Research and Modeling of Digital Antenna Arrays with Directional Elements on Azimuth-Elevation in VHF Terrain and Vegetation Multipath Propagation Situations

Abstract

Abstract In the paper the problem of using digital antenna arrays equipped with dipole and directive elements simultaneously in the azimuthal and elevation planes is discussed. In particular, they are investigated for communication channels of the VHF range below 1 GHz. This range is characterized by the fact that it has found wide distribution. However, its application is fraught with many difficulties, such as attenuation, reflection from rough surfaces, etc. One of the solutions to these problems can be azimuth-elevation digital beamforming. The paper presents the simulation results for the propagation of signals in the VHF range in free space, two-ray ground-reflection and foliage models. It is assumed that a symmetrical dipole is used on the transmitting side, and a directional Yagi antenna on the receiving digital antenna array (DAA) also equipped with a dipole. The circular (CAA) and hemi-dodecahedron shapes of the arrangement of elements of the receiving digital antenna array are simulated. The bit error rates (BER) depending on the distance between the transmitter and the receiver are estimated for the three above mentioned cases.