A comparison of specific space diversity techniques for reduction of fast fading in UHF mobile radio systems

Over the past few years a variety of space diversity system techniques have been considered for the purpose of reducing the rapid fading encountered in microwave mobile radio systems. Basic diversity methods are first reviewed in the framework of mobile propagation effects, and then specific techniques are compared from the standpoint of transmitter power required to achieve a certain performance. Criteria of comparison used included baseband SNR while moving and reliability when the vehicle stops at random. System parameters are type and order of diversity and transmission bandwidth. Tradeoffs between performance properties and system parameters are indicated. The calculations show that relatively modest use of diversity techniques can afford savings in transmitter power of 10-20 dB. For example, at a range of 2 mi, to obtain 30-dB baseband SNR while moving and 99.9-percent reliability when stopped requires a transmitted power of 8 W for a conventional FM system with no diversity. Two-branch selection diversity provides the same performance for a transmitter power of only 300 mW.