Virtual EM INC seeks to develop an RF channel sounder system that can characterize the wireless environment through rapid measurements and signal processing

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $277,930.69 Cooperative Agreement under the CHIPS Research and Development (CFDA 11.042) program to Virtual Em Inc., a small business research and development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The objective of this 2.5-year project is to develop an advanced RF channel sounder system capable of automatically acquiring and processing RF propagation measurements to accurately characterize the effects of the wireless environment. The project aims to create a prototype system with 32 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth, supporting 8 transmit and receive channels for multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) applications. The expected outcome is a channel sounder system that will benefit microelectronics companies and research institutions focused on communication technologies. Virtual Em Inc. plans to subaward funds to support the RF channel sounder design and prototyping activities.

Activities

The overall objective of the phase I work is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing an RF channel sounder system capable of automatically acquiring and processing RF propagation measurements and extracting multipath components (MPC) to accurately characterize the effects of the wireless environment. Phase II objectives are the develop, test and benchmark such as prototype system.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcome is channel sounder capable of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) over 32 GHZ of instantaneous bandwidth per channel, with 8 TX and RX channels.

Intended beneficiaries

Microelectronics companies and research institutions focused on communication technologies.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient plans to subaward funds to provide support on RF channel sounder design and prototyping.