Instrumentation and analysis technique for the measurement of HF channel characteristics

R. Marshall Coon and W. D. Bensema

Abstract: This report describes a means of measuring and analyzing the transfer characteristic of an HF channel in terms of the effects of the medium on 229 closely spaced sinusoids. The method involves transmission, reception, measurement, and computer analysis of several highly stable sinusoids. The analyses include cumulative distributions of the following: simultaneous differences in the measured phase of two tones, differences between successive averages of phase measurements of a single tone, and durations of these types of differences above a specified level. Computer analysis programs are a necessary part of this technique. Flow charts and listings of the programs are given. Much more real time data can be taken than can be analyzed at reasonable cost. No on-the-air tests have yet been made with this technique, so that the graphs presented show only expected general trends.

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.

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