Millimeter-wave Channel-Sounder Performance Verification using Vector Network Analyzer in a Controlled RF Channel

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Radio Science
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate performance verification of channel sounders is crucial for reliable radio propagation measurements.
• Existing verification techniques often rely on assumptions that can limit accuracy.
• Millimeter-wave communication systems require precise channel characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new performance verification technique for E-band channel sounders.
• To provide a more robust method for validating channel-sounder hardware and processing.
• To reduce inaccuracies inherent in current verification approaches.

Main Methods:

• A comparison-to-reference technique was developed, utilizing a controlled, static radio frequency (RF) channel.
• Measurements from an E-band channel-sounder were directly compared with those from a reference vector network analyzer (VNA).
• Mechanical switches were employed to establish the static RF channel, and VNA uncertainty analysis was applied to power delay profiles.

Main Results:

• The new technique successfully compared channel-sounder and VNA-derived channel metrics.
• It demonstrated a stronger verification of the channel-sounder's hardware and processing performance.
• The method effectively reduced the number of inaccurate assumptions compared to other techniques.

Conclusions:

• The developed comparison-to-reference technique offers a more accurate verification for E-band channel sounders.
• This method enhances confidence in channel-sounder measurements, particularly for millimeter-wave applications.
• The technique is suitable for channel-sounder hardware, including those with removable antennas.