Space Time Channel Sounding Method using SAR Approach

This paper explores the feasibility of direction of arrival (DoA) measurements with high angular resolution using a hybrid antenna array. The original concept is based on the design of a virtual planar antenna array synthesized by utilizing a real antenna array on the top of a moving vehicle. In order to validate this concept, a wideband channel sounder is developed using Software Defined Radio (SDR) module. The designed sounder is cost-effective, portable, compact and built with mainly off-the-shelf hardware. Preliminary measurements collected in suburban environments are used to validate the concept. Results demonstrate that the measured DoA's are coherent with the measurement configuration. This new approach makes it possible to carry out a large number of DoA measurements at the mobile in various environments.