A Dynamic Dual-Link Wideband MIMO Channel Sounder for 5.3 GHz

In this paper, we present and evaluate the performance of a dynamic dual-link wideband multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) channel sounder. The channel sounder can simultaneously measure two wideband dual-polarized links, each with a MIMO matrix size of 30 × 30 and 30 × 32. Multilink MIMO systems, including multiuser and cooperative MIMO, are essential parts of future high-throughput wireless local area networks and fourth-generation cellular systems. To fully understand such systems, the dynamic characteristics of multilink MIMO channels have to be measured. In this paper, we present a channel sounder that enables such measurements, including double-directional parameter estimation possibility for both links. The presented dual-link MIMO channel sounder does not suffer from the deficiencies of previous "virtual multiuser"measurement systems. Furthermore, system analysis and sample results from a measurement campaign with this channel sounder at 5.3 GHz in an indoor office environment are presented.