On RF implementation of WINNER II channel model for MIMO OTA performance evaluations

The development of MIMO over-the-air (OTA) test methodology is an ongoing activity in 3GPP RAN4, CTIA and EU COST Action 2100. In this paper, the focus is on the anechoic chamber approach, which uses a uniform circular array of probe antennas to replicate directional channels for the device under test (DUT) at the array center. In particular, we study in simulation the complexity requirements of implementing the WINNER II clustered delay line (CDL) model in RF using off-the-shelf RF components. Our results reveal that a significant reduction in complexity of the CDL model can be achieved while keeping both ergodic and outage capacity to within 10% of the full model. This suggests that it is both feasible and cost effective in implementing state-of-the-art directional channel models in RF for MIMO OTA tests