Performance comparison between single- and multiple-arrays for 3D-beamsteering multi-user detection

Single-array and multiple-array structures were applied to a large-scale planar array for use in uplink space-division multiple access, and their simulated data throughputs were compared. In both structures, a subarray-processing iterative soft-input-soft-output multi-user detector efficiently recovers multi-user signals from multiple RF chains. The phased-array directivity is controlled on the basis of inter-subarray phase shift minimization. The multiple-array structure performed better due to larger space diversity provided by uncorrelated fading between the arrays in non line-of-sight environments. Moreover, uncorrelated noise was generated in the subarray output signals, resulting in better user separation.