Characterization of a vector network analyzer based millimeter-wave channel sounder

Abstract

As the world moves into 5G communications systems, many cellular networks will extend their reach past sub 6GHz bands into millimeter wave (mmWave) bands. The mmWave frequencies provide a greater bandwidth to supply the higher data rate requirements for 5G networks. One step to meet the 5G network development to make this technology a reality is reliable mmWave channel models. These channel models are developed through the direct measurement of mmWave propagation channels. To provide reliable channel models at mmWave frequencies, a comprehensive characterization of the performance and uncertainty of the channel sounder hardware is very important. This thesis will critically review measurement techniques that were developed to characterize the channel sounder based around a vector network analyzer. These techniques provide a novel approach to developing a channel sounder measuring 3 dimensional synthetic aperture data with uncertainties. The end goal of this research is to provide a highly fexible channel sounding system whose errors are fully bounded to provide channel models with uncertainties at mmWave frequencies for 5G wireless systems. The Synthetic Aperture Measurements with UnceRtainty and Angle of Incidence (SAMURAI) system developed in this paper was built specically for this purpose.