Space-time correlation modeling of multielement antenna systems in mobile fading channels

Abstract

For the analysis and design of multielement antenna systems in mobile fading channels, we need a model for the space-time cross correlation among the links of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel. We propose a general space-time cross correlation function for narrowband Rayleigh fading MIMO channels, where various parameters of interest such as angle spreads at the base station and the user, the distance between the base station and the user, mean directions of the signal arrivals, array configurations, and Doppler spread are all taken into account. The new space-time cross correlation function includes all the relevant parameters of the MIMO narrowband Rayleigh fading channel in a clean compact form, suitable for both simulation and mathematical analysis. It also covers many known correlation models as special cases. We demonstrate the utility of the new space-time correlation model by clarifying the limitations of a widely-accepted correlation model for MIMO fading channels.