The growing interest in integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) for next- generation 6G radio access networks is presenting new challenges in channel estimation and modeling. Research is increasingly focusing on new frequency bands and innovative techniques for combining sensing and information transmission over the same waveform, where such operations are expected to occur at FR3/mmWave and even THz frequencies, enabling the integration of communications, sensing, and localization techniques. In contrast to classical communication channel models, like 3GPP TR 38.901, ISAC channels involve radio propagation from the transmitter to the receiver, as well as backscattered propagation from the transmitter towards scatterers and back to the monostatic transmitter, or a separate bistatic receiver. Consequently, traditional channel models are unsuitable for ISAC scenarios, necessitating the development of more accurate ISAC channel models.

The study focuses on numerous key criteria for the development of ISAC channel models, including:

⁃          General dual-channel models for joint communications and sensing, accounting jointly for non-stationary features of the communication channel, in addition to sensing features such as RCS, doppler shifts and characteristics of the environment such as backward/forwards scattering.

⁃          Statistical channel models for ISAC, studying space-time correlations of different channel aspects. Moreover, this key criterion includes a statistical study of parameters such as time, delay, angle, RCS, Doppler, and zenith spreads, matching them with probability distributions which allows for a realistic statistical generation of channels matching actual collected measured ones.

⁃            In order to replicate realistic space-time channel impulse responses, we intend to provide a thorough and detailed deterministic and stochastic sensing channel model that captures the key elements, such as: RCS for various target types, such as people, cars, drones, etc.; angular spread; double path loss; and Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) probability.

The project is expected to develop accurate ISAC channel models that integrate both communication and sensing functionalities for next-generation 6G networks, particularly at FR3/mmWave and THz frequencies. It aims to address the limitations of traditional channel models by incorporating dual-channel characteristics, statistical correlations, in addition to deterministic modeling, and realistic space-time channel impulse responses.

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