RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION

Topics: Behavior of waves Modes of transmitting radio waves (Propagation Models)

Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction

O These three properties are shared by light

and radio waves

Reflection
O Reflection of waves from a smooth surface

(specular reflection) results in the angle of reflection being equal to the angle of incidence

Other Types of Reflection

Corner reflector

Parabolic reflector

Diffuse Reflection

Refraction
O A transition from one

medium to another results in the bending of radio waves, just as it does with light O Snells Law governs the behavior of electromagnetic waves being refracted:
n1 sinU1 ! n2 sinU 2

Diffraction
O As a result of diffraction,

electromagnetic waves can appear to go around corners O Diffraction is more apparent when the object has sharp edges, that is when the dimensions are small in comparison to the wavelength

Propagation Models
O Propagation: How radio waves travel from point A to point B;

and the events occurring in the transmission path that affect the communications between the points, stations, or operators. O When the electrons in a conductor, (antenna wire) are made to oscillate back and forth, Electromagnetic Waves (EM waves) are produced.
O These waves radiate outwards from the source at the speed of

light, 300 million meters per second.

O Light waves (waves we see) and radio waves (waves we

hear)are both EM waves, differing only in frequency and wavelength.

THE IONOSPHERE

Propagation Models
O Ground Wave Propagation O Space Wave Propagation

Direct Wave 2. Reflected Wave

1.

O Sky Wave Propagation O Satellite Communication (SAT COM)

Direct Wave & Reflected Wave

Sky Wave Propagation

MF, HF CRITICAL FREQUENCIES

Fading

Ducting
O Under certain conditions, especially over

water, a superrefractive layer can form in the troposphere and return signals to earth O The signals can then propagate over long distances by alternately reflecting from the earth and refracting from the superrefractive layer O A related condition involves a thin tropospheric layer with a high refractive index, so that a duct forms

Ducting

Indoor Propagation

Outdoor Propagation

Thank You!
Prepared by Edward Mishael S. Dela Cruz