Measurement of reflectarray for improving MIMO channel capacity of outdoor NLOS radio channel

Reflectarray is used as a passive reflector for improving outdoor radio channel in none-line-of-sight (NLOS) environment. The proposed reflectarray is designed with a 58-degree scattering angle and installed on the roof of a high building to eliminate blind spots and enhance MIMO performance. The performance and effectiveness in improvement of the receiving signal noise ratio (SNR) and channel quality were experimental investigated. It was found that the received power level and channel capacity for 8×8 MIMO were improved by more than 10 dB and 4 bps/Hz compared to those without the reflectarray in NLOS environment, respectively. All of the experiments were performed using the 11 GHz reflectarray antenna and tested in typical wireless scenarios at Ishigaki-jima in Japan.