A Novel Low-Cost Channel Sounder for Double-Directionally Resolved Measurements in the MmWave band

Abstract

With the move towards 6G and associated technology deployment in higher frequency bands, measurements of directionally-resolved channels and sounders capable of performing such measurements are a necessity. In this paper, we present a new concept of channel sounding based on a Redirecting Rotating Mirror Arrangement (ReRoMA), capable of performing double-directional channel measurements at millimeter wave frequencies by mechanical beam steering orders of magnitude faster than existing rotating-horn arrangements. We present this new concept, describe a prototype operating at 60 GHz, and use it to perform, as proof-of-principle, a dynamic cart-to-cart channel measurements at a T-intersection scenario. We show that this sounding principle works and allows the directional evaluation of the channel. We visualize the different resolvable propagation paths in terms of dynamic angular and delay power spectrum, and relate them to the environmental geometry.