Geometrical-Based Modeling for Millimeter-Wave MIMO Mobile-to-Mobile Channels

A geometric multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel model is proposed for millimeter-wave (mmWave) mobile-to-mobile (M2M) applications based on the two-ring reference model, where cluster-based nonisotropic scattering at both ends of the radio link is considered. The proposed model employs a few clusters of scatterers located on two rings centered on the transmitter and receiver, and intracluster azimuth spread of scatterers is further characterized according to mmWave channel characteristics. From the model, the time–frequency correlation function, power delay profile (PDP), and the Doppler power spectrum are derived. By adjusting the cluster number, cluster center position, and the degree of intracluster nonisotropic scattering, the model is adaptable to a variety of mmWave M2M scenarios. Model validation is further conducted by comparing the simulated PDPs with mmWave outdoor measurements. Based on a detailed investigation of channel correlation functions, it is found that a small number of clusters leads to high channel correlation, and the degree of intracluster nonisotropic scattering has major impact on correlation only if cluster number is small. In addition, the Doppler power spectrum is similar to the U-shaped spectrum, and several factors (e.g., small cluster number, high intracluster azimuth spread, and large antenna spacing) introduce significant fluctuations in the Doppler power spectrum. Finally, the model is implemented with directional antennas for safety related M2M scenarios, which leads to high channel correlation compared with using omnidirectional antennas. These observations and conclusions can be considered as a guidance for the mmWave M2M MIMO system design.