A single coefficient spatial correlation model for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radio channels

Spatial fading correlation is one of the impairments practical Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) wireless communication systems have to cope with. The designer of such systems should take into account that the system performance can substantially degrade when correlation is present. Therefore, we introduce an easy-to-use single parameter MIMO spatial correlation model that nevertheless reflects the relevant characteristics of the real-life propagation phenomena appropriately. We demonstrate how an excellent match between the BER performance based on measurements and that based on the introduced model can be achieved, as well as its flexibility to model a wide range of propagation environments.