Radio channel measurement, modelling, and emulation

University of Oulu

Abstract: — Radio channel characterization is performed mainly empirically by measurements, using either dedicated channel sounders or commercial measurement equipment. Parameter estimation is essential in extracting useful information from radio channel sounding signals, e.g., for channel modelling.
Radio channel emulation is a widely used performance evaluation method in (HW) testing of radio devices, which is performed either in conductive mode or over-the-air (OTA). This short course will introduce these topics both with theoretical and practical aspect. Each main topic is first studied in lecture mode starting from theoretical and conceptual descriptions. Then the same subject is deepened with practical HW measurements or Matlab exercises using measurement equipment in the classroom. An objective of the course is to familiarize attendees with the practicalities of channel measurements, options in channel parameter estimation, in channel modelling, and functionality and testing capability of fading emulation.
The course is useful for persons interested in propagation, antennas, and channel modelling, or directional, polarimetric, frequency, and time domain characterisation of channel. Also, engineers working on performance testing or virtual drive testing, or having a general interest on test and measurement issues, may find the course useful. Of course, the course aims at deepening the understanding of the radio channel as a communication channel as well.
Measurement equipment used in the course are: Keysight Propsim fading emulator, network analyser, and possibly also signal generator and signal analyser.
The course consists of four full days with lectures and practical exercises. The course is passed by attending face-to-face teaching including exercises and passing the final exam.

Contents:
1. Introduction
a. What is radio channel characterization?
b. Fundamentals of radio propagation
c. Statistical description of the wireless channel
d. Dimensions of radio channel

2. Radio channel sounding
a. Techniques and equipment for different frequencies
b. The process of channel sounding
c. Practical part of measuring signals with a sounder

3. MIMO radio channel
a. Multipath fading and its influence on radio link performance
b. Antenna radiation and multipath channels
c. Spatial diversity and channel correlation
d. MIMO channels and transmission

4. Channel models
a. Short introduction to channel model categories
b. Generation of fading channel realizations

5. Radio channel emulation
a. Purpose and uses of channel emulator

b. Structure, components & functions of emulator
c. OTA fading testing and its components
d. Practical part of setting up an emulation, transmitting a signal, and making observations of
the received signal with Propsim

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