Digital signal transmission characteristics in maritime satellite communications

Abstract

AbstractDigital signal transmission will be used widely in the future mobile satellite communication system to realize an efficient operation of the system and to provide diversified service. In the global mobile satellite communication system, such as maritime and aeronautical communications where a wide service area is required, the influence of the multipath fading due to sea surface reflection at low elevation angle on the digital signal transmission characteristics is a particular problem.This paper deals with the application of the digital transmission system to the INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite Organization), which provides the international maritime satellite communication service. The configuration of the digital maritime satellite communication system, which was developed for experimental purpose, as well as the result of analysis of the digital signal transmission characteristics in the low‐elevation maritime communication experiment, are presented.Based on the result of field experiment, the required power margin for low elevation operation is evaluated, and a means to secure a high‐quality communication is discussed. Thus, a guideline is presented for the digital transmission system design in mobile satellite communication, affected by the sea surface multipath fading.