A mutual coupling model for massive MIMO applied to the 3GPP 3D channel model

Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) has become one of the key technologies for future mobile communication systems. Although there is a variety of potential benefits, unresolved implementation issues of massive MIMO are manifold. In this work, we consider the issue of mutual coupling in large antenna arrays. A known matrix model that describes array coupling effects is considered. This coupling model is augmented by a matching network in order to provide a universal coupling model that is applicable to any channel model. Impact of array coupling is then shown by applying the coupling matrix on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3D channel model. We show that the matching network leads to decorrelation and significantly reduces capacity losses due to mutual coupling in the context of massive MIMO.