Three‐dimensional non‐stationary geometry‐based stochastic model for UAV‐MIMO Ricean fading channels

Abstract

In this study, the authors propose a novel three-dimensional (3D) non-stationary geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM) and the corresponding deterministic and stochastic simulation models for non-isotropic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) Ricean fading channels. The proposed GBSM employs a two-cylinder model, where the signal is a superposition of line-of-sight component, single-bounced rays around the UAV, single-bounced rays around the ground station (GS), single-bounced rays on the ground, and double-bounced rays. The non-stationarity is reflected on the time-varying angles of departure and angles of arrival. Since the authors consider the GS to be mobile, the proposed 3D GBSM is general and suitable for UAV-aided vehicular communication scenarios. Based on the proposed model, some important channel statistical properties are derived and thoroughly investigated, including the space-time correlation function, Doppler power spectral density, envelope level crossing rate and average fade duration. Moreover, the proposed model has the ability to investigate the influence of some unique UAV-related parameters on channel characteristics and non-stationarity. Finally, excellent agreement is achieved between the reference model and simulation models, demonstrating the feasibility of simulation models as well as the correctness of theoretical derivations.