Emulating Ray-Tracing Channels in Multiprobe Anechoic Chamber Setups for Virtual Drive Testing

This paper discusses virtual drive testing (VDT) for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)-capable terminals in multiprobe anechoic chamber (MPAC) setups. We propose to perform VDT, via reproducing ray-tracing (RT)-simulated channels with the field synthesis technique. Simulation results demonstrate that realistic RT channels can be accurately reproduced within the test zone with a limited number of probes in MPAC setups. The feasibility of performing VDT via reproducing RT-simulated channels is supported by measurement results in a practical three-dimensional (3-D) MPAC setup. The amplitude and phase of the electric field have been measured throughout the test zone with a calibration dipole, and excellent match between simulation and measurement was achieved.