Large Virtual Antenna Array-Based Empirical Channel Characterization for Sub-THz Indoor Hall Scenarios

Abstract

Sub-Terahertz (sub-THz), which encompasses a frequency range between 100-300 GHz, is anticipated to be an important element in the development of future sixth-generation (6G) communication systems due to its vast untapped bandwidth resource. Developing the realistic sub-THz channel model is essential for designing and deploying future 6G communication systems. We presented the channel measurements and characterization of a recent sub-THz channel measurement campaign conducted in an indoor hall scenario at sub-THz bands in this work. The channel measurement campaign was conducted with 55 transmitter (Tx)-receiver (Rx) deployment locations (including two pre-defined ‘L’-shape routes) covering the Tx-Rx distance range of [3, 58]m at 99-101 GHz using a phase-compensated long-range channel sounder. A channel parameter estimation algorithm is exploited to extract the multipath component (MPC) parameters. The composite channel parameters, i.e., path loss, delay spread, angular spread, and K -factor, are calculated and analyzed using the extracted MPC parameters. It is seen that the spreads of delay and angular and the K -factor statistically obey log-normal distributions and the normal distribution, respectively, and the fitting parameters are concluded for statistical modeling. An MPC trajectory tracking algorithm was also utilized to trace the MPC trajectories in the two routes. The MPC-level channel parameters were then investigated based on the trajectory results. The proposed 100 GHz channel model for the indoor scenario was also compared with the existing channel models. This work provides an accurate and comprehensive indoor channel characterization, filling the gap in statistical channel models for this frequency band.