Relay, which promises to enhance the performance of future communication networks, is one of the most promising techniques for IMT-Advanced systems. In this paper, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relay channels based on outdoor measurements are investigated. We focus on the link between the base station (BS) and the relay station (RS) as well as the link between the RS and the mobile station (MS). First of all, the channels were measured employing a real-time channel sounder in IMT-Advanced frequency band (2.35 GHz with 50 MHz bandwidth). Then, the parameters of multipath components (MPCs) are extracted utilizing space-alternating generalized expectation algorithm. MPC parameters of the two links are statistically analyzed and compared. The polarization and spatial statistics are gotten. The trends of power azimuth spectrum (PAS) and cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) with the separation between the RS and the MS are investigated. Based on the PAS, the propagation mechanisms of line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight scenarios are analyzed. Furthermore, an approximate closed-form expression of channel correlation is derived. The impacts of PAS and XPD on the channel correlation are studied. Finally, some guidelines for the antenna configurations of the BS, the RS and the MS are presented. The results reveal the different characteristics of relay channels and provide the basis for the practical deployment of relay systems.

The use of cross-polarized antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems is receiving attention as they are able to double the number of antenna for half antenna spacing needs. This paper presents the channel correlation property of the 3rd Generation Partner Project (3GPP)/3GPP2 spatial channel model (SCM) with the polarization propagation. The statistical average of the per path polarization correlation given random cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) with co-located ideal tilted dipole antennas is derived. The impact on the random behavior of the polarization correlation due to the slant offset angle, the per path angular spread (AS), and the random XPD is analyzed. The simulation results show that the variation of polarization correlation caused by the random XPD is maximized with a 58 slant offset angle under the assumptions of all predefined scenarios in SCM. The per path AS has minor impact on the statistics of the polarization correlations. The randomness of polarization correlation is negligible for an XPD with small standard deviation.

Radio disturbances of digital microwave links are likely to increase as man-made structures screen the radio propagation paths, and unwanted waves reflected or scattered by the structures interfere with radio signals. This paper describes a practical method for evaluating the influence of propagation impairments due to man-made structures on digital microwave links and provides some model calculations of those impairments. Since multilevel and quadrature modulation techniques are employed to achieve high spectral efficiency for recent digital transmissions, not only average level attenuation but also in-band distortion and intersymbol interference have to be taken into account. Propagation distortion, diffraction loss and cross-polar interference due to reflected and scattered waves from man-made structures such as buildings and conductor structures are evaluated.