Kenneth C. Allen

Abstract: An EHF Telecommunication System Engineering Model (ETSEM) has been developed as an aid in the design of line-of-sight (LOS) communication systems from 10 to 100 GHz. ETSEM provides tabulation of path geometry parameters and analyzes ray-path and Fresnel zone clearances to help the engineer design the path. ETSEM also predicts the performance (availability) of both digital and analog systems based on state-of-the-art EHF propagation models and equipment specifications. Attenuation by rain, clear-air absorption, and multipath are modeled. These are expected to essentially determine the statistics of link availability as limited by propagation impairments. Performance may be predicted for any interval of months of the year. A climatological data base for North America and Europe provides parameters for the propagation models. ETSEM has been implemented on a desk-top computer. Weaknesses and limitations of the model are discussed and improvements are suggested.

Keywords: multipath fading; rain attenuation; propagation; millimeter wave; telecommunications; system performance; clear-air absorption; line of sight (LOS)

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