Empirical Path Loss Model for Terestrial Broadcast Application in UHF Band in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract:
Path loss prediction models are an essential for proper planning, appropriate design and coverage determination in the broadcast frequency band. Propagation path loss models are very much useful mathematical tools to calculate signal attenuation and it can also be used as a controlling factor for the system performance and coverage. In this paper, the study adapted an empirical path loss model for terrestrial broadcast application in Ultra High-Frequency Band in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria by quantitatively measuring the signal level of the signal. The signal levels of transmitting signal were taken along three radial routes from the transmitting station using digital signal level meter and the corresponding distances were also measured using Global positioning system. The measurement results were compared with path loss prediction of four widely used empirical path loss models. The results obtained show that Free space model gave a more accurate prediction for path loss in Abuja City after modification with the correction factor average of - 48.3460 and Root Mean Square Error of 10.9356 dB. Therefore, it is important that collection of data for signal field strength used for path loss estimations should be taken in all seasons of the year in order to have accurate model that is suitable for Abuja environ.
