A Novel 6G Continuous-Space Channel Model Based on Electromagnetic Information Theory

In the sixth generation (6G) wireless communication systems, the communication coverage range becomes broader, where transmitters (Tx) and receivers (Rx) can be randomly distributed in continuous space. The continuous-space electromagnetic (EM) channel is different from the conventional propagation channel. Its input is continuous current density and its output is continuous electric field so that channel characteristics at any point can be given under the guidance of EM information theory (EIT). EIT is a theory integrating traditional theories applied in communications, such as EM theory and information theory. In this paper, a novel 6G continuous-space EM channel model jointly considering antenna response (AR), mutual coupling (MC), and small-scale fading is proposed. AR at the Tx and Rx sides is modeled using an EM calculation method. MC is obtained using antenna theory. Small-scale fading is described using a geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM). Important statistical properties and channel capacity are analyzed to reveal characteristics of the proposed channel model. The results illustrate that the antenna array has non-negligible impacts on statistical properties of the channel model and channel capacity.