Net-Zero Integrated Sensing and Communication in Backscatter Systems

Abstract: Future wireless networks targeted for improving spectral and energy efficiency, are expected to simultaneously provide sensing functionality and support low-power communications. This paper proposes a novel net-zero integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) model for backscatter systems, including an access point (AP), a net-zero device, and a user receiver. We fully utilize the backscatter mechanism for sensing and communication without additional power consumption and signal processing in the hardware device, which reduces the system complexity and makes it feasible for practical applications. To further optimize the system performance, we design a novel signal frame structure for the ISAC model that effectively mitigates communication interference at the transmitter, tag, and receiver. Additionally, we employ distributed antennas for sensing which can be placed flexibly to capture a wider range of signals from diverse angles and distances, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing. We derive theoretical expressions for the symbol error rate (SER) and tag's location detection probability, and provide a detailed analysis of how the system parameters, such as transmit power and tag's reflection coefficient, affect the system performance.