Free space path loss formulation for tropical region

Abstract

A link budget is a way of quantifying the link performance. In the design of wireless communications links between transmitter and receiver, issues of range and received signal quality are of critical importance to the system engineer. Link budget analysis accounts for all gains and losses in the communication link. FSPL is a factor to be considered in the link budget. Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) is the major menace to all propagation links regardless of operating frequency in the tropics during the clear sky. An adequate power margin is typically worked out in mitigating such a problem for the specific desired quality of service (QoS). However, the calculation is simple and straight forward, but the solution is not cheap. A signal fade margin can be computed, configured, and implemented to increase system availability. FSPL typically dictates the fade margin values. This effort correspondingly will help to reduce the greenhouse effect. In the case of clear sky attenuation, the value is much dependent on the atmospheric layer conditions and their compositions. For absolute Free Space, the signal loss is only dependent on distance and frequency. The effects of power, distance, and frequency were analyzed in this study to identify the most appropriate clear sky attenuation. The objectives can be achieved by designing, assembling, and carrying out an empirical experimental set up to evaluate FSPL values. This involved the process of verifying the variation between the free space path loss's theoretical and empirical values. The empirical experiment was conducted at Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)chamber at the Malaysian National Space Agency located at Banting Selangor. The development of revised formulation can Empirical. The clear sky conditions were confirmed using S-band (Terminal Doppler Weather Radar) TDWR reflectivity information acquired from the Malaysian Meteorology Department (MMD). Validation for the proposed revised FSPL equation using RazakSAT S-band (2.232 GHz) transmission signal data was furnished by the Malaysian National Space Agency (ANGKASA). By eliminating any possible signal variation due to atmospheric impairments (La) the RazakSAT processed received signal level can be considered. As a result, the revised free space path loss equation proposed a better FSPL value than the ITU-R proposed equation for RazakSAT received signal. The revise formulation is undoubtedly a significant improvement as compared to ITU-R estimation. This research will be valuable for future engineers in configuring the best communication establishment for satellite systems operating in the tropics.