Microwave Propagation Characteristics over Arid Region

Abstract

Microwave propagation characteristics at 1.9 GHz observed over arid region of India are presented. Troposcatter field strength has been found to vary from - 90 dBm to - 50 dBm. The nighttime hourly median field strength is higher as compared to the daytime median field strength but fade frequency is more during day than night. Association of signal levels with various meteorological parameters indicates that the signal level is not correlated well with surface refractivity, N₃; but it shows good agreement with spectral slope of refractive index fluctuation (<i>n</i>). Measured values of signals have been compared with the predicted values obtained from different theoretical models. Low order signal levels have been found to be comparable with the signal levels obtained from the model given for scattering, while high order signals agree with the values deduced from reflection theory.