Optimal Sliding Correlator Channel Sounder Design

The sliding correlator technique remains one of the most versatile and effective methods for sounding the radio propagation channel in next-generation wireless systems. Despite their utility, there has never been a comprehensive set of metrics and rules for the design of a sliding correlator channel sounder. This paper presents quantitative guidelines for balancing the many system parameters to achieve optimal levels of temporal resolution, dynamic range, processing gain, and Doppler resolution. The design procedure presented at the end of the paper will allow researchers to probe the new radioscapes that result as wireless systems are pushed to higher carrier frequencies, wider bandwidths, multiple antennas, and ubiquitous operation.