A Tool for Beamforming and Real-Time Link Budget Analysis in Aeronautical Communications Using Kinematics

M Cenk Erturk,Yasin Aksan

doi:10.1155/2016/9153240

Abstract

Aeronautical Communication (AC) systems are likely to be a part of future tiered communication network structures. Therefore maintaining a robust AC link with a minimum power burden on the host platform has a critical importance. In this paper, we analyze the AC systems from a link budget analysis point of view and define the requirements for the parameters of link budget with an emphasize on antenna gains. First, we study the link budget analysis in an AC system. Then, we present a mathematical framework to provide an end-to-end link budget analysis utilizing the platform kinematics. Finally, we present the numerical results for typical AC scenarios and discuss that these results can be used for calculating the real-time link budget and electronic beamforming to provide a robust link.

Highlights

Introduction and MotivationAeronautical communications (AC) is an emerging area in which aeronautical platforms are considered as a part of the multitier network for future wireless communication systems
Programs led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and EUROCONTROL all include the aeronautical platforms as part of the multitier network [1, 2]
We present a set of snapshot scenarios that cover many possible environments and without sake of brevity; we continue our analytical analysis which leads to results that can be followed with geometrical verification as provided in Table 1.) Note that, θi,yawi,pitchi,rolli, φi,yawi,pitchi,rolli values are calculated with a precision of 2∘, that is, according to the antenna gain value outputs of Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio Suite to decrease the processing power

Summary

Introduction and Motivation

Aeronautical communications (AC) is an emerging area in which aeronautical platforms are considered as a part of the multitier network for future wireless communication systems. (2) Mathematical framework of mapping the AC platform positions and Euler data to the platform antenna angles can be used for electronic beamforming and/or mechanical beam steering algorithms, which provide a performance increase in AC systems in terms of link budget with increased gains and/or Doppler mitigation. Parameters that affect the AC system link budget can be summarized as follows: output power of PA, back-off value, transmit and receive antenna gains, transmitter/receiver side losses, rain losses, atmospheric losses, statistical losses due to multipath, polarization losses, carrier frequencies, communication distances, data rates, bandwidth, and noise figure. A directivity can be placed by electronic beamforming and/or mechanical beam steering according to positions and Euler angles of the aeronautical platforms This directivity will provide a higher transmitter and receiver antenna gain between platforms line-of-sight (LOS) and can provide a robust AC system link budget with additional link margins.

Numerical Analysis

Conclusion