Antenna performance characterization of multi-antenna terminals used in multiple-input-multiple-output communication systems

Abstract

With new third and fourth generation mobile communication systems emerging, there has been an increased focus on the antenna performance of mobile terminals. Common for most new communication systems currently deployed and under development is the demand for multi-antenna technology, such as multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO). In order to reach increased data rates it is essential to be able to make use of the potential spatial multiplexing gain of a multipath propagation environment. For design optimization of these multi-element antennas, a reliable and relevant measurement method for characterizing the antenna performance is important. In this paper, a method using the reverberation chamber is presented together with a discussion on how to analyze the results in order to distinguish good and bad antenna designs from each other.