MIMO Testing: The Good and the Bad

摘要

Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) devices make 4G performance possible through their ability to function in complex RF environments. Multiple antennas enable increased data throughput and quality of service without increasing transmission power or bandwidth. But these devices need testing systems capable of simulating various RF environments in a repeatable and controlled manner in order to find the right antenna configuration. There are several methods currently being evaluated to simulate these RF environments. As a representative of these methods, SATIMO's StarMIMO MIMO testing system will be evaluated. StarMIMO is based on the spatial fading emulation technique. It relies on the use of a spatial fading emulator and a number N of transmitting probes located in an array around the device under test or on a sector of the array itself.