Science Journal of Physics
August 2012, Volume 2012, ISSN:2276-6367
© Author(s) 2012. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research Article
Standardization of attenuation formula for radio waves propagation through free space (LOS) communication links
Author: Alade Olusope Michael
Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,
P.M.B.4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Accepted 17 May 2012; Available Online 13 August 2012
doi: 10.7237/sjp/281
Abstract:
This article presents the review and derivation of new attenuation formula for the radio waves propagation in free space communication links, based on the existing radio propagation loss formula for the same links. The new and existing formulas are computed numerically and validated by experimental measurements of the free space propagation loss characteristics of 92.1MHz radio wave propagating at 2.5kW from the transmitter antenna as the receiving antenna is moved away every 1km from the transmitting antenna up to about 64km. The two formulas correlate very well (R2 value = 1), but the root mean square error (rmse) between the two formulas is ~0.11%. Also, the formulas show good correlation (R2 value~0.81) respectively with the measurements, but rmse of the new and existing formulas when compared with the measurements are ~0.27% and ~0.38% respectively. It is evident in this study that the new formula, as well as the existing formula, can also be employed to determine the propagation loss of the radio
Keyword: Line of Sight, Free Space, Attenuation, Formula, and Radio propagation.