MIMO OTA testing using a multiprobe system approach

In MIMO [Multiple Input Multiple Output] systems, the spatial correlation plays an important role. The level of correlation cannot be determined based on the antenna characteristics alone without knowing the propagation characteristics. When testing multiple antenna system is therefore necessary to include both the antenna and propagation characteristics in the system setup, thus the need of a new over-the-air (OTA) testing methodology. The MIMO OTA anechoic chamber based approach, emulates complex spatial-temporal propagation environments at the device location in a realistic and repeatable way by using a radio channel emulators connected to a circular array of probes (multiple clusters) or an array of probes on one side (single cluster) of the chamber.