbols directly into the radar chirp. By selectively activating or suppressing transmissions at predefined time–frequency locations, information is encoded without disrupting core radar functionality. A synchronized receiver decodes the embedded bits based on energy detection, enabling low-overhead control signaling without requiring additional spectrum. The proposed scheme is compatible with existing FMCW hardware and introduces a stealthy communication layer with minimal impact on range estimation and resolution. Analytical and simulation results demonstrate reliable bit recovery, and a USRP-based software-defined radar prototype validates feasibility under practical SNR conditions. This work highlights covert embedding as a lightweight pathway toward practical ISAC systems for automotive, defense, and IoT applications

Bio: Shiwen Mao is a Professor and Earle C. Williams Eminent Scholar and Director of the Wireless Engineering Research and Education Center at Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. Dr. Mao's research interest includes wireless networks, RF sensing and IoT, smart health, and machine learning. He is the editor-in-chief of IEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking, an Associate Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Internet of Things Journal, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Multimedia, a member-at-large on the Board of Governors of IEEE Communications Society, and Vice President of Technical Activities of IEEE Council on Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID). He was the General Chair of IEEE INFOCOM 2022, a TPC Chair of IEEE INFOCOM 2018, and a TPC Vice-Chair of IEEE GLOBECOM 2022. He is a co-recipient of several technical and service awards from the IEEE, and a Fellow of the IEEE in the Class of 2019.