Design and Validation of a Multilink Phase- Compensated Long-Range Ultrawideband VNA-Based Channel Sounder

This article presents a novel and cost-effective vector network analyzer (VNA)-based phase-compensated channel sounder operating in the frequency range of 10–50 GHz using radio-over-fiber (RoF) techniques, which can support multilink/channel long-range phase-coherent measurements. The optical cable enables measurements with dynamic 115.7 dB at 30 (for back-to-back connection). phase compensation scheme is utilized for stabilizing inherent variations introduced by fiber to enable its application multichannel/antenna A delay line combiner proposed implemented separate signals, thereby saving port resource on VNA validated under two conditions, i.e., presence thermal changes mechanical stress. change could be maintained within 3° 10–30 7° 30–50 compared over 80° variation effects GHz, demonstrating robustness effectiveness developed practice. With scheme, multiple channels measured simultaneously minimal ports, significantly reducing measurement cost time multilink Two indoor are conducted analyzed virtual uniform rectangular array (URA) 28-GHz bands. results demonstrate capability perform high-fidelity ultrawideband