A Novel 3D Non-Stationary Massive MIMO Channel Model for Shortwave Communication Systems

In this paper, a novel three-dimensional (3D) non-stationary massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel model for shortwave communication systems is proposed. Three transmission modes, i.e., groundwave, near vertical incident skywave (NVIS), and long-distance skywave are considered to eliminate the blind area and realize the full-coverage for shortwave communication. The ionospheric absorption loss and surface reflection loss during multi-hop transmissions are explored in the proposed channel model. In addition, new massive MIMO channel characteristics including the near-field spherical wavefront effect and spatial non-stationarity are considered. Temporal and frequency non-stationarities are also modeled due to the receiver (Rx) mobility and large relative bandwidth, respectively. The analytical and simulated space cross-correlation function (SCCF), time autocorrelation function (TACF), and frequency correlation function (FCF) of the proposed model are compared. The simulated path loss and singular value spread (SVS) are compared with those of the corresponding channel measurements, illustrating good fittings. In addition, the delay power spectral density (PSD) and Doppler PSD, and channel capacity are also simulated and analyzed. The proposed model can be used as a basis for the design and construction of shortwave communication systems.