Predicting performance metrics for the next-generation of multi-mode and multi-antenna wireless communication systems demands site-specific knowledge of the wireless channel's underlying radio wave propagation mechanisms. This thesis describes the first measurement system capable of characterizing individual propagation mechanisms in situ. The measurement system merges a high-resolution spatio-temporal wireless channel sounder with a new field reconstruction technique to provide complete knowledge of the wireless channel's impulse response throughout a 2-dimensional region. This wealth of data may be combined with space-time filtering techniques to isolate and characterize individual propagation mechanisms. The utility of the spatio-temporal measurement system is demonstrated through a measurement-based investigation of diffraction around building corners. These measurements are combined with space-time filtering techniques and a new linear wedge diffraction model to extract the first semi-mpirical diffraction coefficient. Specific contributions of this thesis are:
* The first ultra-wideband single-input multiple-output (SIMO) channel sounder based upon the sliding correlator architecture.
* A quasi 2-dimensional field reconstruction technique based upon a conjoint cylindrical wave expansion of coherent perimeter measurements.
* A wireless channel ``filming' technique that records the time-domain evolution of the wireless channel throughout a 2-dimensional region.
* High-resolution measurements of the space-time wireless channel near a right-angled brick building corner.
* The application of space-time filtering techniques to isolate the edge diffraction problem from the overall wireless channel.
* An approximate uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD)-style linear model describing diffraction by an impedance wedge.
* The first-ever semi-empirical diffraction coefficient extracted from in situ measurement data.
This thesis paves the way for several new avenues of research. The comprehensive measurement data provided by channel "filming" will enable researchers to develop and implement powerful space-time filtering techniques that facilitate measurement-based investigations of radio wave propagation. The measurement procedure described in this thesis may be adapted to extract realistic reflection and rough-surface scattering coefficients. Finally, exhaustive measurements of individual propagation mechanisms will enable the first semi-empirical propagation model that integrates empirical descriptions of propagation mechanisms into a UTD-style mechanistic framework.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:GATECH/oai:smartech.gatech.edu:1853/33961 |
| Date | 15 January 2010 |
| Creators | Pirkl, Ryan J. |
| Publisher | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Source Sets | Georgia Tech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Archive |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
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