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Signal Propagation and Path Loss Models: Lecture Outline

The document discusses various models for wireless signal propagation and path loss. It begins by introducing characteristics of signal propagation such as path loss, shadowing, and fading. It then covers the free space path loss model, ray tracing models including a two path model, a simplified path loss model, and empirical path loss models. The key models trade off complexity, accuracy, and ability to generalize versus being easier for analysis.

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24 views

Signal Propagation and Path Loss Models: Lecture Outline

The document discusses various models for wireless signal propagation and path loss. It begins by introducing characteristics of signal propagation such as path loss, shadowing, and fading. It then covers the free space path loss model, ray tracing models including a two path model, a simplified path loss model, and empirical path loss models. The key models trade off complexity, accuracy, and ability to generalize versus being easier for analysis.

Uploaded by

JagritiKumari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 2 - EE 359: Wireless Communications - Autumn 2014

Signal Propagation and Path Loss Models


Lecture Outline
Overview of Signal Propagation
Free Space Path Loss Model
Ray Tracing Path Loss Models
Simplified Path Loss Model
Empirical Path Loss Models (covered in ppt slides only, not on HW or exams)
1. Signal Propagation Characteristics:
Path loss: power falloff relative to distance
Shadowing: random fluctuations due to obstructions
Flat and frequency selective fading: caused by multipath
2. Transmitted and received signals:
Transmitted Signal:, with power Pt , is s(t) = <{u(t)ej(2fc t) } = sI (t) cos(2fc t + 0 )
sQ (t) sin(2fc t + 0 ), where u(t) = sI (t) + jsQ (t) is the complex baseband signal with bandwidth B, fc is the carrier frequency, and 0 is the initial phase. For simplicity we assume u(t)
real for propagation model analysis.
Received signal:r(t) = <{v(t)ej(2fc t) }, where v(t) = u(t)c(t) for c(t) the baseband channel
model.
Doppler frequency shift fD = (v/) cos() may also be introduced in the received signal
3. Free space path loss model:
Typically used for unobstructed LOS signal path.
Received signal is

u(t) Gl ej2d/ j(2fc t+0 )


e
}
r(t) = <{
4d

with received power

"

Pr = Pt

Gl
4d

#2

Power falls off proportional to the ratio of wavelength over distance squared. The inverse
frequency dependence is due to the effective aperture of the receiver.
Power falls off proportional to net antenna gain Gl .
Model not accurate for general environments.

4. Ray tracing approximation:


Represent wavefronts as simple particles.
Simplest models only determine reflections.
Scattering and defraction can also be included.
5. Two path model:
One LOS path, one reflected path.
At small distances, power falls off proportional to d2 (free space loss on both paths).
Above some critical distance dc , received power given by
"

Pr Pt

G l ht hr
d2

#2

Above dc , power falls off proportional to d4 and is independent of signal wavelength (frequency)
Model not generally accurate for cities or indoors.
6. General Ray Tracing:
Incorporates all signal components: reflections, scattering, and diffraction.
Reflected rays have power falloff proportional to d2 by free space path loss model. Scattered
and refracted rays have power falloff that depends on exact distance of scattering or refractive
object from transmitter and receiver.
If objects are more than a few wavelengths from receiver, typically neglect scattering and
refraction.
Most computer packages for channel simulation in indoor/outdoor environments use general
ray tracing for path loss.
Model requires detailed site information.
7. Simplified path loss model:
h

Capture main characteristics of ray tracing using simplified model Pr = Pt K dd0 , where K
is a constant factor (Pr (d0 )/Pt ), d0 is a reference distance, and is the path loss exponent.
Path loss exponent is function of carrier frequency, environment, obstructions, etc. Typically
ranges from 2 to 8 (at around 1 GHz).
Model captures main characteristics of ray tracing: good for high-level analysis.
8. Empirical Models:
Irregular terrain, like in cities, doesnt lend itself to simple analytical path loss models.
Empirical path loss models based on extensive measurements.
Okumura Model: Empirical model for irregular terrain.
Hata Model: Analytical approximation to Okumura model.

Cost 231 Extension to Hata Model: Extends Hata model to 2 GHZ and to lower mobile
antenna heights. Widely used in 2G simulations.
Piecewise linear models capture multiple slopes associated with path loss.
TGn Model: Developed by the IEEE Standards Body for 802.11n WiFi systems. Multiple
models for indoor and outdoor systems with different amounts of multipath. Path loss model
is free-space model up to a breakpoint, then a 3.5 path loss exponent. The breakpoint is
empirically-based.
Models have poor accuracy (15-20 dB STD error), especially in environments different from
those upon which the empirical models are based. Models capture phenomena missing from
analytical formulas but are typically awkward for analysis

Main Points
Path loss models simplify Maxwells equations. The models vary in complexity and accuracy.
Power fallof with distance is proportional to d2 in free space model, d4 in two path model.
General ray tracing requires detailed site specific information. Typically generated with computer
packages.
Main characteristics of ray tracing models captured in simplified path loss model.
Empirical models widely used to study cellular and WiFi performance via simulation. The models
are not very accurate, dont generalize well to other environments, and arent easy to analyze.

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