Modeling of THz Propagation in a Congested Workbench Environment Towards 6G D2D Systems

This paper provides a comprehensive characterization of a Terahertz (THz) propagation channel in a densely congested workbench environment. A frequency-domain channel sounding system which utilized a 4×4 virtual Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) Uniform Linear Array (ULA) antenna configuration was used for this work. The channel measurement campaign was conducted at THz frequencies ranging between 140-220 GHz on a laboratory workbench. Various experiments were performed with consideration for Line-of-sight (LOS), Non-Line-of-sight (NLOS) and obstructed-Non-Line-of-sight (ONLOS) scenarios at Transmitter (TX) - Receiver (RX) separation distances varying from 40 to 90 cm. Propagation channel parameters such as distance-dependent pathloss exponent, frequency-dependent pathloss component, shadowing gain, root-mean-squared (rms) delay spread, and small-scale fading were computed with results presented in this work. The ensuing THz channel model was validated using rms delay spread. Results presented in this work will aid the development of next-generation (6G and beyond) Device-to-Device (D2D) wireless communication systems designed to operate in a congested workbench environment.