International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)

Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: [email protected], [email protected] Volume 3, Issue 2, February 2014 ISSN 2319 - 4847

Avoiding Security Breaches and Optimum Utilization of High Frequency Sky Wave Radio Communication for Tactical Forces
Vivek Tyagi 1, C N Khairnar2
1 JJT University, Jhunjhnu, Rajasthan, 333001, India Faculty of Communication Engineering, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Mhow, 453441, Indore (MP), India. Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), Sub Centre, Mhow, 453441, Indore (MP), India 2

Department of Basic Studies, Faculty of Communication Engineering, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Mhow, 453441, Indore (MP), India. Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), Sub Centre, Mhow, 453441, Indore (MP), India

ABSTRACT
The null in the vertical direction of rod antenna theoretically have negligible radiations and rules out sky wave communication. However practically it is observed that HF rod antenna transmits a sky wave component which is sufficient for long distance sky wave communication. This is a security hazard for forces operating in tactical battle area for security forces. It is therefore essential to study the radiation transmitted in null direction and block them. This paper describes fabrication of a block and field trial results for obtaining optimum results. This is helpful in optimally utilizing the increased range between rod and dipole antenna. It is possible incase user want to restrict the range due to security considerations. Keywords Null direction propagation, HF sky wave

communication, Tactical battle area, Mathematical model optimization, Hardware block.

radiation pattern, duplex communication,

1. INTRODUCTION
HF working in the frequency range of 3-30MHz is used for long distance communications and ionosphere plays an important part for reflecting these EM waves [1]. The sky waves are used to communicate over long ranges whereas the ground waves travel for a shorter distance as compared to the sky wave. Ionosphere plays an important part in the propagation of waves[2][3].During a communication trial it was often noticed that for the range of more than 250 km, a HF radio link was having both way communication with one end having dipole antenna and other end having the rod antenna. Based on the knowledge of antennas and radiation pattern of rod antenna, theoretically communication with each other should not be possible. This clearly indicated that some radio waves are getting transmitted in the null direction leading to communication between two ends. A need was therefore felt to analyze the radiation pattern and the emission in the null direction so that same can be controlled in order to prevent unintentional emission of radiation. HF radio sky wave communication is extensively used by security forces for tactical communication. This unintentional emission of radiation can be a security hazard if the same is used by armed forces for their operational tasks. The antennas radiate maximum power in the direction of main lobe and some negligible power in the other directions. In case of rod antenna, this negligible power in the null direction is sufficient enough to establish communication over extended ranges. The radiation parameters which were analyzed for the study of radiation pattern are its intensity, directivity, polarization, gain antenna efficiency, beam efficiency, input impedance and beam width. Depending upon these parameters the radiation pattern of an antenna shapes up and this behavior is well defined. Radiation pattern is also known in simpler terms as electromagnetic power distribution. Various parts of a radiation pattern are referred to as lobe, which are classified as major, minor, side and back lobes. These radiations travel from transmitter to receiver through different media as shown below in Fig. 1[4].

Fig 1 Modes of travel of HF radiations

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International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)

Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: [email protected], [email protected] Volume 3, Issue 2, February 2014 ISSN 2319 - 4847
The Fig. 1 above shows the various modes of propagation of HF radiations. In ground wave propagation the radiations are mainly in horizontal direction parallel to ground thereby leaving minimum radiations in vertical direction. Null direction is the zone where effective radiated power is negligible and has minimum directivity compared to the main lobe [5] [6]. The power output in the direction of null lobe is considered as negligible and thus it is ignored theoretically however the power emitted is strong enough to achieve the long distance communication through sky wave mode[7][8]. The analysis of radiations of various antennas can be carried out by simulation or by trials on ground. However external factors like noise, radiations present in atmosphere and other interferences will definitely have a bearing on the results. This helps in designing an antenna and obtaining optimum performance from a communication system. Various software both open and licensed version are available for simulation of radiation. Ultimately the aim is to design or fabricate antennas or attachments for desired radiation pattern over different frequency and ground conditions. The main focus of this paper is on blocking the unintended transmission of radiations in the sky wave direction which is creating a security hazard as loss of critical information held by security forces may take place. The users in ground wave mode can thereafter take measures to avoid the unintended transmission of various antennas specially rod and whip antennas.

2. OBJECTIVES
The null direction radiation pattern of HF antenna was analyzed with a view of blocking the unwanted radiations. Blocking and countermeasures in tactical HF sky wave communication will have a major breakthrough from security considerations. The objectives of this study, fabrication and trials are:a. Variables having bearing on the radiations in the null direction. b. Study of various factors like size, shape and thickness of block and its effect on blocking performance. c The position of the block and its optimum block performance. d. Design and fabrication of antenna radiation block. e. Trials using generally employed radio sets for security forces to verify the results.

3. ANTENNA RADIATION PATTERN VARIABLES

The radiation pattern of antenna is dependent on various variables and it can be studied and analyzed with the help of mathematical insight by details of electric field and magnetic field [1][2]. The near field and the far field effects can be analyzed by taking into account electric and the magnetic field parameters. For various values of x, y and z directions of the plot, the values of electric field and the magnetic field can be calculated. The various values obtained depict the structure of the radiation pattern in the ideal condition and can be analyzed to obtain the similarity with the simulated result. These parameters mentioned above will provide the values of the electric fields and magnetic fields in the ideal conditions and can be set as a benchmark for studying the simulation result. Material characteristics were studied and various parameters which affect their capability of blocking radiations was given the highest weightage [13]. Aspects which were considered are their mechanical characteristics for stability, sustainability and durability. The Material characteristics vary based on these parameters and are seen to influence the radiation pattern to a large extent. The material behavior will largely depend on these parameters variation. Keeping in view the various characteristics of these materials it was seen that block made up of Silicon and Beryllia has desired positive effect on the radiation pattern in the null direction. Both the materials are having more or less same materiel characteristics and this has major bearing on blocking of radiations [14]. Hence the above said materials can effectively block the radiations if placed at appropriate location and made up of appropriate size. Study of material characteristics reveals that the blocking performance is better in Beryllia and Silicon as compared to any other material[14][15]. For blocking antenna radiations in null direction, emitting from the antennas it is essential to have a block which can be removed if required. Thus the same were selected to be used so that efficient blocking of radiations from the antennas in the null direction can be done and unintentional emission of radiations can be avoided.

4. ANALYSIS OF RADIATION BLOCK

To begin fabricating design of antenna block, the experimental set up involved a rod antenna at the transmitter end on one side and wire dipole as receiver on the other side. The arrangement for experimental set up was done to evaluate the power transmitted at the near end and far end. Fig 2 below shows the experimental set up. The frequency of operation was kept at the midst of HF frequency range i.e. 14.5 MHz. Keeping in view the frequency the length of the wire dipole of 9.86m length was taken. The initial power output of the radio set was set at 25W. The length of rod antenna was set at 1 m and the distance of block from bottom of antenna was varied.

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International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)

Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: [email protected], [email protected] Volume 3, Issue 2, February 2014 ISSN 2319 - 4847

Fig 2 Modes of travel of HF radiations To measure the radiation emitted at transmitter end, an isotropic antenna was placed at a height of 1m vertically above the top of rod antenna. For measuring the radiation received at the receiver end, wire dipole antenna was placed at the far end. The readings were taken at both day and night to rule out the dependence of the behavior of location of block on variation ionosphere height. The experimental set initially was without block in place. Afterwards a circular disc of Beryllia of diameter 15 cm was taken and placed at a distance of x from bottom of the rod antenna. The power output of radio set received in null direction at a distance of 1m vertical from the top of rod antenna was measured. The block was moved from bottom to the top of the rod antenna. The behavior of power output in null direction as a function of distance of block from the bottom of rod antenna was observed. Table highlighting the readings indicates power outputs received in null direction at the near and far end. Distance of block was varied the variation of power received as position of block was noted at both the ends. As evident from the readings at Table 1, it can be clearly seen that at 70 cm from bottom, the block is most effective.

Table 1. Table depicting the optimum location of the block providing maximum blockage in null direction.

This is applicable for both transmitter and receiver end. The blocking efficacy is coinciding in near and far end as far as pattern is concerned. The next parameter checked was the size of the disc. For this other parameters were kept same and the the size of the disc was varied. The variation of power received at transmitter end can be seen to decrease with increase in size of block as visualized. The reading at Table 2 clearly justifies this. It is seen that although the effect of blocking is more as the size of disc increases but increasing the size beyond a limit will make the block and its carriage bulky and prone

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International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)

Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: [email protected], [email protected] Volume 3, Issue 2, February 2014 ISSN 2319 - 4847
prone to damages. Optimum size of disc is 15 cm. as the bulkiness of disc creates difficulty in actual handling of radio set; set; it is prudent to arrive at optimum size. Table 2 Variation of power output received at transmitter and receiver end for various sizes of disc.

The next is to find out the optimum shape of the block. Although keeping in view the radiation pattern shape at the main lobe and in null direction, it is apparent that for an antenna of homogeneous diameter the torus shaped pattern can be blocked by circular shaped block. However to ascertain the fact various shapes were taken of similar area (equivalent to disc of size 15cm) at a distance of 70 cm from the bottom of the rod antenna. The results are in consonance with the predictions. Table 3 depicts that a circular shape is best suited for blocking the radiations in null direction at the transmitter

Table 3 Effect of shape of block at near and far end.

The next trial was carried out to determine the effect of thickness on the blockage behavior of the block. The disc of 15 cm size was used at a distance of 70 cm from the bottom of the rod antenna. Keeping all other parameters like frequency and length of wire dipole fixed, the thickness of the disc was varied and its effect on blockage of radiation was observed. For this 0.1 mm thickness discs were taken and were placed in increasing order to increase the thickness of the circular disc. The readings indicates that although there is increase in the blocking efficiency with increase in thickness but this is not remarkable and results in increase in weight of the block thereby making the block unstable and wobbly[16]. Table 4. Effect of thickness of block at both ends.

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International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)

Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: [email protected], [email protected] Volume 3, Issue 2, February 2014 ISSN 2319 - 4847
Table 4 brings out the effect of thickness of the block on blocking efficiency. The above study and trials indicate that a circular disc at a distance of 70 cm from the bottom of the rod antenna with thickness up to 0.3 mm is best suited for blocking unintended radiations in null direction. This block can be modified to have variable diameter so that it can be fitted on any diameter rod. Also the block can be made collapsible so that it can reduce in size when it is to be carried. The results obtained with Beryllia and Silicon discs of optimum size i.e. 15 cm diameter and 0.3 mm thickness at 70 cm from the bottom of the rod antenna are given at Fig 3.

Fig 3. Comparison of blocking performance of Beryllia and silicon discs with parameters as indicated. There are two advantages taken from the study and fabrication of the antenna block. First advantage is to get longer ranges on rod antenna using sky wave with same power transmission. This is not explored by most of the radio manufacturers and they only bank on increasing power output. Secondly this study will assist in securing radio communication without using a secrecy device thereby maintaining the range and avoid spill over in undesired direction [12].

5. CONCLUSIONS
The phenomenon of null direction propagation of HF radiations using sky wave mode was studied. This helped in understanding of null direction radiation pattern of rod antenna. The fabrication and trials of the block made helped in eliminating the unintentional emission of radiation and also prevents loss of information. The future study may result in reducing and eliminating the skip zone thereby increasing the range of tactical communication over HF thus helping in enhancing the range. Moreover now it is known to the communicator fraternity that sky wave and ground wave antennas can co work at extended ranges. The same can be utilized articulately during planning and design of communication systems. More studies can be done to reduce the size of the block achieving the same blocking efficiency. Also diverting the null direction radiation into main lobe thereby increasing the output of the antenna can be other field to work on.

References
[1] JD Kraus, Ronald J Marhefka and Ahmad S Khan, Antenna for all Applications, McGraw Hill Publishing Company, Third Edition, 2008. [2] B Rama Rao,David N Jones and Patrick S Debroux, Resistivity Tapered Wideband and High Frequency Antennas for Tactical Communication, DOI 0-7803-0745 -4/92, 1992 IEEE, PP 271-279. [3] Alaknanda Paul, HF Broadcast Transmitting Antenna, DOI CH 2563-5/88/0000-1327, 1988 IEEE, PP 1327-1330. [4] Schmidt RO, Multiple emitter location and signal parameter estimation, IEEE Transaction on Antennas and Propagation, Vol AP-34,No 3, Mar 1986, PP 276-280. [5] GE Barker, Measurement of the radiation patterns of full scale HF and VHF antennas, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol AP-21, No 4,Jul 1973, PP 538-544. [6] J KBreakall, JS Young, G H Hagn, RW Adler, DL Faust and DH Werner, The modeling and measurement of HF Antenna Sky wave Radiation patterns in Irregular Terrain, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol 42,No 07,Jul 1994, PP 936945. [7] V V Liepa, Numerical approach for predicting radiation patterns of HF-VHF antennas over irregular terrain, IEEE Transaction on Antennas and Propagation, Vol AP-16, Mar 1968, PP 273-274. [8] G J Burke, A Geometrical Optics model for Skywave Radiation from Antennas in irregular terrain, DOI 91CH3036-1/00001390, 1991IEEE, PP 1390-1393.

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International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)

Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: [email protected], [email protected] Volume 3, Issue 2, February 2014 ISSN 2319 - 4847
[9] B M Kolundzija, Effect of a wire end in thin wire analysis, DOI CH2563-5/88/0000-0843, 1988, IEEE in AP-S Digest, Vol 2, 1988, PP 843-846. [10] KorkutYegin and Anthony Q Martin, On the Design of broad-band loaded wire antennas using the simplified real frequency technique and a generic algorithm, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol 51,No2 Feb2003, PP 220-228. [11] Jarmo T Alander, Lyudmila a Zinchenko and Sergery N Sorokin, Comparison of Fitness landscapes for Evolution Design of Dipoles Antennas, IEEE Transaction on Antennas and Propagation, Vol 52,No 11, Nov 2004, PP 2932-3139. [12] KH Wu and M Daigle, Performance of adaptive Antennas in the presence of sky wave Multipath Propagation,DOI O-78034506-1/98, IEEE 1988, PP 307-312. [13] VivekTyagi and C N Khairnar, Null Direction Propagation of Antenna and Counter Measures in Tactical High frequency sky Wave Communications ICCSE 2012, ISBN: 978-93-81583-48-7, PP 67-71. [14] Sazegar M, Y Zheng, Maune H, Damm C, XZhou, Binder J,Jakoby R,Low-Cost Phased-Array Antenna Using Compact Tunable Phase Shifters Based on Ferroelectric Ceramics, DOI10.1109/ TMTT.2010.2103092, IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society,Vol59, May 2011, No 5, PP 1265 1273. [15] Hettak K, DelisleGY,Tardif S,Morin GA, Stubbs MG, A novel wideband Chebychev tapered slot antenna using broadband CPW to slotline transition, DOI10.1109/ APS.2008.4620052, IEEE AP-S Jul 2008, PP1 4. [16] Hutchings DA, El-Shenawee M, Fabrication of broadband MEMS antennas and application to target detection, DOI10.1109/APS.2010.5561846, Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium (APSURSI), Sep 2010 IEEE, PP1 4. [17] Jiang H, Patterson M, Zhang C, Brown D, Subramanyam G, Miniaturized and reconfigurable CPW square-ring slot antenna using thin film varactor technology, DOI 10.1109/ MWSYM.2011 .5973543, Microwave Symposium Digest (MTT), Jun 2011 IEEE MTT-S International, PP1, ISSN0149-645X. [18] Akiba S, Oishi M, Matsuno H, Effects of chromatic dispersion on RF power feeding to array antennas through fiber, DOI10.1109/ OECC.2012.6276707, Opto-Electronics and Communications Conference (OECC), Jul 2012 17th, PP 323 324. [19] VivekTyagi and C N Khairnar, Counter Measures for Null Direction Propagation of Antennas in Tactical High Frequency Sky Wave Communication IJAIEM Jan 2013, Vol 2, Issue 1, ISSN 2319-4847, PP 310-316.

AUTHOR
Vivek Tyagi received the B.Tech degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, in 1997 and M.Tech degree in Telecommunication and System Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, in 2001. He has been actively associated with defence communication since 1989. He was instrumental in planning and implementation of pan India network for Army. He was involved in various research projects at MCTE (Military College of Telecommunication Engineering) at Mhow, Indore. He was part of design and policy making committee for EMI/EMC standards for interconnects in a circuit. He has guided a number of B. Tech and M.Tech projects while at MCTE. He actively participated in tactical areas to ascertain field performance of communication equipment specially HF radio in mountains. He is presently with communication planning division for defense at Lucknow. His areas of interest are wireless communication , Error Control coding and EMI/EMC. C N Khairnar is currently serving in the Faculty of Communication Engineering, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow (M.P). He received his Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics), from Pune University and Master of Technology (Electronics), from Visvesvaraya Regional Engineering College (Now VNIT), Nagpur. He is Ph.D. in the field of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. He has about 20 years experience of academic institutions and industry. His areas of interest are Low-power mobile computing, Software Defined Radios and Cognitive Radios.

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