‘Measurements, Modelling and Testing Millimetre Wave Communication Systems’

The use of directional antenna facets, such as an antenna array and beamformer, to provide boresight gain to mitigate the additional line-of-sight path loss at millimetre wave frequencies when compared with sub-6GHz spectrum is widely accepted by those engaged in 5G R&D. Real-world channel measurements addressing diffraction and reflection of millimetre wave signals has also identified significant differences in the characteristics of these mechanisms as well as the impact of surface roughness and the electrical properties (permittivity and conductivity) of the materials within the environment. This, alongside the directional properties of the transmitting and receiving antennas selectively illuminating a specific addressed volume, thus creates a significantly different realisation of the physical processes describing the composite or joint antenna and channel model for the design of 5G systems at millimetre wave. Hence, an accurate representation of the spatial channel at millimetre wave and the support of mobility is thus essential to aid both planning and testing of devices. Further, conformance testing of products will necessitate a cost-effective means for emulating these complex mechanisms. This presentation will summarise the measurements, models and approaches taken to emulate the millimetre wave channel by researchers at the University of Bristol, UK