Channel Characteristics for Fixed and Portable DTV Reception in a Single Frequency Network

Abstract

This paper presents the propagation channel characteristics of a digital TV single-frequency network (SFN) obtained by carrying out field measurements using two synchronized transmitters. The measurements are performed at 31 reception points using both a directive reception antenna, which is typical of fixed reception scenarios, and an omnidirectional antenna, which is used to receive mobile signals. The characteristic parameters of the channel are obtained, including the average delay, the root mean square (RMS) delay spread, and the Rician K-factor, which are important for the design of SFN systems. An empirical expression is obtained for the prediction of the RMS delay spread as a function of the K factor and the distances to the transmission antennas.