NTIA Report 00-380

Flexible Interoperable Transceiver (FIT) Program

Test Range I: Radio Propagation Measurements at

440, 1360, and 1920 MHZ

Edwards Air Force Base, CA

Peter Papazian

 Perry Wilson

Michael Cotton

Yeh Lo

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary

Gregory L. Rohde, Assistant Secretary

for Communications and Information

October 2000
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Disclaimer

Certain commercial equipment and materials are identified in this report to specify

adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such

identification imply recommendations or endorsement by the National

Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the material

or equipment identified is the best available for this purpose.
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CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................ vii

LIST OF FIGURES......................................................................................................... xi

LIST OF TABLES.......................................................................................................... xiv

ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................1

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1

2. SITE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................ 2

3. MEASUREMENT SYSTEM ................................................................................ 3

4. BASIC TRANSMISSION LOSS .......................................................................... 5

5. DELAY STATISTICS .......................................................................................... 9

6. REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 13

7. FIGURES ............................................................................................................. 14

APPENDIX A: ANTENNA CALIBRATIONS .............................................................. 41

APPENDIX B: EIRP AND ANTENNA GAIN............................................................... 47
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report describes mobile communication link measurements made at Edwards Air

Force Base, CA as part of the Flexible Interoperable Transceiver (FIT) program. Edwards

Air Force Base (EAFB) is the first of four locations to be measured, the other three being

Fort Hood TX, Fort Polk, LA and Camp Lejeune, NC. The goal of the measurement

series is to define communication link characteristics at different frequencies over a

representative cross section of military installations.

The measurements were made using the ITS multiple channel impulse response system

(see Report, Section 3). The primary figures of merit used to characterize wireless

communication links are basic transmission loss (LBT) and delay statistics. Three

frequencies are considered: 440 MHz, 1360 MHz, and 1920 MHz. 440 MHz is

representative of several current ground-to-ground communication links (JRTC-IS,

PRIME, PLRS). 1360 MHz is proposed for the next generation FIT system. 1920 MHz

has similar characteristics to the 1710-1850 MHz band, which is also under consideration

for FIT. By comparing the 1360 MHz and 1920 MHz basic transmission loss and delay

statistics to those for 440 MHz, the viability of using higher frequencies for future

military communications and the associated system requirements can be assessed.

For this study two transmitter sites were chosen. Site 1 was located near the flight line

and hangers. The ground elevation at this site was 701 m and the transmitter antennas

were at a height of 706 m. This site was chosen to simulate a low, close in transmitter, in

the clutter of the flight-line buildings. Such a site might be used to communicate with

aircraft on the flight line and personnel and data terminals near the flight line buildings.

Site 2 was placed on the roof of the AF-38 radar site on a prominent hill. Ground

elevation at the site is 805 m and the transmitter antennas were at an elevation of 809 m.

This site was chosen as representative of an optimum transmitter site for long range

communication (see Report, Section 2).

Data were collected simultaneously at three frequencies along multiple drive routes (short

range, long range). This allowed a direct comparison of basic transmission loss and delay

statistics in several representative environments. The major question answered by the

survey are the effects of frequency translation on these radio propagation parameters. To

quantify propagation impairments caused by frequency translation, the impulse response

data were analyzed and the following metrics tabulated:

1. Linear curve fit parameters n (path loss exponent) and B (multiplier) are tabulated for

basic transmission loss (LBT) versus distance for three frequencies. This data is

summarized in tables ES1-ES4. The path loss exponent, n, is the critical parameter.

For line-of-sight propagation with free space loss (LFS), n = 2 (for example, see Cell 2

Route 2, Figure 4.4). In areas with obstructions caused by terrain, vegetation, or

buildings n typically varies between 2 and 4 due to multipath interference (see Cell 1

Route 1, Figure 4.1). Full shadowing can cause the path loss to be more or less

independent of distance (D) and results in loss exponents less than 2 (see Cell 2 Route

1, Figure 4.3). Column one in Tables ES1 through ES4 shows the n and B parameters
viii

(see Report, Section 4 for more details). By substituting these parameters into the

curve fit equation a best fit approximation of path loss versus distance can be

calculated for the different frequencies and routes. These curves then are used in

conjunction with the free space loss curve to determine additional loss over free space

(∆LBT/FS ) for specific transmitters and routes. They also are used to determine signal

loss due to frequency translation from 440 MHz to higher frequencies (∆LBT/440).

2. ∆LBT/FS is used to designate the difference between the linear fit to the measured basic

tranmission loss and ideal free space values. These data then indicate the additional

loss over the basic free space loss for the measured frequencies. The ∆LBT/FS data

range is approximately 20 to 40 (dB) for Cell 1 (low transmitter) and 10 to 20 (dB)

for Cell 2 (high transmitter). The lower differences for Cell 2 indicate the better line

of sight coverage for the high transmitter site. Tables ES1 through ES4 and Report

Section 4 give these data at multiple distances.

3. The difference between the 1360 and 1920 MHz linear fit estimates and the 440 MHz

linear fit estimate is designated ∆LBT/440. These numbers can be used to determine the

extra transmit power, system sensitivity, diversity gain, or BER versus signal-to-noise

requirements of the proposed higher frequency systems. The ∆LBT/440 data range over

approximately 5 to 15 dB for the 1360 MHz data and 10 to 20 dB for the 1920 MHz

data (see Tables ES1 through ES4 and Report, Section 4).

4. An alternative to curve fitting the measured data is to bin the LBT data. This is done

versus distance and the mean, and standard deviation for each bin are calculated as

well as the 90% and 99% probability levels (i.e. 99% of the LBT data are less than this

level). 99% LBT levels range from 126 to 163 dB in Cell 1 and from 117 to 157 dB in

Cell 2. These data give the upper bounds for the measured transmission loss, LBT, and

indicate maximum signal loss on the link required to ensure a certain channel

availability probability (see Tables ES5 and ES6 and Report, Section 4). The

difference between the mean and the 99% level also can be added to the curve fit to

extend the curve fit requirements to the 99% availability level.

5. Delay statistics are necessary for design of a digital system. They are used to

determine equalizer requirements for elimination of inter-symbol interference. In

general, delay increases with frequency and with the presence of scattering objects

(low transmitter). Two figures of merit are the delay spread and the maximum delay.

At 90% probability, the maximum delay ranges from 8.7 μs (low transmitter, longrange route) down to 5.6 μs (high transmitter, long range route) for 440 MHz and

from 19.0 μs down to 7.7 μs for 1920 MHz. These data are based on a 20 dB interval

of discrimination (impulse peak to noise > 23 dB, only echoes within 20 dB of the

peak are included in the statistics). For a 10-dB interval of discrimination and 90%

probability, the maximum delays reduce from 5.2 to 0.2 μs and from 10.5 to 0.5 μs

for 440 and 1920 MHz respectively for low and high transmitters and long routes.

The delay spreads are up to 2.2 μs for 440 MHz and up to 4.1 μs for 1920 MHz (see

Report, Section 5 for more details). In addition, impulse data can be used through

simulation to determine the optimum equalizer design.
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Table ES1. Curve Fit Parameters, Free Space Loss and 440 MHz Loss Compared to

Basic Transmission Loss Data, Cell 1 Route 1 (Low Transmitter, Short-Range Route)

LBT Linear Fit

Parameters

D

0.7 km

F

(MHz)

n Β

(km-1)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

440 3.8 9.0e+2 82.2 24.2 0.0

1360 3.1 9.1e+3 92.0 26.0 11.6

1920 4.1 1.0e+3 95.0 21.9 10.5

Table ES2. Curve Fit Parameters, Free Space Loss and 440 MHz Loss Compared to

Basic Transmission Loss Data, Cell 1 Route 2 (Low Transmitter, Long-Range Route)

LBT Linear Fit D

Parameters 3.0 km 8.0 km

F

(MHz)

n Β

(km-1)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

440 1.9 1.6e+6 94.9 31.9 0.0 103.4 31.5 0.0

1360 4.6 2.5e+2 104.7 27.2 5.1 113.2 38.3 16.6

1920 3.9 1.1e+3 104.7 29.8 10.7 116.2 37.8 19.2

Table ES3. Curve Fit Parameters, Free Space Loss and 440 MHz Loss Compared to

Basic Transmission Loss Data, Cell 2 Route 1 (High Transmitter, Short-Range Route)

LBT Linear Fit D

Parameters 4.5 km 6.5 km

F

(MHz)

n Β

(km-1)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

440 0.7* 3.3e+15 98.4 14.9 0.0 101.6 12.8 0.0

1360 0.9* 4.8e+13 108.2 20.8 15.7 111.4 19.0 16.1

1920 1.0* 4.5e+12 111.2 21.8 19.8 114.4 20.2 20.2

* values lower than free space are due to shadowing
x

Table ES4. Basic Transmission Loss, LBT, Data for Cell 2 Route 2 (High Transmitter,

Long-Range Route)

LBT Linear Fit D

Parameters 2.0 km 20.0 km

F

(MHz)

n Β

(km-1)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

440 2.1 4.5e+4 91.3 12.8 0.0 111.3 13.8 0.0

1360 1.9 1.1e+6 101.1 19.1 16.2 121.1 18.1 14.2

1920 1.7 2.8e+6 104.1 10.7 10.7 124.1 7.7 6.7

Table ES5. Cell 1, Free Space Loss, LFS, and Measured Mean, 90%, and 99% LBT Levels

LBT (dB): 440 MHz LBT (dB): 1360 MHz LBT (dB): 1920 MHz

D

(km)

LFS Mean 90% 99% LFS Mean 90% 99% LFS Mean 90% 99%

0.6 81.5 102.5 112.9 118.0 91.3 118.2 130.3 134.0 94.3 112.2 124.1 126.7

1.0 85.7 107.6 113.4 118.7 95.5 124.5 133.0 137.9 98.5 118.8 132.2 135.8

2.1 91.6 121.3 129.3 131.8 101.4 132.9 140.9 149.6 104.4 131.6 138.3 142.6

3.1 95.0 131.7 141.1 144.7 104.8 144.9 156.5 160.7 107.8 143.5 152.8 155.1

4.1 97.5 134.0 140.3 142.8 107.3 150.7 159.0 162.5 110.3 149.4 156.6 159.4

5.1 99.4 134.5 144.3 146.9 109.2 153.9 163.8 165.2 112.2 151.6 161.0 162.9

6.1 101.0 134.7 144.8 146.6 110.8 149.8 163.3 165.0 113.8 143.5 160.7 162.4

7.1 102.3 127.4 136.2 137.7 112.1 157.5 164.2 165.3 115.1 155.0 162.8 163.5

8.1 103.5 140.2 141.9 142.6 113.3 152.4 154.5 156.2 116.3 154.0 156.3 158.3

Table ES6. Cell 2, Free Space Loss, LFS, and Measured Mean, 90%, and 99% LBT Levels

LBT (dB): 440 MHz LBT (dB): 1360 MHz LBT (dB): 1920 MHz

D

(km)

LFS Mean 90% 99% LFS Mean 90% 99% LFS Mean 90% 99%

1.0 85.7 100.3 102.8 104.2 95.5 112.4 115.0 116.3 98.5 117.3 126.2 129.6

1.7 89.9 95.4 100.7 104.1 99.7 108.2 110.6 111.6 102.7 111.8 116.1 117.6

3.0 94.8 103.5 107.8 115.8 104.6 117.3 121.6 128.7 107.6 115.6 122.1 127.1

4.9 99.2 121.3 130.4 137.1 109.0 132.6 148.8 156.7 112.0 132.0 147.5 153.9

6.9 102.0 112.9 118.6 121.3 111.8 125.0 133.7 138.2 114.8 120.7 138.6 142.1

8.8 104.2 122.3 126.4 129.7 114.0 131.9 148.8 150.9 117.0 126.5 152.1 154.7

10.1 105.4 126.2 133.7 137.2 115.2 136.0 147.8 150.1 118.2 133.5 146.1 148.9

12.0 106.9 118.8 122.2 124.0 116.7 132.2 134.7 136.5 119.7 124.1 126.9 129.1

14.0 108.2 122.4 125.7 127.0 118.0 129.5 135.0 136.2 121.0 122.3 124.3 125.1

15.9 109.3 124.2 126.9 130.9 119.1 128.5 139.0 139.5 122.1 126.5 136.8 137.5

17.8 110.3 123.0 124.8 126.6 120.1 134.0 143.7 146.5 123.1 129.0 140.2 145.3

19.8 111.2 122.0 123.8 128.2 121.0 131.2 133.9 134.4 124.0 126.2 130.5 133.5

23.0 112.5 123.3 124.5 125.2 122.4 137.7 139.8 140.1 125.3 133.7 135.0 135.4

25.6 113.5 126.8 133.9 138.4 123.3 145.4 153.2 161.0 126.3 140.9 151.0 156.9
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LIST OF FIGURES

Page

Figure 2.1. Map showing Edwards Air Force Base and the transmitter locations.......14

Figure 4.1. Basic transmission loss scatterplot, Cell 1, Route 1..........................15

Figure 4.2. Basic transmission loss scatterplot, Cell 1, Route 2..........................16

Figure 4.3. Basic transmission loss scatterplot, Cell 2, Route 1..........................17

Figure 4.4. Basic transmission loss scatterplot, Cell 2, Route 2..........................18

Figure 4.5. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 1, 440 MHz.......................... 19

Figure 4.6. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 1, 1360 MHz........................ 19

Figure 4.7. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 1, 1920 MHz.........................20

Figure 4.8. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 2, 440 MHz...........................20

Figure 4.9. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 2, 1360 MHz.........................21

Figure 4.10. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 2, 1920 MHz.........................21

Figure 4.11. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 1, 440 MHz..............22

Figure 4.12. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 1, 1360 MHz............22

Figure 4.13. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 1, 1920 MHz............23

Figure 4.14. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 2, 440 MHz..............23

Figure 4.15. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 2, 1360 MHz............24

Figure 4.16. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 2, 1920 MHz............24

Figure 4.17. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 2, Route 1-2, 440 MHz...........25

Figure 4.18. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 2, Route 1-2, 1360 MHz.........25

Figure 4.19. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 2, Route 1-2, 1920 MHz.........26

Figure 5.1. Idealized impulse response diagram with descriptive terminology.........27
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Figure 5.2. Cell 1, Route 1, 20 dB ID: maximum delay CDF............................. 28

Figure 5.3. Cell 1, Route 1, 20 dB ID: mean delayCDF.................................. 28

Figure 5.4. Cell 1, Route 1, 20 dB ID: RMS delay spreadCDF...........................29

Figure 5.5. Cell 1, Route 2, 20 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.............................29

Figure 5.6. Cell 1, Route 2, 20 dB ID: mean delay CDF...................................30

Figure 5.7. Cell 1, Route 2, 20 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF..........................30

Figure 5.8. Cell 2, Route 1, 20 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.............................31

Figure 5.9. Cell 2, Route 1, 20 dB ID: mean delay CDF..................................31

Figure 5.10. Cell 2, Route 1, 20 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF..........................32

Figure 5.11. Cell 2, Route 2, 20 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.............................32

Figure 5.12. Cell 2, Route 2, 20 dB ID: mean delay CDF...................................33

Figure 5.13. Cell 2, Route 2, 20 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF..........................33

Figure 5.14. Cell 1, Route 1, 10 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.............................34

Figure 5.15. Cell 1, Route 1, 10 dB ID: mean delay CDF...................................34

Figure 5.16. Cell 1, Route 1, 10 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF...........................35

Figure 5.17. Cell 1, Route 2, 10 dB ID: maximum delay CDF..............................35

Figure 5.18. Cell 1, Route 2, 10 dB ID: mean delay CDF..................................36

Figure 5.19. Cell 1, Route 2, 10 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF..........................36

Figure 5.20. Cell 2, Route 1, 10 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.............................37

Figure 5.21. Cell 2, Route 1, 10 dB ID: mean delay CDF.................................37

Figure 5.22. Cell 2, Route 1, 10 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.........................38

Figure 5.23. Cell 2, Route 2, 10 dB ID: maximum delay CDF...........................38
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Figure 5.24. Cell 2, Route 2, 10 dB ID: mean delay CDF...................................39

Figure 5.25. Cell 2, Route 2, 10 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.............................39

Figure A1. Antenna patterns measured at Table Mountain showing gain above

isotropic versus van azimuth......................................................42

Figure A2. Gain of 440 MHz Cushcraft transmitter dipole (NIST Chamber)..........43

Figure A3. 1360 MHz Larson receiving monopole pattern (NIST Chamber)..........44

Figure A4. 1920 MHz Andrew receiving monopole (NIST Chamber)..................46
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LIST OF TABLES

 Page

Table 1. ATB Data Acquisition and RF Parameters...................................4

Table 2. Overview of the Transmit and Receive Antenna Characteristics .........5

Table 3. Basic Transmission Loss, LBT, Data for Cell 1 Route 1

(Low Transmitter, Short-Range Route)...................................................6

Table 4. Basic Transmission Loss, LBT, Data for Cell 1 Route 2

(Low Transmitter, Long-Range Route)...................................................7

Table 5. Basic Transmission Loss, LBT, Data for Cell 2 Route 1

(High Transmitter, Short-Range Route)..................................................7

Table 6. Basic Transmission Loss, LBT, Data for Cell 2 Route 2

(High Transmitter, Long-Range Route)..................................................8

Table 7. Cell 1, Free Space Loss, LFS, and Measured Mean, 90%,

and 99% LBT Levels............................................................ 8

Table 8. Cell 2, Free Space Loss, LFS, and Measured Mean, 90%,

and 99% LBT Levels.............................................................9

Table 9. Cell 1, Route 1 (Low Transmitter, Short-Range Route):

Delay Statistics for APDP with a 20 dB ID.................................11

Table 10. Cell 1, Route 2 (Low Transmitter, Long-Range Route):

Delay Statistics for APDP with a 20 dB ID.................................11

Table 11. Cell 2, Route 1 (High Transmitter, Short-Range Route):

Delay Statistics for APDP with a 20 dB ID.................................11

Table 12. Cell 2, Route 2 (High Transmitter, Long-Range Route):

Delay Statistics for APDP with a 20 dB ID.................................11

Table 13. Cell 1, Route 1 (Low Transmitter, Short-Range Route):

Delay Statistics for APDP with a 10 dB ID.................................12

Table 14. Cell 1, Route 2 (Low Transmitter, Long-Range Route):

Delay Statistics for APDPS with a 10 dB ID..............................12
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Table 15. Cell 2, Route 1 (High Transmitter, Short-Range Route):

 Delay Statistics for APDPS with a 10 dB ID...................................12

Table 16. Cell 2, Route 2 (High Transmitter, Long-Range Route):

Delay Statistics for APDPS with a 10 dB ID.................................12

Table A1. Source Antenna Gain Data used for the Far Field Tests.....................41

Table A2. Gain Measurements for the Receiving Antennas.............................41

Table A3. Gain Measurements for the Transmitting Antennas..........................41

Table A4. 1360 MHz Dorne & Margolin Gain Measurements versus

Azimuth Angle....................................................................42

Table A5. Averaged Table Mountain Azimuth Gain Measurements...................43

Table A6. Gain Measured in the NIST Anechoic Chamber for the Receiving

Monopole Antennas.............................................................45

Table A7. Receiving Antenna Gain........................................................46

Table A8. Transmitting Antenna Gain.....................................................46

Table B1. EIRP Transmitted at EAFB.....................................................47

Table B2. Receiving Antenna Gains...................................................... 47

Table B3. Transmitter Antenna Gains.....................................................47
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FLEXIBLE INTEROPERABLE TRANSCEIVER (FIT) PROGRAM

TEST RANGE I: RADIO PROPAGATION MEASUREMENTS AT 440, 1360 AND

1920 MHz EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA

Peter Papazian, Perry Wilson, Michael Cotton and Yeh Lo*

Radiowave propagation measurements at Edwards Air Force Base, CA are described.

These measurements were made as part of the Flexible Interoperable Transceiver (FIT)

Program. The objective of the measurements is to define communication link

requirements at 440, 1360, and 1920 MHz. Simultaneous wideband measurements at

three frequencies were made using fixed transmitters and a mobile fitted with a multichannel receiver. The system measured the radio channel impulse response. Data outputs

include delay spread and basic transmission loss. These parameters are compared at the

three measurement frequencies to determine additional propagation impairments military

systems will suffer due to frequency translation from 440 MHz to 1360 MHz and 1920

MHz.

Key Words: impulse response; radiowave propagation; Flexible Interoperative

Transceiver; FIT; delay spread; basic transmission loss.

1. INTRODUCTION

This report describes mobile communication link measurements made at Edwards Air

Force Base, CA as part of the Flexible Interoperable Transceiver** (FIT) program.

Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) is the first of four locations to be measured, the other

three being Fort Hood, TX, Fort Polk, LA and Camp Lejeune, NC. The goal of the

measurement series is to define communication link characteristics at different

frequencies over a representative cross section of military installations.

The primary figures of merit used here to characterize wireless communication links are

basic transmission loss and delay statistics. Basic transmission loss is the signal

attenuation between the transmitting and receiving antennas due to path length,

shadowing, and scattering. Basic transmission loss determines the range of the link if the

transmit power and receiver sensitivity are known. The delay statistics quantify the signal

power received over the direct, or shortest path (first arriving signal), versus the later

multipath signals. Delay statistics are important in determining bit error rates and

equalizer design.

Three frequencies are considered: 440 MHz, 1360 MHz, and 1920 MHz. 440 MHz is

representative of several current ground-to-ground communication links (JRTC-IS,

 

*

 The authors are with the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, National Telecommunications and

Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Boulder, CO 80303.

** This work was sponsored by U.S. Army STRICOM, 12350 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826.
2

PRIME, PLRS). 1360 MHz is proposed for the next generation FIT system. 1920 MHz

has similar characteristics to the 1710-1850 MHz band, which is also under consideration

for FIT. By comparing the 1360 MHz and 1920 MHz basic transmission loss and delay

statistics to those for 440 MHz, the viability of using higher frequencies for future

military communications and the associated system requirements can be assessed.

The report is organized as follows. Section 2 gives a brief description of the measurement

site. Two transmitter locations were used along with two drive routes yielding four cellroute combinations. Section 3 gives a brief overview of the ITS channel sounding system.

The system uses a known pseudo-noise source that when received and processed closely

approximates an ideal impulse signal over a wide bandwidth. Sections 4 and 5 detail the

basic transmission loss measurements and delay statistics data. Section 6 gives the

references and the figures are collected in Section 7 of the report.

2. SITE DESCRIPTION

EAFB is located in the desert approximately 160 km northwest of Los Angeles (see

Figure 2.1). The primary functions of the base are to test experimental aircraft and to

train test pilots. The predominant geographic feature of the site is a large dry lakebed.

The lakebed is perfectly flat and an ideal runway surface. The lakebed is also ideal for

transmission of radio signals, as there are no terrain features to obstruct radio wave

propagation. The flight line is located on the west side of the main lakebed. This area has

numerous 1 to 4 story buildings. They include large metal hangars with flat metal walls

that are excellent reflectors of radio signals. Scattering and multipath impair radio

propagation in this area. To the west of the flight line is the Werry Housing complex that

resembles a suburban area with a few low-rolling hills. The rest of the base is generally

desert terrain with scant vegetation, hills and some low mountains. The lakebed is at an

elevation of about 693 m with hill and mountain elevations ranging from 701 to 915 m.

The hills can obstruct radio signal propagation but are also good transmitter sites.

For this survey, two transmitter sites were chosen. Site 1 was located on the NW corner

of the roof of building 3950 near the flight line. The ground elevation at this site was 701

m and the transmitter antennas were at a height of 706 m. This site was chosen to

simulate a low, close-in transmitter, in the clutter of the flight-line buildings. Such a site

might be used to communicate with aircraft on the flight-line and personnel and data

terminals near the flight line buildings. It was expected that this site would have high path

loss and multipath typical of a suburban cellular base station.

Site 2 was placed on the roof of the AF-38 radar on a prominent hill northeast of the

flight line and site 1. Ground elevation at the site is 805 m and the transmitter antennas

were at an elevation of 809 m. This site was chosen as representative of an optimum

transmitter site for long range communication. It had a good view of the buildings near

the flight line, the dry lakebed, the Werry housing complex and the base to the south,

north and west. Towards the SE and the main entrance of the base, its view was obscured

by Rosamond Hills, a 914 to 975 m high ridge line.
3

Two routes were chosen for use with both transmitter sites. Route 1 (e.g., see Figure

4.11) followed the base shuttle route. This route stayed within the built-up areas of the

base. The range was generally short (< 7 km), and it was expected to have higher path

loss and more multipath. Route 2 (e.g., see Figure 4.14) was selected as a long distance

path (up to 25 km) traversing much of the base roads as well as the south base area.

Route 1 was identical for both transmitter sites. Route 2 was similar for both transmitter

sites except that a longer-range segment was added for transmitter site 2. This path

extended NE to the town of Boron approximately 20 km away and provided a clear line

of sight across the dry lakebed between transmitter site 2 and Boron. Route 2 was

expected to have lower path loss and fewer multipath effects due to the high transmitter

site and more rural nature of the areas traversed.

3. MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) ATB (antenna test bed) system used

for these measurements is designed for measuring the radio channel impulse response. It

can measure radio propagation parameters at multiple frequencies or from multiple

antenna elements. It is also used for the comparative testing of diversity schemes,

adaptive antenna systems, and data processing algorithms. The key elements of the

acquisition system are: 1) up to 8 simultaneous channels, 2) broadband channel impulse

sounding, 3) high speed analog to digital data conversion and storage, and 4) flexible post

processing. The multi-channel sounder uses an upgraded version of the ITS digital

channel probe (DCP). This probe has been used in previous programs (Motorola,

USWEST, and PACTEL) to make impulse response measurements in the 900-MHz

cellular and 1900-MHz PCS bands [1-3]. The system transmits a maximal-length pseudo

noise (PN) code. The PN code is biphase shift key (BPSK) modulated onto an RF carrier.

The transmitter is both frequency and bit-rate agile and can produce multiple PN codes

and frequencies simultaneously. The transmitted signal, modified by the radio channel, is

received, down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF), and then digitized. If

desired, the in-phase and quadrature-phase components can then be determined by post

processing the data. The impulse response is generated by cross correlating a copy of the

transmitted PN code with the received signal after it has been converted to base band.

This step is usually done after the measurement, but it can also be done in real time using

on board digital signal processors.

For the measurements reported here, the probe was configured to transmit a 511-bit PN

word at 10 Mb/s on 440 MHz, 1360 MHz, and 1920 MHz carriers. The theoretical

impulse signal to correlation noise ratio is 54 dB for a 511-bit PN sequence. The

processing gain of the system is 27 dB. This means that when the signal power equals the

noise power, the peak of the impulse response will be 27 dB above the noise. These

parameters allow detection of multipath delays as great as 51 μs and resolution of

multiple delays spaced as closely as 100 ns. Since the system measures propagation time,

the first arrival for signals traveling more than 16 km must be shifted in software so

delayed signals will not wrap and appear to arrive first. This is easily done using the GPS
4

coordinates and adding time offsets to the data at large transmitter receiver separations.

System timing is maintained using rubidium oscillators at the transmitter and receiver.

These clocks synchronize the PN code generators, phase lock all local oscillators and

provide sampling clocks for the digitizers. The oscillators’ frequency stability ensures

absolute timing measurements to within 50 ns for an 8-hour measurement period. It also

allows measurement of the Doppler spectrum with 1 Hz accuracy. Data acquisition is

controlled by multiple digital signal processors (DSPs) and a host computer system.

Acquisition was set to the burst mode for these tests. In this mode, a burst of data is

collected in rapid sequence and stamped with GPS coordinates and time. The next data

burst is acquired after a programmable delay that was set to 10 seconds for these

measurements. Within a burst, the delay between impulses (51 μs in length) was set to 3

ms. The number of impulses per burst was set to 128, resulting in an overall burst

duration of approximately 388 ms. Table 1 summarizes the data acquisition parameters

used for the diversity measurements, as well as the range of permissible values for the

ATB system. Block diagrams for the system can be found in [4].

Mobile receiving antennas (RX) and fixed transmitting antennas (TX) were used. The

transmitting antennas were mounted on tripods at locations described in Section 2. The

mobile receivers used omni-directional “whip” antennas. Receiving antennas were mounted

at a height of 2.4 m on a van equipped with a GPS/dead reckoning system. The receive

antenna patterns and gains were measured in situ on the van and in an anechoic chamber

using a 1.3 m diameter ground plane. An overview of the antenna characteristics is given in

Table 2 (H = horizontal, V = vertical).

Vertical plane antenna gains were measured over ground using a clear line of sight. The

measured data agree with manufacturer's specifications only for the 1360- and 1920-MHz

transmit antennas. Differences arise due to cables, connectors and environment. One

important effect is the van roof that only approximates an infinite ground screen. This

causes the vertical directivity of the receive antennas to peak near 20° [5]. Thus at an

elevation angle of 0° these antennas can have gains less than an isotropic radiator, as is

the case for the 1360- and 1920-MHz antennas (-1.3 and –0.7 dB respectively). For more

detail on antenna calibrations see Appendix A.

Table 1. ATB Data Acquisition and RF Parameters

Configurable System Parameters

Parameter Present Diversity Tests ATB System

Receiver Channels 3 1-8

Carrier Frequencies 440, 1360, 1920 MHz .45 – 6 GHz

Bit Rate 10 Mb/s .1 – 50 Mb/s

Resolution 100 ns 10 μs – 20 ns

Code Type Maximal Length Programmable

Code Length 511 bits Programmable

Acquisition Mode Burst Continuous or Burst

Positioning GPS/Dead Reckoning GPS/Dead Reckoning

Transmitters 3 Multiple

Data Processing Post Post or Real Time
5

Table 2. Overview of the Transmit and Receive Antenna Characteristics

Frequency 440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

TX Antennas

Type Cushcraft FRX-430

Dipole

Dorne and Margolin

DM Q130 Dipole

Andrew PC1N0F019A-006 Dipole

H-Plane Pattern Omni-directional Directional * Omni-directional

V-Plane Gain (dBi) 1.7 11.3 6.9

RX Antennas

Type Larson 5/8λ

monopole

Larson Base with 1⁄4λ

monopole

Andrew magmount

PCS monopole

H-Plane Pattern Omni-directional Omni-directional Omni-directional

V-Plane Gain (dBi) 1.2 -1.3 -0.7

* 160 degree 3 dB beamwidth, azimuth pattern from lookup table.

4. BASIC TRANSMISSION LOSS

Basic transmission loss (LBT), is the signal attenuation between transmit and receive

antennas due to free space, or spreading loss (LFS), and signal attenuation. Basic

transmission loss determines the range of the link. Basic transmission loss is given by

L (dB) P (dB) P (dB) G (dB) G (dB) BT = t − r + t + r (4.1)

where Pt is the transmitted power, Pr is the received power, Gt is the transmit antenna

gain, and Gr is the receive antenna gain. An ideal free space (FS) path (no ground

reflection, no multipath, no signal attenuation) has a path loss which is proportional to the

square (n = 2) of the separation D

2

10

4 ( ) 10 log

=





 



 =

n

FS

D L d n

λ

π (4.2)

where λ is the wavelength. This typically represents the minimum path loss and serves as

a lower limit. Values of n on the order of 4 are more representative of the cluttered

environments and low transmit antenna heights found at cellular base stations in built-up

areas.

4.1 Path Loss Data and Discussion

The basic transmission loss (LBT) versus distance is plotted in Figures 4.1 through 4.4 for

three frequencies (440 MHz, 1360 MHz, and 1920 MHz). Each point in these scatter

plots represents an average over a burst (128 impulses, all impulses within a burst have
6

the same GPS location tag). The figures show the four cell-route combinations. The data

are then fit with a curve of the form

10log ( ) LBT = n × 10 BD , (4.3)

where n = path loss exponent

 D = distance (km)

 B = distance multiplier.

This curve is linear with a slope of n when plotted on a log-log scale. Free space path loss

(LFS) is also plotted for the same three frequencies. The free-space curves serve as a

“minimum” loss reference.

One loss parameter of interest is the ratio of the measured loss to the free space loss at a

given frequency, designated ∆ LBT/FS. This parameter gives an indication of the additional

loss due to scattering and diffraction within the channel. Also of interest is the ratio of the

measured loss at 1360 MHz and 1920 MHz to the measured loss at 440 MHz, designated

∆ LBT/440. This parameter gives an indication of the additional power needed at these

higher frequencies when compared to the existing 440 MHz systems. These two

parameters will be highlighted in the discussion that follows and in Tables 3 to 6.

Figure 4.1 shows the LBT data measured in Cell 1 (low transmitter site) along Route 1.

This route includes multipath and shadowing caused by buildings near the flight line.

From the curve fit data we see that the path loss exponent n, for the 440 MHz and 1920

MHz data is about 4, while n for 1360 is about 3.1. These values are about twice that of

free space (n = 2). LBT is larger than for free space at all distances and this difference

increases as distance increases. For example, at 0.7 km, the 440 MHz, 1360 MHz and

1920 MHz LBT/FS values are 24.2 dB, 26.0 dB and 21.9 dB respectively. The loss ratio at

the two higher frequencies (∆ LBT/440) at 0.7 km is approximately 11.6 dB (1360 MHz)

and 10.5 dB (1920 MHz). Because the 1360 MHz curve fit slope is smaller than the 440

MHz curve fit slope, ∆ LBT/440 for 1360 MHz becomes smaller at greater distances while

∆ LBT/440 for 1920 MHz remains almost constant. These data are summarized in Table 3.

Table 3. Basic Transmission Loss, LBT, Data for Cell 1, Route 1 (Low Transmitter, ShortRange Route)

LBT Linear Fit

Parameters

D

0.7 km

F

(MHz)

n Β

(km-1)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

440 3.8 9.0e+2 82.2 24.2 0.0

1360 3.1 9.1e+3 92.0 26.0 11.6

1920 4.1 1.0e+3 95.0 21.9 10.5
7

The data from Cell 1, Route 2 (long-range route) exhibited a different set of path loss

exponents. At 440 MHz, the path loss exponent dropped to a near free space value of 1.9.

The 1360 MHz path loss exponent is 4.6 and the 1920-MHz exponent is 3.9. It appears

that the low n at 440 MHz is due to the relatively small LBT values at distances between 5

and 8 km that decreased the overall slope of the curve fit. ∆LBT/FS at 440 MHz varies only

slightly from 31.9 dB to 31.5 dB, as the distance is increased from 3.0 to 8.0 km. ∆LBT/FS

at 1360 MHz ranges from 27.2 dB at 3km to 38.3 dB at 8 km. The equivalent 1920-MHz

∆LBT/FS data are 29.8 dB to 37.8 dB. The higher frequency loss ratio ∆ LBT/440 at 3.0 km

and 8.0 km is 5.1 and 16.6 dB for 1360 MHz, and 10.7 dB and 19.2 dB for 1920 MHz.

These values can be linearly interpolated for other distances in the measured range by

multiplying the ratio of the distances in kilometers by the slope. These data are

summarized in Table 4.

Data collected from the high transmitter site (Cell 2) are shown in Figures 4.3 and 4.4.

For Cell 2, Route 1, all frequencies have path loss exponents (0.7 to 1.0) smaller than the

free space value. We believe this is due to relatively constant shadowing of the

transmitter by terrain and clutter on Route 1, and to the small variations in path length

from the transmitter site. These factors result in an almost distance-independent path loss

over this short range. The various loss parameters for Cell 2, Route 1 are summarized in

Table 5.

Table 4. Basic Transmission Loss, LBT, Data for Cell 1 Route 2 (Low Transmitter, LongRange Route)

LBT Linear Fit D

Parameters 3.0 km 8.0 km

F

(MHz)

n Β

(km-1)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

440 1.9 1.6e+6 94.9 31.9 0.0 103.4 31.5 0.0

1360 4.6 2.5e+2 104.7 27.2 5.1 113.2 38.3 16.6

1920 3.9 1.1e+3 104.7 29.8 10.7 116.2 37.8 19.2

Table 5. Basic Transmission Loss, LBT , Data for Cell 2 Route 1 (High Transmitter, ShortRange Route)

LBT Linear Fit D

Parameters 4.5 km 6.5 km

F

(MHz)

n Β

(km-1)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

440 0.7 3.3e+15 98.4 14.9 0.0 101.6 12.8 0.0

1360 0.9 4.8e+13 108.2 20.8 15.7 111.4 19.0 16.1

1920 1.0 4.5e+12 111.2 21.8 19.8 114.4 20.2 20.2

Data from Cell 2, Route 2 are shown in Figure 4.4. Here the slopes are all near 2 and run

almost parallel to the free space curves. This route was dominated by line of sight
8

conditions across the dry lakebed to the NE of the high transmitter site. ∆LBT/FS tabulated

at distances of 2.0 and 20.0 km shows only small variations due to the nearly parallel

slopes. These loss data for Cell 2, Route 2 are summarized in Table 6.

Table 6. LBT, Data for Cell 2 Route 2 (High Transmitter, Long-Range Route)

LBT Linear Fit D

Parameters 2.0 km 20.0 km

F

(MHz)

n Β

(km-1)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

LFS

(dB)

∆LBT/FS

(dB)

∆LBT/440

(dB)

440 2.1 4.5e+4 91.3 12.8 0.0 111.3 13.8 0.0

1360 1.9 1.1e+6 101.1 19.1 16.2 121.1 18.1 14.2

1920 1.7 2.8e+6 104.1 10.7 10.7 124.1 7.7 6.7

An alternative to curve fitting the measured data is to bin the LBT data according to

distance and compute the mean, standard deviation, and the 90% and 99% probability

levels (i.e., 99% of the LBT data in the bin are less than this level). These data are plotted

in Figures 4.5 to 4.10 and summarized in Tables 7 and 8. Note that in these plots the data

are not averaged over a burst as in Figures 4.1 to 4.4. The 99% LBT levels range from 126

to 163 (dB) in Cell 1 and from 117 to 157 dB in Cell 2. These data give the upper bounds

for the measured transmission loss LBT and indicate the transmit power level needed to

ensure a certain channel availability probability.

The LBT data also can be plotted on site maps as shown in Figures 4.11 to 4.22. These

maps show the spatial distribution of LBT along the various cell-route combinations.

Table 7. Cell 1, Free Space Loss, LFS, and Measured Mean, 90%, and 99% LBT Levels

LBT (dB): 440

MHz

LBT (dB): 1360

MHz

LBT (dB): 1920

MHz

D

(km)

LFS Mean 90% 99% LFS Mean 90% 99% LFS Mean 90% 99%

0.6 81.5 102.5 112.9 118.0 91.3 118.2 130.3 134.0 94.3 112.2 124.1 126.7

1.0 85.7 107.6 113.4 118.7 95.5 124.5 133.0 137.9 98.5 118.8 132.2 135.8

2.1 91.6 121.3 129.3 131.8 101.4 132.9 140.9 149.6 104.4 131.6 138.3 142.6

3.1 95.0 131.7 141.1 144.7 104.8 144.9 156.5 160.7 107.8 143.5 152.8 155.1

4.1 97.5 134.0 140.3 142.8 107.3 150.7 159.0 162.5 110.3 149.4 156.6 159.4

5.1 99.4 134.5 144.3 146.9 109.2 153.9 163.8 165.2 112.2 151.6 161.0 162.9

6.1 101.0 134.7 144.8 146.6 110.8 149.8 163.3 165.0 113.8 143.5 160.7 162.4

7.1 102.3 127.4 136.2 137.7 112.1 157.5 164.2 165.3 115.1 155.0 162.8 163.5

8.1 103.5 140.2 141.9 142.6 113.3 152.4 154.5 156.2 116.3 154.0 156.3 158.3
9

Table 8. Cell 2, Free Space Loss, LFS, and Measured Mean, 90%, and 99% LBT Levels

LBT (dB): 440

MHz

LBT (dB): 1360

MHz

LBT (dB): 1920

MHz

D

(km)

LFS Mean 90% 99% LFS Mean 90% 99% LFS Mean 90% 99%

1.0 85.7 100.3 102.8 104.2 95.5 112.4 115.0 116.3 98.5 117.3 126.2 129.6

1.7 89.9 95.4 100.7 104.1 99.7 108.2 110.6 111.6 102.7 111.8 116.1 117.6

3.0 94.8 103.5 107.8 115.8 104.6 117.3 121.6 128.7 107.6 115.6 122.1 127.1

4.9 99.2 121.3 130.4 137.1 109.0 132.6 148.8 156.7 112.0 132.0 147.5 153.9

6.9 102.0 112.9 118.6 121.3 111.8 125.0 133.7 138.2 114.8 120.7 138.6 142.1

8.8 104.2 122.3 126.4 129.7 114.0 131.9 148.8 150.9 117.0 126.5 152.1 154.7

10.1 105.4 126.2 133.7 137.2 115.2 136.0 147.8 150.1 118.2 133.5 146.1 148.9

12.0 106.9 118.8 122.2 124.0 116.7 132.2 134.7 136.5 119.7 124.1 126.9 129.1

14.0 108.2 122.4 125.7 127.0 118.0 129.5 135.0 136.2 121.0 122.3 124.3 125.1

15.9 109.3 124.2 126.9 130.9 119.1 128.5 139.0 139.5 122.1 126.5 136.8 137.5

17.8 110.3 123.0 124.8 126.6 120.1 134.0 143.7 146.5 123.1 129.0 140.2 145.3

19.8 111.2 122.0 123.8 128.2 121.0 131.2 133.9 134.4 124.0 126.2 130.5 133.5

23.0 112.5 123.3 124.5 125.2 122.4 137.7 139.8 140.1 125.3 133.7 135.0 135.4

25.6 113.5 126.8 133.9 138.4 123.3 145.4 153.2 161.0 126.3 140.9 151.0 156.9

5. DELAY STATISTICS

The delay statistics presented in this report are based on averaged power delay profiles

(APDPs)

∑=

=

N

k

i k i PDP t

N

APDP t

1

( ) 1 ( ) , (5.1)

where ti is the i-th time step (sampling point), and N is the number of PDPs used to form

the APDP. The PDP is the magnitude squared (power) of the measured impulse response.

The use of averaging significantly reduces the contribution of noise to the delay statistics.

The ATB burst configuration software was set to produce a total of 128 impulses per

burst for these measurements. APDPs are calculated from groups of 8 successive PDPs.

Thus, each burst yields 16 APDPs (128/8). The choice of 8 as the group size makes

efficient use of all the burst data. APDPs are computed separately for each channel.

Impulses within an APDP group (8 successive PDPs) were first checked for sufficient

power. The impulse with the maximum total signal power was found by integration over

the full time interval. Impulses with total signal power more than 10 dB below this group

maximum were discarded for the APDP statistics. Groups containing less than 4 usable

PDPs are discarded as well. Thus, N ranges from 4 to 8 in (5.1) above.

Referring to Figure 5.1, the interval of discrimination (ID) is here defined as the

difference in power levels between the peak of the intended signal (impulse) and the peak

noise. It is desired that an APDP have an ID sufficient to ensure that noise does not

contaminate the fading statistics. For the data here, 23 dB and 13 dB ID criteria will be

used. The 23-dB margin gives the maximum useful dynamic range for analog
10

applications, while the 13-dB threshold may be more useful for digital applications. If the

ID was less than 23 dB or 13 dB respectively, then the APDP was discarded for that data

set. For valid APDPs, signal levels within 20 dB and 10 dB respectively of the APDP

peak are included in the delay statistics, as indicated in Figure 5.1. This corrected APDP

ensures that noise is not included. We expect the 20 dB criterion to yield longer delays

but fewer valid APDPs than will the 10 dB criterion.

Three delay measures were considered: maximum delay, mean delay, and RMS delay

spread. The maximum delay was here defined as the time delay between the first and last

signals of that portion of the corrected APDP (see Fig. 5.1). The mean delay (d) was the

time-weighted average, or first moment, of the corrected APDPs normalized by the

average signal power,

∑

∑

∑

∑

=

=

=

= = = = N

k

k

N

k

k k

N

k

k

N

k

k k

P t

t P t

P t

N

t P t

N

mean delay d

1

1

1

1

( )

( )

( ) 1

( ) 1

 , (5.2)

where tk is the time delay (in seconds) relative to the start of the corrected APDP (i.e. t =

0), P is the signal power (W), and N is the index of the final corrected APDP signal point

considered. The RMS delay spread (S) measures the standard deviation of the delay

spread of each corrected APDP about its mean delay (d). It is the second central moment

of the corrected APDP given by

1/ 2

1

1

2

( )

( ) ( )























 −

= =

∑

∑

=

=

N

k

k

N

k

k k

P t

t d P t

RMS delay spread S . (5.3)

Figures 5.2 through 5.13 show the cumulative probability distributions (CDFs) for the

four cell and route combinations using 23-dB ID and 20-dB corrected APDP levels.

Figures 5.14 through 5.25 show the corresponding data for the 13 dB ID and 10 dB

corrected APDP levels. The CDF data are summarized in Tables 9 through 16 which give

the maximum delay (max), mean delay (avg), and RMS delay spread (spread) in

microseconds observed at the 90%, 99%, and 99.9% confidence levels. Also included in

the tables are the percentages of valid APDPs for each of the cell, route, and frequency

combinations.
11

Table 9. Cell 1, Route 1 (Low Transmitter, Short-Range Route): Delay Statistics for

APDP with a 20 dB ID

440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

49 % Valid Impulses 54 % Valid Impulses 64 % Valid Impulses

Prob. Delay (μs) Delay (μs) Delay (μs)

(%) max avg spread max avg spread max avg spread

90.0 6.8 1.2 1.4 9.5 2.5 2.1 9.7 2.7 2.4

99.0 11.2 4.3 2.8 16.9 7.2 3.9 17.7 6.9 3.4

99.9 29.1 7.6 3.1 21.9 8.6 4.5 19.6 7.6 4.1

Table 10. Cell 1, Route 2 (Low Transmitter, Long-Range Route): Delay Statistics for

APDPs with a 20 dB ID

440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

20 % Valid Impulses 42 % Valid Impulses 43 % Valid Impulses

Prob. Delay (μs) Delay (μs) Delay (μs)

(%) max avg spread max avg spread max avg spread

90.0 8.7 1.9 2.0 10.1 1.5 2.2 19.0 2.4 3.9

99.0 20.8 9.3 5.5 19.4 6.5 4.2 24.9 9.2 8.9

99.9 25.6 10.2 8.3 24.8 7.7 4.9 28.8 11.4 9.2

Table 11. Cell 2, Route 1 (High Transmitter, Short Range Route): Delay Statistics for

APDPs with a 20 dB ID

440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

70 % Valid Impulses 88 % Valid Impulses 87 % Valid Impulses

Prob. Delay (μs) Delay (μs) Delay (μs)

(%) max avg spread max avg spread max avg spread

90.0 7.3 1.2 2.0 10.8 3.4 3.4 11.4 3.0 3.4

99.0 16.9 5.5 6.6 20.1 8.2 5.9 25.0 6.7 6.9

99.9 16.9 9.4 7.1 25.4 10.6 6.5 26.0 10.4 8.4

Table 12. Cell 2, Route 2 (High Transmitter, Long-Range Route): Delay Statistics for

APDPs with a 20 dB ID

440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

61 % Valid Impulses 85 % Valid Impulses 83 % Valid Impulses

Prob. Delay (μs) Delay (μs) Delay (μs)

(%) max avg spread max avg spread max avg spread

90.0 5.6 0.4 1.0 5.8 0.5 1.4 7.7 0.8 1.9

99.0 28.4 16.9 9.2 21.6 6.2 6.0 26.2 6.1 7.3

99.9 44.5 20.6 11.2 25.9 20.7 8.2 44.4 20.2 8.7
12

Table 13. Cell 1, Route 1 (Low Transmitter, Short-Range Route): Delay Statistics for

APDPs with a 10 dB ID

440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

71 % Valid Impulses 77 % Valid Impulses 80 % Valid Impulses

Prob. Delay (μs) Delay (μs) Delay (μs)

(%) max avg spread max avg spread max avg spread

90.0 3.7 1.3 1.4 2.4 1.7 1.7 7.6 2.7 2.1

99.0 8.9 4.2 3.2 6.0 3.6 3.6 16.0 6.4 4.0

99.9 15.3 5.9 4.6 7.4 7.4 4.3 20.2 8.3 6.4

Table 14. Cell 1, Route 2 (Low Transmitter, Long-Range Route): Delay Statistics for

APDPs with a 10 dB ID

440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

52 % Valid Impulses 73 % Valid Impulses 75 % Valid Impulses

Prob. Delay (μs) Delay (μs) Delay (μs)

(%) max avg spread max avg spread max avg spread

90.0 3.0 1.8 1.3 4.4 1.6 1.4 6.4 2.5 2.2

99.0 5.6 3.2 1.9 11.5 6.5 4.0 21.9 8.2 8.2

99.9 19.2 10.4 5.6 19.9 7.5 6.1 22.7 9.2 9.2

Table 15. Cell 2, Route 1 (High Transmitter, Short-Range Route): Delay Statistics for

APDPs with a 10 dB ID

440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

96 % Valid Impulses 100 % Valid Impulses 100 % Valid Impulses

Prob. Delay (μs) Delay (μs) Delay (μs)

(%) max avg spread max avg spread max avg spread

90.0 5.2 1.9 2.2 8.1 3.5 3.3 10.5 3.5 4.1

99.0 15.4 6.3 6.8 15.3 8.5 6.3 24.2 10.5 8.5

99.9 15.4 9.4 7.1 16.8 10.7 6.8 25.9 12.3 9.8

Table 16. Cell 2, Route 2 (High Transmitter, Long-Range Route): Delay Statistics for

APDPs with a 10 dB ID

440 MHz 1360 MHz 1920 MHz

85 % Valid Impulses 94 % Valid Impulses 94 % Valid Impulses

Prob. Delay (μs) Delay (μs) Delay (μs)

(%) max avg spread max avg spread max avg spread

90.0 0.2 0.1 > 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.1

99.0 18.1 6.6 6.4 16.6 5.9 6.0 21.6 6.0 6.8

99.9 26.6 13.9 8.3 20.5 14.8 7.8 22.9 12.1 8.6
13

6. REFERENCES

[1] J. A. Wepman, J. R. Hoffman, L. Loew and V. S. Lawrence, “Comparison of

wideband propagation in the 902-928 and 1850-1990 MHz bands in various

macrocellular environments,” NTIA Report 93-299, Sep. 1993.

[2] J. A. Wepman, J. R. Hoffman and L. Loew, “Impulse response measurements in

the 1850-1990 MHz band in large outdoor cells,” NTIA Report 94-309, June

1994.

[3] P. Wilson, P. Papazian, M. Cotton and Y. Lo, “Advanced antenna test bed

characterization for wideband wireless communication systems,” NTIA Report

99-369, August 1999.

[4] P. B. Papazian, K. Allen and M. Cotton, “A test bed for the evaluation of adaptive

antennas used for mobile communications,” in Proc. IEEE Aerospace

Conference, Snowmass, CO, Mar. 1998, paper #161.

[5] M. Weiner, S. Cruze, C. Li and W. Wilson, Ch. 3 of Monopole Elements on

Circular Ground Planes, Norwood, MA: Artech House, 1987, pp. 19 - 76.
14

7. FIGURES

Figure 2.1. Map showing Edwards Air Force Base and the transmitter locations.
15

Figure 4.1. Basic transmission loss scatterplot, Cell 1, Route 1.

100

150

0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2 5

1920 LFS 1360 LFS 440 LFS 1920 Fit

1360 Fit

440 Fit

1920 MHz

1360 MHz

440 MHz

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:24.4, r

2

=0.790

a=4.10, b=1014

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:23.0, r

2

=0.655

a=3.07, b=9138

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:18.2, r

2

=0.815

a=3.77, b=903

Distance (km)

LBT (dB)

Edwards Air Force Base Cell 1, Route 1
16

Figure 4.2. Basic transmission loss scatterplot, Cell 1, Route 2.

90

110

130

150

170

190

2 4 6 8

1920 LFS 1360 LFS 440 LFS 1920 Fit

1360 Fit

440 Fit

1920 MHz

1360 MHz

440 MHz

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:27.7, r

2

=0.184

a=3.93, b=1111

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:24.5, r

2

=0.247

a=4.62, b=245

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:25.0, r

2

=0.0788

a=1.91, b=1.58E6

Distance (km)

LBT(dB)

Edwards Air Force Base Cell 1, Route 2
17

Figure 4.3. Basic transmission loss scatterplot, Cell 2, Route 1.

80

100

120

140

160

180

4 5 6 7

1920 LFS 1360 LFS 440 LFS 1920 Fit

1360 Fit

440 Fit

1920 MHz

1360 MHz

440 MHz

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:20.0

a=0.899, b=4.75E13

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:21.4

a=0.977, b=4.45E12

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:23.3

a=0.733, b=3.33E15

Distance (km)

LBT (dB)

Edwards Air Force Base Cell 2, Route 1
18

Figure 4.4. Basic transmission loss scatterplot, Cell 2, Route 2.

80

100

120

140

160

180

1 2 5 10 20

1920 LFS 1360 LFS 440 LFS 1920 Fit

1360 Fit

440 Fit

1920 MHz

1360 MHz

440 MHz

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:32.6, r

2

=0.183

a=1.73, b=2.84E6

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:30.0, r

2

=0.218

a=1.85, b=1.07E6

y = a*10*log(bx) max dev:24.9, r

2

=0.415

a=2.11, b=4.54E4

Distance (km)

LBT (dB)

Edwards Air Force Base Cell 2, Route 2
19

10-1100101 60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Cell 1: 440 MHz

Distance (km)

Path Loss (dB)

mean

90% level

99% level

+ sigma

 - sigma

Figure 4.5. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 1, 440 MHz.

10-1100101 60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Cell 1: 1360 MHz

Distance (km)

Path Loss (dB)

mean

90% level

99% level

+ sigma

 - sigma

Figure 4.6. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 1, 1360 MHz.
20

10-1100101 60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Cell 1: 1920 MHz

Distance (km)

Path Loss (dB)

mean

90% level

99% level

+ sigma

 - sigma

Figure 4.7. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 1, 1920 MHz.

10-1100101 60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Cell 2: 440 MHz

Distance (km)

Path Loss (dB)

mean

90% level

99% level

+ sigma

 - sigma

Figure 4.8. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 2, 440 MHz.
21

10-1100101 60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Cell 2: 1360 MHz

Distance (km)

Path Loss (dB)

mean

90% level

99% level

+ sigma

 - sigma

Figure 4.9. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 2, 1360 MHz.

10-1100101 60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Cell 2: 1920 MHz

Distance (km)

Path Loss (dB)

mean

90% level

99% level

+ sigma

 - sigma

Figure 4.10. Basic transmission loss variance, Cell 2, 1920 MHz.
22

Figure 4.11. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 1, 440 MHz.

Figure 4.12. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 1, 1360 MHz.
23

Figure 4.13. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 1, 1920 MHz.

Figure 4.14. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 2, 440 MHz.
24

Figure 4.15. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 2, 1360 MHz.

Figure 4.16. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 1, Route 2, 1920 MHz.
25

Figure 4.17. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 2, Routes 1-2, 440 MHz.

Figure 4.18. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 2, Route 1-2, 1360 MHz.
26

Figure 4.19. Basic transmission loss route map, Cell 2, Routes 1-2, 1920 MHz.
27

max delay

avg

impulse peak

noise peak

pulse depth used for

delay statistics

10 dB or 20 dB

interval of

discrimination

(ID)

> 3 dB

RMS delay spread

Figure 5.1. Idealized impulse response diagram with descriptive terminology.
28

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route1-DSP20; Max Delay

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

440 MHz

1360 MHz

1920 MHz

Figure 5.2. Cell 1, Route 1, 20 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route1-DSP20; Mean Delay

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

440 MHz

1360 MHz

1920 MHz

Figure 5.3. Cell 1, Route 1, 20 dB ID: mean delay CDF.
29

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route1-DSP20; RMS Delay Spread

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

440 MHz

1360 MHz

1920 MHz

Figure 5.4. Cell 1, Route 1, 20 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route2-DSP20; Max Delay

440 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.5. Cell 1, Route 2, 20 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.
30

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route2-DSP20; Mean Delay

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.6. Cell 1, Route 2, 20 dB ID: mean delay CDF.

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route2-DSP20; RMS Delay Spread

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.7. Cell 1, Route 2, 20 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.
31

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route1-DSP20; Max Delay

440 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.8. Cell 2, Route 1, 20 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route1-DSP20; Mean Delay

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.9. Cell 2, Route 1, 20 dB ID: mean delay CDF.
32

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route1-DSP20; RMS Delay Spread

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.10. Cell 2, Route 1, 20 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route2-DSP20; Max Delay

440 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.11. Cell 2, Route 2, 20 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.
33

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route2-DSP20; Mean Delay

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.12. Cell 2, Route 2, 20 dB ID: mean delay CDF.

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route2-DSP20; RMS Delay Spread

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.13. Cell 2, Route 2, 20 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.
34

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route1-DSP10; Max Delay

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

440 MHz

1360 MHz

1920 MHz

Figure 5.14. Cell 1, Route 1, 10 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route1-DSP10; Mean Delay

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

440 MHz

1360 MHz

1920 MHz

Figure 5.15. Cell 1, Route 1, 10 dB ID: mean delay CDF.
35

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route1-DSP10; RMS Delay Spread

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

440 MHz

1360 MHz

1920 MHz

Figure 5.16. Cell 1, Route 1, 10 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route2-DSP10; Max Delay

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

440 MHz

1360 MHz

1920 MHz

Figure 5.17. Cell 1, Route 2, 10 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.
36

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route2-DSP10; Mean Delay

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

440 MHz

1360 MHz

1920 MHz

Figure 5.18. Cell 1, Route 2, 10 dB ID: mean delay CDF.

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell1-Route2-DSP10; RMS Delay Spread

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.19. Cell 1, Route 2, 10 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.
37

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route1-DSP10; Max Delay

440 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.20. Cell 2, Route 1, 10 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route1-DSP10; Mean Delay

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.21. Cell 2, Route 1, 10 dB ID: mean delay CDF.
38

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route1-DSP10; RMS Delay Spread

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.22. Cell 2, Route 1, 10 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route2-DSP10; Max Delay

440 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 5 10 15 20

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.23. Cell 2, Route 2, 10 dB ID: maximum delay CDF.
39

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route2-DSP10; Mean Delay

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.24. Cell 2, Route 2, 10 dB ID: mean delay CDF.

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch1 >

E-Cell2-Route2-DSP10; RMS Delay Spread

440 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Prob. Ch2 >

1360 MHz

0 2 4 6 8 10

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

Time (us)

Prob. Ch3 >

1920 MHz

Figure 5.25. Cell 2, Route 2, 10 dB ID: RMS delay spread CDF.
40

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This Page Intentionally Left Blank
41

APPENDIX A: ANTENNA CALIBRATION

The transmitter and receiver antennas were calibrated in a variety of environments. This is

especially important for the receive antennas, which were inexpensive monopoles with

limited calibration data available from the manufacturers. The 440 MHz transmit dipole also

had poor calibration data. The 1360 MHz and 1920 MHz transmit dipole antennas were high

quality and had manufacturer’s calibration data which agree with our measurements.

Calibrations consisted of two far-field tests which included the measurement vehicle. The

third test utilized the NIST anechoic chamber. The NIST test used a circular ground plane

for the monopole antennas.

The first far-field test utilized a calibrated EMCO horn antenna for the 1360 MHz and 1920

MHz source and a calibrated Antenna Specialists discone antenna at 440 MHz. The source

antenna gains are listed in Table A1.

Table A1. Source Antenna Gain Data used for the Far Field Tests

Frequency(MHz) Manufacturer Gain(dBi)

440 Antenna Specialists 14

1360 EMCO 7.5

1920 EMCO 7.8

For this test, transmit antennas were positioned on the roof of wing 4 of the Radio Building

and the van was parked east of wing 2 along the south access road. The radio path is

approximately 148 m and the elevation difference is 10.4 m. The van was oriented broadside

to the transmit antennas at 5 sites 1 m apart. The elevation angle was approximately 4°.

Measurements were made on two separate days and averaged. The azimuth pattern of the

1360 MHz transmitter dipole was also measured. Averaged gain measurements for the field

trail antennas are summarized in Tables A2 and A3.

Table A2. Gain Measurements for the Receiving Antennas

Frequency(MHz) Manufacturer Antenna Gain(dBi)

Specification

Antenna Gain(dBi)

Measured

440 Larson 5/8 λ monopole 5.2 4.8

1360 Larson 1/4 λ monopole None -3.4

1920 Andrew PCS monopole 3 .75

Table A3. Gain Measurements for the Transmitting Antennas

Frequency(MHz) Manufacturer Gain(dBi)

Specification

Gain(dBi)

Measured

440 Cushcraft FRX430 omni

directional dipole

5 0.55

1360 Dorne&Margolin

DM-Q130-1 directional

12 11.33

1920 Andrew PCS-0190A-006

omni directional

6.9 6.9
42

Pattern measurements for the D&M antenna are given in Table A4. These results agreed

well with the 360° pattern supplied by the manufacturer. The manufacturers data was used

to create a lookup table.

Table A4. 1360 MHz Dorne & Margolin Gain Measurements versus Azimuth Angle

G(0°) G(90°) G(180°) G(270°)

11.3 dBi 7.3 dBi 1.3 dBi 4.3 dBi

A second set of far field tests were made at the ITS Table Mountain site where a 360°

azimuth pattern measurement of the receiving antennas and measurement van combination

could be made. These tests were made at three distances at an elevation angle of 0°. The

source antennas used were the same as in Table A1 except for the 440 MHz measurement

which utilized the 440 MHz Cushcraft dipole. The 440 MHz source gain has been adjusted

to reflect the calibration of this antenna in the NIST chamber as reported in the last section

of this appendix. The average gain measurement over all angles and distances is given in

Table A5. Figure A1 is the 360° pattern showing the influence of the van and shadowing by

the mast on the roof. On this plot, 0° gives results for the van pointed head on to the

calibration antenna. Also included are results for a 1360 MHz trailer mounted antenna.

Figure A1. Antenna patterns measured at Table Mountain showing gain above isotropic versus van

azimuth.
43

Table A5. Averaged Table Mountain Azimuth Gain Measurements

Frequency(MHz) Manufacturer Mounting Average Gain(dBi)

Measured

440 Larson 5/8 λ monopole Roof 4.1

1360 Larson 1⁄4 λ monopole Roof -0.2

1360 Larson 1⁄4 λ monopole Trailer -1.7

1920 Andrew PCS monopole Roof 1.5

The Table Mountain measurements show the effects of the measurement van, shadowing

and multipath from the ground reflection. The roof mounted antennas were shadowed by

the van mast at about 180°. This produced a 3 to 5 dB drop for about 10 % of the pattern

for the 440 MHz roof antenna. The 1360 MHz roof antenna has about 3 dB variability but

no apparent shadowing. The 1920 MHz roof antenna has 5 to 10 dB shadowing effects

for about 10% of the pattern and 3 dB variability. The 1360 MHz trailer antenna has a 10

dB drop between 0°and 20°, or about 10% of the pattern.

A third set of measurements was completed in the NIST anechoic chamber. A 1.3 m

circular ground plane was utilized with the monopole receiving antennas and the vertical

pattern was measured. The vertical pattern of the 440 MHz Cushcraft transmit dipole was

Antenna Pattern 440 MHz Cuschcraft

-60.00

-50.00

-40.00

-30.00

-20.00

-10.00

0.00

10.00

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

Azimuth (deg)

Gain(dBi)

Series1

Series2

Series3

 Figure A2. Gain of 440 MHz Cushcraft transmitter dipole (NIST Chamber).
44

also measured with no ground plane. Figures A2-A5 show the patterns for the three

receiving antennas and Table A6 lists the measured antenna gains.

The gain of the 440 MHz Cushcraft dipole has a broad maximum near 90 degrees (on the

horizon). The monopole antenna measurement plane puts 0° on the horizon. Gain for

these antennas peak between 15° to 20° although the Larson 5/8 λ monopole has a broad

peak near the horizon. The gain versus angle is given in Table A6.

1360 MHz Larson 1/4 wave Antenna A

-20.00

-15.00

-10.00

-5.00

0.00

5.00

10.00

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180

Degrees Above Horizon

Gain(dBi)

Series1

Series2

Series3

 Figure A3. 1360 MHz Larson receiving monopole pattern (NIST Chamber).
45

Table A6. Gain Measured in the NIST Anechoic Chamber for the Receiving Monopole

Antenna

Gain(dBi)

Larson 440 MHz Larson 1360

MHz

Andrew 1920

MHz

Cushcraft 440

MHz

F(MHz) 435 440 445 1355 1360 1365 1915 1920 1925 435 440 445

Elevation

Angle

(deg)

0 1.8 1.1 0.8 -1.2 -1.3 -1.4 -0.6 -0.7 -0.9 -23.3 -25.2 -25.2

5 2.4 1.9 1.6 0.8 0.7 0.7 1.5 1.4 1.2 -21.6 -22.7 -21.9

10 2.8 2.3 2.0 2.5 2.4 2.4 3.0 2.9 2.7 -19.2 -19.6 -18.6

15 2.7 2.2 2.0 3.9 3.8 3.8 3.6 3.5 3.3 -16.7 -16.7 -15.9

20 1.9 1.5 1.4 4.5 4.4 4.4 2.7 2.7 2.4 -14.4 -14.4 -13.8

25 0.5 0.1 0.1 4.2 4.1 4.1 -0.4 -0.5 -0.6 -12.4 -12.5 -12.1

30 -2.2 -2.4 -2.1 2.8 2.6 2.5 -8.0 -7.7 -7.5 -11.0 -11.1 -10.8

35 -6.3 -5.8 -5.0 0.4 0.1 -0.2 -8.5 -8.3 -8.3 -10.3 -10.3 -9.9

40 -9.7 -8.2 -6.7 -1.7 -2.3 -2.7 -3.1 -3.1 -3.2 -10.4 -10.2 -9.6

45 -6.3 -6.2 -5.5 -0.5 -0.8 -1.0 -1.7 -1.9 -2.1 -11.7 -11.0 -10.0

50 -3.4 -3.9 -3.9 0.6 0.4 0.4 -3.8 -3.9 -4.0 -15.1 -13.3 -11.7

55 -1.9 -2.8 -3.2 -2.5 -2.6 -2.6 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -25.7 -19.6 -16.1

60 -1.6 -2.8 -3.3 -11.0 -11.6 -11.9 -1.9 -2.2 -2.5 -18.1 -25.1 -49.6

65 -2.2 -3.5 -4.3 -9.5 -9.8 -10.0 -4.3 -4.4 -4.7 -9.6 -11.9 -14.2

70 -3.4 -4.9 -5.9 -4.1 -4.1 -4.0 -1.8 -1.7 -1.7 -4.9 -6.3 -7.4

75 -5.5 -7.0 -8.2 -6.8 -6.6 -6.2 -9.2 -9.7 -10.3 -2.0 -3.0 -3.6

80 -9.0 -10.6 -11.9 -10.6 -11.1 -11.2 -11.2 -11.6 -12.0 -0.1 -0.8 -1.2

85 -15.7 -17.6 -19.0 -8.8 -8.9 -8.8 -4.7 -4.8 -4.9 1.1 0.5 0.3

90 -22.1 -23.1 -24.1 -9.1 -9.2 -9.2 -4.3 -4.3 -4.3 1.7 1.2 1.1

95 -11.5 -12.9 -13.9 -4.5 -4.4 -4.1 -4.5 -4.4 -4.4 1.6 1.3 1.2

100 -6.9 -8.3 -9.3 -17.3 -16.8 -16.0 -11.1 -11.6 -12.2 1.2 0.8 0.7

105 -4.4 -5.6 -6.4 -5.0 -5.3 -5.2 -2.4 -2.4 -2.3 0.2 -0.2 -0.2

110 -2.8 -3.9 -4.5 -7.4 -7.4 -7.3 -2.5 -2.4 -2.5 -1.4 -1.7 -1.8

115 -2.0 -2.8 -3.1 -14.9 -13.4 -12.0 -2.1 -2.3 -2.5 -3.8 -4.0 -4.1

120 -1.9 -2.5 -2.6 -8.9 -8.5 -7.8 -0.3 -0.2 -0.2 -7.2 -7.3 -7.1

125 -2.9 -3.2 -3.0 -1.3 -1.3 -1.0 -1.4 -1.3 -1.3 -12.3 -12.1 -11.4

130 -5.3 -5.0 -4.3 -0.3 -0.5 -0.4 -0.4 -0.5 -0.7 -19.5 -18.9 -17.3

135 -9.0 -7.5 -5.9 -2.4 -2.6 -2.7 -0.6 -0.7 -0.9 -17.6 -20.4 -23.1

140 -7.7 -6.4 -5.2 -2.1 -2.3 -2.3 -4.3 -4.1 -4.0 -14.1 -17.0 -20.8

145 -3.0 -2.9 -2.5 0.9 0.8 0.9 -5.2 -4.9 -4.6 -13.1 -15.4 -17.8

150 0.1 -0.1 0.0 3.2 3.2 3.3 -0.7 -0.6 -0.6 -13.3 -15.2 -16.4

155 2.0 1.7 1.6 4.2 4.2 4.3 2.1 2.0 1.9 -14.9 -16.2 -16.5

160 3.1 2.6 2.5 3.9 4.0 4.1 3.4 3.2 3.1 -17.8 -18.6 -18.5

165 3.4 2.9 2.7 2.9 2.9 3.0 3.9 3.7 3.5 -24.3 -24.7 -24.1

170 3.3 2.7 2.5 1.3 1.3 1.4 3.8 3.7 3.5 -31.9 -31.2 -30.2

175 2.8 2.2 1.9 -0.6 -0.6 -0.6 3.0 2.9 2.8 -19.0 -19.1 -18.7
46

The gain on the horizon (0°) as measured in the anechoic chamber was used for data

reduction. Data from the chamber for the Cushcraft 440 MHz dipole also was used. The

azimuthal pattern for the 1360 MHz dipole was used when reducing the data. This pattern

was obtained from the manufacturer and also verified by measurements. Table A7 and

Table A8 give the gain and azimuth patterns used for data reduction.

Table A7. Receiving Antenna Gain

Receive Antenna Gains

Frequency(MHz) Manufacturer Gain (dBi) Azimuth Pattern

440 Larson 1.2 Omni

1360 Larson -1.3 Omni

1920 Andrew -0.7 Omni

Table A8. Transmitting Antenna Gain

Transmit Antenna Gains

Frequency(MHz) Manufacturer Gain (dBi) Azimuth Pattern

440 Cushcraft 1.7 Omni

1360 Dorne&Margolin 11.3 Table Lookup

1920 Andrew 6.9 Omni

1920 MHz Andrew

-14

-12

-10

-8

-6

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

Azimuth(deg)

Gain(dBi)

Series1

Series2

Series3

 Figure A4. 1920 MHz Andrew receiving monopole (NIST Chamber).
47

APPENDIX B: EIRP AND ANTENNA GAINS

The transmitter effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) is summarized in Table B1.

Table B1. EIRP Transmitted at EAFB

EAFB Cell 1 & Cell 2 Transmitter EIRP

F(MHz) PTX(dBm) Cable Loss(dB) G TxAntenna (dBi) EIRP(dBm)

440 35.1 1.6 1.7 35.2

1360 35.0 4.0 11.3 42.3

1920 40.0 4.8 6.9 42.1

Table B2. Receiving Antenna Gains

Receive Antenna Gains

Frequency(MHz) Manufacturer Gain (dBi) Azimuth Pattern

440 Larson 1.2 Omni

1360 Larson -1.3 Omni

1920 Andrew -0.7 Omni

Table B3. Transmitter Antenna Gains

Transmit Antenna Gains

Frequency(MHz) Manufacturer Gain (dBi) Azimuth Pattern

440 Cushcraft 1.7 Omni

1360 Dorne&Margolin 11.3 Table Lookup

1920 Andrew 6.9 Omni