Run-length limited codes for backscatter communication
In backscatter communications, ultra-low power devices signal by modulating the reflection of radio frequency signals emitted from an external source. Unlike conventional one-way communication, the backscatter channel experiences unique self-interference and spread Doppler clutter. Run-length limited (RLL) codes provide a method for spectrum shaping that requires no hardware changes to the communicating devices. The proposed coding framework is suitable for any arbitrarily-shaped pulse train or continuous wave reader waveform. It exploits the unique channel Doppler spread statistics to offer a trade-off between interference rejection and data rate. Analysis shows that code rates of 1 and 4/5 are achievable when dealing with low spread Doppler channels, which is an improvement over the current rate 1/2 with current mainstream backscatter communication techniques. Simulation results with realistic channel assumptions are analyzed and discussed to confirm the theoretical analysis.
