Effect of Weather Condition on QoCS Beam of Downlink Microwave Radio Signals for High-Definition Digital Terrestrial Link over Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

High-Definition Digital Terrestrial Television (HDDTT) replaces analogue, requiring further research on propagation links due to atmospheric variables potentially disrupting signals during uplink and downlink reception. This study examines the impact of surface meteorological parameters on the downlink Receive Signal Strength (RSS) of an HDDTT station in a tropical location-Abuja, Nigeria. The impact of k-factor, Radio Refractivity (RaR), refractivity gradient, and Radio Horizon distance (dRH) on HDDTT RSS are also investigated. The assessments were based on an experimental setup over 12-months (Jan.-Dec., 2020). The RSS link values showed strong negative correlations with temperature, pressure, and water vapor during the day, while weak negative correlations were observed with relative humidity. A very weak correlation was also observed between RSS link and RaR, which implies a significant influence of RaR on the RSS under clear weather. With average peak and lowest values of about 364.73 and 271.91 (N-units), respectively, RaR values are slightly higher during the rainy periods, with the dry component accounts for more than 69.70% of the total values. The mean monthly k-factor and dRH are 1.39 and 133.17 km, respectively. This information will assist radio engineers in enhancing HDDTT broadcast signals, ensuring high-quality service, and fostering customer service agreements.

Index Terms
HDTTT; Microwave propagation; QoCS of Downlink link; Weather variables.