Characterization of interfade duration for satellite communication systems design and optimization in a temperate climate

• Published in: Radio science Vol. 51; no. 3; pp. 150 - 159
• Main Authors: Jorge, Flávio, Riva, Carlo, Rocha, Armando
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2016
• Subjects: Attenuation; Climate; Communications systems; Conditioning; Construction; Design engineering; Design optimization; Estimating; Extremely high frequencies; fade impairment mitigation techniques; Impairment; interfade duration; Optimization; Quality of service; radio wave propagation; Satellite communication systems; Satellite communications; Satellites; Stability analysis; Systems design; MED; ANE, Portugal, Aveiro
• ISSN: 0048-6604; 1944-799X
• DOI: 10.1002/2015RS005865

The characterization of the fade dynamics on Earth‐satellite links is an important subject when designing the so called fade mitigation techniques that contribute to the proper reliability of the satellite communication systems and the customers' quality of service (QoS). The interfade duration, defined as the period between two consecutive fade events, has been only poorly analyzed using limited data sets, but its complete characterization would enable the design and optimization of the satellite communication systems by estimating the system requirements to recover in time before the next propagation impairment. Depending on this analysis, several actions can be taken ensuring the service maintenance. In this paper we present for the first time a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the interfade events statistical properties based on 9 years of in‐excess attenuation measurements at Ka band (19.7 GHz) with very high availability that is required to build a reliable data set mainly for the longer interfade duration events. The number of years necessary to reach the statistical stability of interfade duration is also evaluated for the first time, providing a reference when accessing the relevance of the results published in the past. The study is carried out in Aveiro, Portugal, which is conditioned by temperate Mediterranean climate with Oceanic influences. Key Points Characterization of interfade duration is mandatory when designing fade impairment mitigation techniques At least 3 years of measurements is needed to characterize the interfade events There is a high demand for a quick response on recovering after a fade event