NTIA Report TR-86-203

Ground-wave Analysis Model for MF Broadcast Systems

September 1986

Nicholas DeMinco

Abstract: 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 this report.

Keywords: ground-wave antenna model; ground-wave propagation; irregular terrain; lossy Earth; MF propagation; mixed path; smooth Earth; surface waves

• Title Page; Table of Contents; List of Figures; List of Tables

• Chapter 1, Introduction and Background; Chapter 2, The System Performance Prediction Program GWVOA; Chapter 3, A User's Guide to Program GWVOA

• Chapter 4, Sample Sessions with Program GWVOA, Example 1

• Chapter 4, Example 2

• Chapter 4, Example 3

• Chapter 4, Example 4

• Chapter 4, Example 5

• Chapter 5, Conclusions; Chapter 6, Acknowledgment; Chapter 7, References; Bibliographic Data Sheet

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software are identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

To request a reprint of this report, contact:
Margaret Luebs, Publications Officer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 746-6672
info@its.bldrdoc.gov

For technical information concerning this report, contact:
Nick DeMinco, Electronics Engineer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 497-3660
ndeminco@its.bldrdoc.gov