  Hybrid analog-digital precoding is a key millimeter wave access technology,
where an antenna array with reduced number of radio frequency (RF) chains is
used with an RF precoding matrix to increase antenna gain at a reasonable cost.
However, digital and RF precoder algorithms must be accompa- nied by a detailed
system model of the RF precoder. In this work, we provide fundamental RF system
models for these precoders, and show their impact on achievable rates. We show
that hybrid precoding systems suffer from significant degradation, once the
limitations of RF precoding network are accounted. We subsequently quantify
this performance degradation, and use it as a reference for comparing the
performance of different precoding methods. These results indicate that hybrid
precoders must be redesigned (and their rates recomputed) to account for
practical factors.
