Validation and Analysis of the Propagation Channel at 60 GHz for Vehicular Communication

The use of millimeter wave communication gets more and more attention with the growth of SG, particularly with regard to promising applications like platooning or intersection assistant. However, for the design of those applications, a clear understanding of the channel behaviour at these frequencies is mandatory. Aiming to fill the gap of missing channel models for frequencies above 60 GHz, this paper investigates the channel characteristics necessary for future vehicular applications. Based on the commercially available channel simulation tool WinProp, Altair, a typical vehicular scenario in the city center of Berlin (Germany) is analysed. The simulation results are verified with channel sounding measurements at 60 GHz. Hereby, the dependency of the channel with respect to scatterers like trucks and cars is evaluated. Reflection paths were found to be up to 30 dB higher in received power compared to scattering ones. Further, a platooning scene, consisting of 20 vehicles driving towards each other while communicating, is investigated for various time steps and receiver points. In this context, different antenna types are introduced to reduce interfering signals nearby the major transmitter, achieving a decrease in interference power of up to 20 dB.