Message Receipt Probabilities.

摘要

A method for evaluating digital communication systems performance is given. This method involves calculating the probability that a formatted message transmitted by the system is correctly received. Communication systems which employ radio wave propagation are susceptible to degradation of the propagated signal. Degradation of the signal occurs even in normal conditions because of various disturbances to the medium through which the signal passes. Nuclear detonation, far more so, produce severe disturbances. There are mathematical models incorporated in computer codes which assist in rapid calculation of various quantities used to describe degradation. These quantities include: signal absorption and signal to noise ratio. For the commander, these quantities do not answer the main question which is will the system perform its mission. This report is an attempt to bridge the gap between the output of the system codes and the data required for command decisions. To do this, the probability of receiving a correct message is calculated. This message probability is an easily understood measure of system performance upon which command decisions can be based.