5 research outputs found
Evaluation of prediction accuracy for the Longley-Rice model in the FM and TV bands
Accurate geographical coverage predictions
maps for FM and TV are needed for channel and
frequency allocations and in order to avoid unwanted
interferences. The Longley-Rice model has been used
for this purpose over the last four decades and still
being used almost exclusively by the FCC in the
United States. In this work a comparison is presented
between the relative accuracy of this model in the
VHF-FM and UHF-TV frequency bands. Simulations
were made with accurate and up to date input data
(antenna height, location, gain, transmit power, etc.)
for the FM-TV stations provided by the ERT S.A.
public broadcaster in the region of Thessaloniki â
Greece. Finally, the calculated â simulated results
were confronted to field measurements using a Rohde
& Schwarz FSH3 portable spectrum analyzer and
high precision calibrated biconical and log-periodic
antennas, and the errors between predictions and
measurements were statistically analyzed in the two
frequency bands. It has been found in this study that
the Longley-Rice model, in general, overestimates
field-strength values, but this overestimation is much
higher in the VHF â FM radio band (88-108 MHz)
than in the UHF-TV band (470-790 MHz)
Comparison of Evolutionary Optimization Algorithms for FM-TV Broadcasting Antenna Array Null Filling
Broadcasting antenna array null filling is a very
challenging problem for antenna design optimization. This paper
compares five antenna design optimization algorithms (Differential
Evolution, Particle Swarm, Taguchi, Invasive Weed, Adaptive
Invasive Weed) as solutions to the antenna array null filling
problem. The algorithms compared are evolutionary algorithms
which use mechanisms inspired by biological evolution, such as
reproduction, mutation, recombination, and selection. The focus of
the comparison is given to the algorithm with the best results,
nevertheless, it becomes obvious that the algorithm which produces
the best fitness (Invasive Weed Optimization) requires very
substantial computational resources due to its random search
nature
UHF TV band spectrum and field-strength measurements before and after analogue switch-off
Measurements of UHF-TV band spectra and
field-strength levels in the pre- and post-analogue switch-off
periods in the cities of Thessaloniki and Skopje clearly
demonstrate the much reduced spectrum occupancy, the lower
signal levels, and the feasibility of digital dividend allocations
to cellular operators in the 800 MHz band, as well as the
feasibility of opportunistic secondary spectrum utilization in
extensive parts of the spectrum. The risk of LTE-4G
interference to TV services and vice-versa is also pointed out
and clearly observed from spectrum measurements near a
cellular base station
Longley-Rice model prediction inaccuracies in the UHF and VHF TV bands in mountainous terrain
Coverage prediction is of prime importance for TV broadcasting. A classic model used for TV coverage
prediction is the Longley-Rice ITM (Irregular Terrain
Model). Other well-known multiple knife-edge diffraction models are the Epstein-Peterson, Deygout, and Giovaneli methods. In this paper, comparisons are presented between accurate field-strength measurements, taken by a Rohde & Schwarz FSH-3 portable spectrum analyzer using precision calibrated antennas and calculated results from the Longley-Rice model, and the multiple knife-edge models in conjunction with the 3-arc-second SRTM (Satellite Radar Topography Mission) terrain data.
Calculations are limited to the main 2 knife-edges of the propagation path. The Longley-Rice model predicts
received field strength accurately in most cases even in mountainous terrain with multiple diffracting obstacles in the VHF and UHF TV Bands. However, in some long distance fringe reception areas field-strength is underestimated by the Longley-Rice model, while it is accurately calculated by the multiple knife-edge diffraction models