Statistical model of signal strength imbalance between RF channels in DTT network

Abstract

Proposed is a model for the received signal strength imbalance between radio frequency (RF) channels in the UHF band. The model is fitted to field measurements carried out in the commercial DVB-T (digital terrestrial broadcasting) network of Sweden. Analysis of the measurement data reveals large differences in the received signal strength between channels according to the reception scenario and the frequency spacing. The model presented is a valuable tool to investigate the potential network planning gains of time-frequency slicing, a technique that was described in the DVB-T2 standard and that will be included in the future DVB-NGH (next generation handheld) standard for improved frequency diversity.