Use of VNAs for wideband propagation measurements

Abstract

Vector network analyser systems have been used by many workers to measure the wideband radio channel characteristics of short-range and indoor environments. The authors provide a detailed examination of the performance of such a measurement system and show how it can be extended to a synthetic aperture technique to obtain simultaneous angle and time of arrival information. Particular regard is given to the calibration process and the various performance metrics, such as delay resolution and delay range. In addition, measurement sensitivity and dynamic range are discussed. The paper also contains illustrative results of sequential radio imaging of a deep-shadow microcellular environment.