Study of RF Propagation Losses in Homogeneous Brick and Concrete Walls using Analytical Frequency Dependent Models

Abstract

The prediction of wall losses is a fundamental aspect in the development of ultra-wideband throughthe-wall (TTW) detection systems. Accurate ultra-wideband signal attenuation prediction has always been very difficult due to a broad variety of building materials without the support of a sophisticated model. In this paper, the attenuation of different types of concrete and brick walls are estimated using the electromagnetic characteristics of building materials for frequencies from 1 to 5 GHz by two theoretical models based on the method of general solutions of wave equations using boundary conditions and the impedance transformation method or the method of transmission line analogy. This estimation will enable in the design of any ultra wideband through-the wall radar system.