DVB-T2 MISO field measurements and a calibrated coverage gain predictor

The second generation digital terrestrial broadcasting system developed by the DVB Project (DVB-T2) has been deployed in several countries around the world. Besides offering highly efficient forward error correction and modulation schemes, DVB-T2 is the first broadcasting standard introducing MISO (Multiple Input, Single Output) algorithms. However, the potential gain of MISO has so far been predicted using simulations only. Based on the measurement data generated by the DVB-T2 field trial in northern Germany, we evaluated the actual MISO gain in a realistic environment. Based on the results, we built a sophisticated predictor that is able to predict the achievable gain of MISO within the desired coverage area. Since this potential gain is dependent on the applied transmission parameter set, the parameters of the developed predictor optimized for individual transmission parameter set (including forward error correction and modulation mode). Through validation with additional test data, we examined the precision of the predictor.