Accuracy and Repeatability Results of a 5G Sub 6GHz Time of Arrival Distance Measurement Campaign for Industry 4.0 Localisation

Abstract

Indoor localization has recently experienced a surge in interest, primarily because of its ability to offer a diverse range of services by utilising the Internet of Things (IoT) and widespread connectivity. This study presents a measurement campaign conducted to assess the precision and consistency of a 5G Sub 6GHz Time of Arrival system. The system is capable of measuring time intervals with a resolution of 0.3 picoseconds, which corresponds to a distance resolution of 0.1 mm. Due to the system's susceptibility to environmental noise and multipath reflections, fixed directional antenna array were implemented to enhance the received signal strength in the intended direction and reduce the impact of multipath reflections. The numerical test results demonstrate that distance can be measured with a precision ranging from 3.5 cm to 4.5 cm, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements. Precise localization has a significant architectural effect by enabling accurate beam-steering between ORAN (Open Radio Access Network) and UEs (User Equipment), resulting in the creation of more sustainable and energy-efficient networks.