March 1968 | Technical Report ERL 69-WPL 4
A Survey of Microwave Fading Mechanisms Remedies and Applications
Cite This Publication
Harold T. Dougherty, “A Survey of Microwave Fading Mechanisms Remedies and Applications,” Technical Report ERL 69-WPL 4, U.S. Department of Commerce, Environmental Science Services Administration, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and Aeronomy, March 1968.
Harold T. Dougherty
Abstract: After a brief description of the significance of the radio refractive index and its variation in the lower troposphere, a catalog of fading mechanisms is presented. Attention is directed to the supporting refractive index structure, the characteristics of the fading signal, and the available remedies. The phenomena of multipath fading are described, and the theoretical amplitude distributions are presented. Diversity reception (frequency or space) is outlined for reducing the fading due to multipath. Specific expressions are given for determining the frequency or space separations. Successful remedies for microwave fading that are keyed to specific fading mechanisms also constitute a means of measuring the characteristics of the prevailing meteorological conditions. Specific expressions are given to accomplish this for the multipath and diffraction fading mechanisms.
Keywords: multipath; fading; microwave; ducting; diffraction fading; radio refractive index; tropospheric propagation
Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.
For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.