Physical Layer Security at a Point-to-Point MIMO System With 1-Bit DACs and ADCs

Abstract

Low-resolution converters reduce the power consumption of wireless devices and help enable large energy-efficient arrays. In this letter, we evaluate the secrecy rate for the extreme case of 1-bit single-user multiple-input multiple-output systems following two signaling approaches. In the first method, the system uses discrete signaling. In the second, the system combines Gaussian signaling with artificial noise alongside power allocation. In the first case, we give a closed-form expression of the secrecy rate and propose an algorithm that provides near-optimal results for low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Further, in the second scenario, depending on the channel state information, we suggest different precoding plans and derive a secrecy rate lower bound. At low SNR, power is allocated to the main signal. Only at high SNR is optimal power allocation effective. Moreover, knowing the eavesdropper channel greatly improves the system’s secrecy.