A 2×2 MIMO Throughput Analytical Model for RF Front End Optimization

With a given communication protocol, performance optimization of a multiple-input multipleoutput (MIMO) wireless system mainly lies on the design of the radio frequency (RF) front end. Currently, the optimization is mainly achieved based on experiences, such as promoting the multiple antenna gains and reducing their correlations. This experience-based method works to a certain extent, but is inefficient since the final performance impact by each sub-system is not quantified. The challenge lies on how to find the most limiting factor that restricts the overall communication throughput. This paper presents an analytical model for throughput calculations of 2 × 2 MIMO wireless system, which is built on a first step of maximum rate calculated under the chosen protocol and channel, followed by a second step of throughput baseline measurement, and continued with the third step of throughput calculations of the overall system according to the actual settings of subsystems. The model can provide a detailed diagnostic report of each RF factor, which will directly point out the imperfections and make the troubleshooting and debugging much more effective. Besides, throughput is analyzed in a mathematical approach that allows the performance more predictable during the design phase.