Vector propagation channels for smart antenna systems: statistical properties of spatial signature variation in outdoor environments

This paper presents measurement and modeling results of the statistical characteristics of narrowband vector channel (spatial signature) variations at different wireless scenarios in a suburban environment. The measurements were performed using a real-time smart antenna system with a uniform circular array at the base station and a mobile transmitter with a vertically polarized dipole antenna. Measurements were taken at five different mobile locations that had line-of-sight (LOS), line-of-sight with a local scatterer (LOSWLS), and non-line-of-sight (NOLOS) scenarios. Using this data we characterize the variation of spatial signature correlations in terms of probability distribution and cumulative distribution functions. An empirical model that best fits to the measured complementary cumulative distribution function is obtained for each scenario.