January 1979 | NTIA Technical Report TR-79-14
Aircraft Obstruction of Microwave Links
Richard E. Skerjanec; R. W. Hubbard
Abstract: Conversion to digital transmission has renewed the concerns about what effects aircraft obstruction of microwave links have on user quality. This is of particular concern where it is necessary to install a telecommunication system that crosses runways and taxiways where the frequency of obstruction may be great. A limited measurement program at 8 GHz at Atlanta and Chicago Airports was undertaken to determine if a condition existed that could cause excessive error rates on digital systems. Measurements were made of the received signal level together with the impulse response of the transmission medium. Measurement results indicate that during takeoff and landing, aircraft can cause signal level fades to 20 dB. Modern system margin is usually sufficient to cope with such fades. The impulse response measurements at Atlanta did not reveal any delayed or distorted pulses that would indicate excessive multipath and frequency selective fading. However, slight distortion from taxiing aircraft at Chicago was observed. The implication of this detected distortion is reflected in the potential of a distorted asymmetrical frequency response within the 15 – 20 MHz passband of a microwave digital receiver.
Keywords: impulse response; microwave propagation; digital transmission; aircraft obstruction
To request a reprint of this report, contact:
Lilli Segre, Publications Officer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
(303) 497-3572
LSegre@ntia.gov
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.