A Comprehensive Spatial-Temporal Channel Propagation Model for the Ultrawideband Spectrum 2–8 GHz

Despite the potential for high-speed communications, stringent regulatory mandates on ultrawideband (UWB) emission have hindered its commercial success. By combining resolvable UWB multipath from different directions, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology can drastically improve link robustness or range. In fact, a plethora of algorithms and coding schemes already exist for UWB-MIMO systems, however these papers use simplistic channel models in simulation and testing. While the temporal characteristics of the UWB propagation channel have been well documented, surprisingly there currently exists but a handful of spatial-temporal models to our knowledge, and only two for bandwidths in excess of 500 MHz. This paper proposes a comprehensive spatial-temporal channel propagation model for the frequency spectrum 2-8 GHz, featuring a host of novel parameters. In order to extract the parameters, we conduct an extensive measurement campaign using a vector network analyzer coupled to a virtual circular antenna array. The campaign includes 160 experiments up to a non line-of-sight range of 35 meters in four buildings with construction material varying from sheetrock to steel.