Utilizing a channel emulator with a reverberation chamber to create the optimal MIMO OTA test methodology

4G mobile wireless radio technologies are focused on delivering higher levels of throughput through the use of Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology. MIMO systems use multiple transmit and receive data paths to provide significant increases in data throughput by exploiting the characteristics of the radio channel. Thus, MIMO system performance is directly related to the propagation environment in which the device is operating. Full system test with all components in place, including the antennas, is critical to performance testing of MIMO transmissions. This paper will explore a new solution for over-the-air MIMO testing that combines a channel emulator with a reverberation chamber to achieve MIMO throughput performance testing and enable an accurate wireless device performance prediction.