Performance of a Double Uniform Circular Array in a Three-Dimensional Environment

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this paper, an array configuration with double uniform circular arrays (DUCAs) is provided in a three-dimensional environment with the goal of optimizing compact multiantenna user terminals. The DUCA extends the general two-dimensional multiantenna model to three-dimensional space. To accurately consider the spatial fading correlation (SFC) between antennas and the capacity of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) multipath channels, this paper uses the equivalent network model under mutual coupling (MC). Furthermore, the methods for calculating SFC with and without MC and capacity for a frequency non-selective Rayleigh fading channel are given. For simplicity, the azimuth and elevation angle distributions are assumed to be uniform. Simulation results show that the DUCA provided by this paper can decrease SFC between antennas, hence increasing capacity compared with UCAs of the same size. Taking MC into consideration, capacity will increase when the radius of the circle is smaller than . The parameters of arrival signals have a significant impact on the system performance as well. This investigation expands the application of a statistical channel model and optimizes the study of the terminal antenna array.