A Novel Ultra-Massive MIMO Beam Domain Channel Model for 6G Maritime Communications

In this paper, a novel ultra-massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) ship-to-ship beam domain channel model (BDCM) for maritime communications is proposed, which is transformed from a geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM). The location-dependent property and sparse user and scattering distribution property for maritime communication channel are considered. In addition, the scattering effect of the sea surface and the limited range of angle for the evaporation duct propagation are modeled by the scattering masking function and angle filtering function, respectively. Important statistical properties are studied, including the spatial cross-correlation function (SCCF) and temporal autocorrelation function (TACF), etc. The channel capacity is studied. Simulation results show that the ship speed, wind speed, and antenna configuration have great influence on channel characteristics and system performance. In addition, the simulation result of the root mean square (RMS) delay spread agrees with the measurement data, which proves the correctness of the model.