A New Double-Directional Channel Model Including Antenna Patterns, Array Orientation, and Depolarization

Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless channel models are often too simplistic to accurately model wireless propagation effects or too complex and/or site specific to be used for analytical purposes. In this paper, we develop a double-directional MIMO channel model that accounts for important propagation effects like scattering, clustering, and channel depolarization and antenna effects like antenna diversity, cross polarization, and random array orientation, while still retaining an intuitive representation. The proposed model can be parameterized using channel measurements obtained from site-specific measurement campaigns or from standard-based channel models. We show, using simulations, that the proposed model captures channel and antenna effects not included in other models, like the third-generation partnership program (3GPP) spatial channel model, the WINNER, and the IEEE 802.11n channel model. We use the model to study the impact of random orientation and channel depolarization on the data rates of a MIMO system.