Introduction to Radio Frequency Propagation

Presenter: Dr Mike Ryan

7-8 May 2024 | 5-6 Dec 2024

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Duration: 2 Days | Price: $1,980

 

Course Aim

This two-day Introduction to Radio Frequency Propagation course introduces the fundamentals of radio frequency (RF) propagation in an easy-to-understand way.  After covering a number of basic building blocks, the course covers the major modes of RF propagation: ground wave (space wave and ground-reflected wave), surface wave, skywave, and scattered wave. The nature of each mode is explained, as is the associated propagation mechanisms, appropriate planning approaches, and applications. Understanding of each of the modes is facilitated by examples and exercises. No technical or engineering expertise is required.

Course Outline

Introduction: Fundamentals of Signals | Reflection, Refraction, Dispersion | Electromagnetic Spectrum | Major Communications Frequency Bands | The Atmosphere | The Sun | Electromagnetic Waves | Polarisation | Noise | Decibels | History of Radio Communications | Categorisation of RF Propagation

Ground Wave: Isotropic radiation | Space waves | Radio Path Loss (RPL) | Radio Path Capability (RPC) | The Troposphere | k factor | Path Profile Paper | Abnormal Refraction | Ducting | Free-space Loss | Reflection Loss | Diffraction Loss | Clutter Loss | Atmospheric Loss | RPC Examples | Path Profile Analysis Examples | RF Propagation in the Satellite Channel | Mobile Communications Path Analysis and Examples | Mobile Satellite RF Channel

Surface Wave: Mode of Propagation | Conductivity | Tilting | Range | Sub-sea Propagation | Applications and Examples

Sky Wave: The Ionosphere | Propagation Mechanism | Skip Distance | Actual/Virtual Height | Factors affecting Skywave Range | Critical Frequency / MUF / OWF / LUF | Propagation variation | Frequency Planning | Ionospheric Prediction | Ionosonde | Link Planning | Sunspot Cycle | Magnetic Storms | Sporadic E | Applications and Examples

Scattered Wave: Troposcatter / Planning / Path Loss / Diversity / Applications | Ionospheric Scatter / Propagation Mechanism / Applications | Meteor Burst Communication (MBC) / Propagation Mechanism / Applications and Examples

Antennas for Propagation Modes: Gain and Bandwidth | Dipoles and Monopoles | Antenna Patterns | HF Surface Wave and Skywave Antennas | VHF and UHF Antennas | Satellite Communications Antennas | Array Antennas

Course Material

The following resources will be provided to attendees of this course:

  1. A PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentations used for the course.

  2. A PDF copy of exercise solutions.