Correlation-based Dual-band THz Channel Measurements and Characterization in a Laboratory

TL;DR

This work presents in-lab dual-band THz channel measurements at 140 GHz and 220 GHz using a correlation-based time-domain sounder, enabling long-range (>$200\,m$) measurements and ms-level CIR capture. It details the measurement system, setup, and deployment, along with a time-drift correction method based on linear interpolation to recover absolute MPC delays. The results quantify path loss, shadow fading, K-factor, delay and angular spreads, and cluster parameters, and compare them to extrapolated 3GPP values, revealing strong LoS dominance and sparse multipath at THz frequencies. The findings enhance THz propagation understanding and provide data-driven guidance for channel modeling and system design in THz communications.

Abstract

The Terahertz band, spanning from 0.1~THz to 10~THz, is envisioned as a key technology to realize ultra-high data rates in the 6G and beyond mobile communication systems, due to its abundant bandwidth resource. However, to realize THz communications, one substantial step is to fully understand the THz channels, which relies on extensive channel measurements. In this paper, using a correlation-based time domain channel sounder, measurement campaigns are conducted in a laboratory at 140~GHz and 220~GHz. In the data post-processing procedures, the time drift of clock signals is corrected using a linear interpolation/extrapolation method. Based on the measured results, the main objects that provide significant once-scattering clusters are found, based on which the scattering losses are calculated and analyzed. Furthermore, the channel characteristics, including path loss, shadow fading, K-factor, etc. are calculated and compared to 3GPP standard values. The propagation analysis and channel characteristics are helpful to study channel modeling and guide system design for THz communications.

Figures (6)

• Figure 1: Correlation-based time-domain channel sounder.
• Figure 2: The measurement deployment in the laboratory.
• Figure 3: The time drift observed during measurement. The relative time starts from the time instant when the direct-connection measurement is conducted.
• Figure 4: Propagation paths of once-scattering clusters. Only the objects that provide once-scattering clusters are shown. For clear illustration, the propagation paths from the Tx to the scatterers are omitted.
• Figure 5: Scattering loss of once-scattering clusters. Each bar stands for one cluster.