Antenna scanning technique to improve troposcatter system performance

Abstract

This is a new technique proposed to improve the performance of a troposcatter system. In this technique, the transmitting or receiving antenna, or both, are continuously scanning the space to find the scattering volume that produces the optimal signal strength. The overall effect is to reduce both short-term and long-term fadings. It is equivalent to a combination of using selection angle diversity for short-term fast fading and increasing system margin for long-term slow fading, by picking up the best signal. An extensive experimental study is suggested.