Evaluation of site diversity mitigation techniques for satellite service for KU and KA-band in Malaysia

Abstract

In recent years, the demand for satellite communication has increased which led to spectral congestion. The frequency bands for the satellite that are currently used, which are L(1-2GHz), S (2-3GHz), C (4-6GHz), Ku (12-14 GHz) and Ka (20-30 GHz). Recently, the satellite services use Ku and Ka-band as additional spectrum for satellite communication services. Ku and Ka-band are categorized as high frequency range which is around 12 to 14 GHz and 20 to 30 GHz respectively. Rationally, the Ku and Ka-band are more suitable in broadcasting as it satisfies the capacity of the signal required. Besides its frequency range, the size of the receiver antenna must be small which will offer easier installation. Because of that, the antenna must be designed in high frequency to support the small antenna. However, the higher frequency will affect the quality of services and lead to signal impairment. This is mainly caused by the atmosphere effect which is oxygen, liquid water, and precipitation. But among the list, rain causes most signal fading due to the scattering and depolarization. The aim of this research is to study the site diversity as mitigation techniques operating at Ku and Ka-band for enhancing the gain of the signal and calculating diversity gain. There are modelling of diversity gain that has been proposed by previous researchers namely Hodge, Panagopolous, ITU-R, X.yeo and Semire models which were validated in different climate regions respectively. By using all previous modelling of diversity gain, it will also compare with the measured diversity gain. Suitable modelling that can be used in this tropical region has been proposed by improving the mathematical model that will be suitable in the tropical regions. This is important for encouraging the finding of new theories for the future broadcasting systems to decrease the power loss during the rain fade.