Ground-Wave Analysis Model for MF Broadcast Systems

摘要

An automated analysis model is presented for the prediction of system performance of communications circuits that use the ground wave as the primary mode of propagation. The computer program Ground Wave for Voice of America (GWVOA) is a user-friendly program that can predict propagation loss, electric field strength, received power, noise, received signal-to-noise power ratio, and antenna factors over lossy Earth. The smooth-Earth and irregular-Earth propagation loss prediction methods can be used over either homogeneous or mixed paths. A special antenna algorithm is integrated into the computer program for rapid prediction of antenna performance as a function of antenna geometry, ground constants, frequency, and azimuthal direction for a variety of antennas. A description of the computer program GWVOA, a discussion of its capabilities, instructions for its use, and illustrative sample calculations are included in the report.