Abstract
This paper presents the path loss model that seeks to predict the signal strength degradation of Radio Nigeria, FM station, Makurdi which is normally a major component in the analysis and design of link budget of a telecommunication system. For the purpose of this work, Benue state was divided into four (4) routes for ease of data gathering, namely northern, southern, eastern and western parts and a Potomac FIM-41 field strength meter was used to measure the signal strength of the FM signal at selected locations. The values obtained are compared with those computed from Basic Transmission Loss Model for consistency. The result shows that values obtained from the model are slightly higher than the measured and it returned ninety-five percent (95%) confidence interval for the two samples using degree of freedom of 22. A null hypothesis was applied and the measure of the level of significant difference between the model and measured values is 10.3%. The results present no significant difference between the model and measured data. It can therefore be concluded that the model is valid and can be used to estimate path losses of FM signals in Benue State of Nigeria.
Highlights
IntroductionPath loss (path attenuation) is the reduction in power density of an electromagnetic wave as it propagates through space
Path loss is the reduction in power density of an electromagnetic wave as it propagates through space
The FREQUENCY MODULATION (FM) band is chosen because majority of the radio stations being established in Nigeria operate in the FM band
Summary
Path loss (path attenuation) is the reduction in power density of an electromagnetic wave as it propagates through space. Path loss may be due to many effects, such as free space loss, refraction, diffraction, reflection, aperture-medium coupling loss and absorption. It can be influenced by terrain contours, environment (urban or rural, vegetation and foliage), propagation medium (dry or moist air), the distance between the transmitter and the receiver, and the height and location of antennas (Shalangwa, 2010 and Green, 2004). This paper aims at estimating path loss that causes signal strength degradation of Radio Nigeria Harvest FM station signals transmitted from Makurdi in Benue State. The FM band is chosen because majority of the radio stations being established in Nigeria operate in the FM band
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