Virtual Drive Test Simulation Using Winprop

WinProp is a comprehensive and leading simulation tool in the domain of wireless propagation and radio network planning. WinProp is used in many applications that include radio network planning in telecommunications, planning of sensor networks in industrial environments. WinProp is used in, but not limited to computing in-cabin radio coverage in railway or airport radio coverage in aerospace. WinProp is also used in the automotive industry for applications like car-to-car communication, car-to-infrastructure communication or simulate radar channel for collision avoidance evaluation.

To setup a virtual drive test simulation, users can define the topography, building, cars, test route and air interface (for example, LTE). Users can superimpose three-dimensional car antenna patterns and analyze the radio waves impinging on the car antenna along the test route as well as possible antenna configurations based on performance indicators. WinProp can aid in evaluating antenna performance using a virtual-drive test and evaluating different car antenna configurations regarding receiving power and MIMO throughput.

In a regular propagation analysis, one specifies the orientation of the receiving antenna relative to the coordinate system of the geometry. When the receiving antenna is mounted on a vehicle, however, it will turn with the vehicle. Therefore, in a virtual drive test, one defines a trajectory. The receiving antenna is moved along the trajectory, its orientation changing in accordance with the direction in which it moves. In combination with a propagation or network analysis, quantities like received power and maximum throughput are plotted for this specific scenario.

For detailed steps, please refer to the video attached to this blog. For more information and questions, please reach out to Altair support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Vh9rErDtM