Ionospheric Radio Wave Propagation

This introductory text replaces two earlier publications (Davies 1965, 1969). Among the topics: characteristics of waves and plasma, the solar-terrestrial system, the Appleton formula, radio soundings of the ionosphere, morphology of the ionosphere, oblique propagation, importance of amplitude and phase, earth-space propagation. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This completely updated second edition of an Artech House classic provides a thorough introduction to the basic principles of electromagnetic wave propagation of radio frequencies in real-world conditions, fully updated by including new achievements in theory and technology. It serves as an invaluable daily reference for practitioners in the field and as a complete, organized text on the subject. This comprehensive resource covers a wide range of essential topics, from the classification of radio waves, electromagnetic wave theory, and antennas for RF radio links, to the impact of the earth surface on the propagation of ground waves, atmospheric affects in radio wave propagation, and radio wave reception. The book explores the propagation of the ground radio waves, namely the waves that propagate in vicinity of the earth's surface (e.g., guided by that interface), without involvement of any atmospheric effects. Specifics of the high-frequency (HF) radio propagation due to reflections from ionospheric layers is studied, based on commonly used models of the ionospheric vertical profiles. Scattering of the radio waves of UHF and higher frequency bands from the random variations of the tropospheric refraction index (from tiny air turbulences) are also considered by using the principles of statistical radio-physics. Analysis of propagation conditions on real propagation paths, including analysis of the power budget of the VHF/UHF link to assure its stability (percentage of availability within observation time frame), terrestrial, broadcast, mobile, and satellite RF links are presented. The engineering design of the cellular networks, including LTE 4G, 5G and upcoming higher generations is explored. HF propagation predictions for extremely long-range links design for commercial and military applications are explained. Packed with examples and problems, this book provides a theoretical background for astrophysical, aeronomy and geophysical instrumentation design.

An account of the theory of radio waves in the ionosphere and magnetosphere.

First published in 1961, this book gives the full mathematical theory of the propagation of radio waves in the ionosphere and their reflection from it. It is complementary to J. A. Ratcliffe's books The Magneto-ionic Theory, which concentrates on the physical principles involved, since Dr Budden gives the mathematical development of many topics mentioned by Ratcliffe. The book will serve as a textbook for those comparatively new to the subject and as a reference book for practising engineers and research workers in the field of radio communication, for whom an understanding of the mathematical methods is important in solving practical problems.

An accessible student-oriented approach to radiowave propagation Propagation-the process whereby a signal is conveyed between transmitter and receiver-has a profound influence on communication systems design. Radiowave Propagation provides an overview of the physical mechanisms that govern electromagnetic wave propagation in the Earth's troposphere and ionosphere. Developed in conjunction with a graduate-level wave propagation course at The Ohio State University, this text offers a balance of physical and empirical models to provide basic physical insight as well as practical methods for system design. Beginning with discussions of propagation media properties, plane waves, and antenna and system concepts, successive chapters consider the most important wave propagation mechanisms for frequencies ranging from LF up to the millimeter wave range, including: Direct line-of-sight propagation through the atmosphere Rain attenuation The basic theory of reflection and refraction at material interfaces and in the Earth's atmosphere Reflection, refraction, and diffraction analysis in microwave link design for a specified terrain profile Empirical path loss models for point-to-point ground links Statistical fading models Standard techniques for prediction of ground wave propagation Ionospheric propagation, with emphasis on the skywave mechanism at MF and HF and on ionospheric perturbations for Earth-space links at VHF and higher frequencies A survey of other propagation mechanisms, including tropospheric scatter, meteor scatter, and propagation effects on GPS systems Radiowave Propagation incorporates fundamental materials to help senior undergraduate and graduate engineering students review and strengthen electromagnetic physics skills as well as the most current empirical methods recommended by the International Telecommunication Union. This book can also serve as a valuable teaching and reference text for engineers working with wireless communication, radar, or remote sensing systems.