Study of amplitude and phase scintillation at GPS frequency

Abstract

When a radio wave at L-band frequency passes through the entire ionospheric region, it is affected by the electron density irregularities, which are present in the ionosphere and generate amplitude and phase scintillation of GPS signals. This is especially true during the nighttime. The magnitude of amplitude and phase scintillation and the temporal structure

of scintillations need to be specified and predicted to provide support to operational communication and navigation system. Amplitude and phase fluctuation at the GPS frequency at Chiang Rai (19.57°N, 99.52°E), Thailand is described in this paper. It was found that higher amplitude fluctuation level could be observed only in equinox and winter, while S4 is less than 0.4 in summer months.