Parametrization and Estimation of High-Rank Line-of-Sight MIMO Channels with Reflected Paths

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel channel model for high-rank LOS MIMO systems that accounts for reflected paths using a simple parametrization with only two extra parameters, validated through ray tracing simulations at millimeter wave frequencies.

Contribution

It proposes a new multi-path channel model replacing reflected paths with LOS paths and image sources, capturing wave front curvature with minimal additional parameters.

Findings

Model accurately captures reflected paths using only two extra parameters.

Validated through ray tracing simulations at 28 GHz and 140 GHz.

Applicable to dense urban environments for millimeter wave communications.

Abstract

High-rank line-of-sight (LOS) MIMO systems have attracted considerable attention for millimeter wave and THz communications. The small wavelengths in these frequencies enable spatial multiplexing with massive data rates at long distances. Such systems are also being considered for multi-path non-LOS (NLOS) environments. In these scenarios, standard channel models based on plane waves cannot capture the curvature of each wave front necessary to model spatial multiplexing. This work presents a novel and simple multi-path wireless channel parametrization where each path is replaced by a LOS path with a reflected image source. The model fully is valid for all paths with specular planar reflections and captures the spherical nature of each wave front. Importantly, it is shown that the model uses only two additional parameters relative to the standard plane wave model. Moreover, the parameters can be easily captured in standard ray tracing. The accuracy of the approach is demonstrated on detailed ray tracing simulations at 28 GHz and 140 GHz in a dense urban area.