Ham Radio Propagation Explained

Radio Propagation Explained

Introduction to Antennas and RF Propagation Analysis

This practical text gives engineers and technicians at all levels an easy-to-follow entry point into the subject of RF/EM wave propagation and antennas. While aimed primarily at those who are entering the field or transitioning from a related field, the book also helps experienced professionals obtain a more refined understanding of the various methodologies and processes in this area. The book covers the essentials, practices, technical details, and considerations needed to help a team of engineers design, install, and/or predict the technical performance of a new (or even existing) one-way, two-antenna (long radiating distance) RF communication system. The chapters are organized logically to walk you step by step through the application processes, showing you proven methods to bring about top performance, while also helping you factor in unanticipated variances, including those caused by the earth itself, earth’s gaseous atmosphere, rain, snow, hail, ice, ionospheric signal attenuation, and EM waves. This kind of understanding and consideration saves time, money, and much frustration in a project. With this book in hand, you will better understand RF/EM wave propagation and the technical vernacular used to describe it; become familiar with the various processes and considerations in analyzing, designing, and predicting the performance of new and existing antenna RF communications systems; and more confidently approach problem solving and possible solutions for reducing signal interference and loss. The chapter contents, while not sparing the reader exposure to radiated RF system design and analysis terminology, are written in a relaxed, conversational tone and easy-to-understand manner, making this a perfect learning tool for those entering or transitioning to this field, as well as an excellent supplement or foundational text for an instructional course. The book’s logically organized and easy-to-access chapter structure also facilitates its use as a bench reference for quick lookup or review.

Introduction to RF Propagation

An introduction to RF propagation that spans all wireless applications This book provides readers with a solid understanding of the concepts involved in the propagation of electromagnetic waves and of the commonly used modeling techniques. While many books cover RF propagation, most are geared to cellular telephone systems and, therefore, are limited in scope. This title is comprehensive-it treats the growing number of wireless applications that range well beyond the mobile telecommunications industry, including radar and satellite communications. The author's straightforward, clear style makes it easy for readers to gain the necessary background in electromagnetics, communication theory, and probability, so they can advance to propagation models for near-earth, indoor, and earth-space propagation. Critical topics that readers would otherwise have to search a number of resources to find are included: * RF safety chapter provides a concise presentation of FCC recommendations, including application examples, and prepares readers to work with real-world propagating systems * Antenna chapter provides an introduction to a wide variety of antennas and techniques for antenna analysis, including a detailed treatment of antenna polarization and axial ratio; the chapter contains a set of curves that permit readers to estimate polarization loss due to axial ratio mismatch between transmitting and receiving antennas without performing detailed calculations * Atmospheric effects chapter provides curves of typical atmospheric loss, so that expected loss can be determined easily * Rain attenuation chapter features a summary of how to apply the ITU and Crane rain models * Satellite communication chapter provides the details of earth-space propagation analysis including rain attenuation, atmospheric absorption, path length determination and noise temperature determination Examples of widely used models provide all the details and information needed to allow readers to apply the models with confidence. References, provided throughout the book, enable readers to explore particular topics in greater depth. Additionally, an accompanying Wiley ftp site provides supporting MathCad files for select figures in the book. With its emphasis on fundamentals, detailed examples, and comprehensive coverage of models and applications, this is an excellent text for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students, or for the practicing engineer who needs to develop an understanding of propagation phenomena.