Radio Propagation

July 5, 2017
Three Basic Propagation Mechanism
Reflection
When a propagating electromagnetic waves impinges upon an object which
has very large dimensions when compared to the wavelength of the
propagating wave.
Surface of the earth and from buildings and walls.
Diffraction
When the radio path between the transmitter and receiver is obstructed by a
surface that has sharp irregularities (edges)
Scattering
When the medium through which the wave travels consists of objects with
dimensions that are small compared to the wavelength
Rough surfaces, small objects, street signs and lamp post
Plane Wave Propagation
Maxwells equation

= and =

In component form

= =

x
= =

0= 0=

Plane Wave Propagation
2 2
= 2
2
Which has a general solution

= 1 + 2 +

Where
1
=

Which is the velocity of light for the medium.
Plane Wave Propagation
Velocity of Light for free space?
1
= =c

For a medium with relative permittivity and relative permeability
, the velocity of the plane wave is then

=

Plane Wave Propagation
The equation can be interpreted as a wave propagating with the
velocity v in the positive z direction, and the second wave propagating
with the same velocity in the negative z direction. That is,

+ = 1 , = 2 +

Then
+
= + + =

Where

=

Plane Wave Propagation

= 120

2 2
=
2 2

= 3 + 4 + =+ +

+
= +

+ +
= = , = =
+ +
Plane Wave Propagation
Plane Wave Propagation

Sinusoidal Wave , = sin

Replacing time derivative with j

=


=

One dimensional Helmhotz Equation!
2 2
2
=

Plane Wave Propagation
= 1 + 2

=

Wavelength is defined as the distance the wave propagates in one
period
= 2
Plane Wave Propagation
Thus

= for a free space wavelength =

Refractive index n

= =

Reflection from Dielectrics
Perfect (lossless) dielectric
=
If lossy =

=
2
Fresnel Reflection Coefficient ()
Function of the material properties. It depends on the wave
Polarization, angle of incidence, and the frequency of the propagating
wave.
Recall:

1 2 1
= =
1+ 2 + 1
Fresnel Reflection Coefficient ()

Snells Law

sin 2 1 2 1
= = =
sin 1 2 1 2
Fresnel Reflection Coefficient ()
Plane of Incidence the plane containing,
incident, reflected and transmitted rays

is parallel with the plane of incidence or

normal with respect to the reflecting
surface. VERTICAL POLARIZATION

is perpendicular to the plane of incidence

or parallel to the reflecting surface.
HORIZONTAL POLARIZATION
Fresnel Reflection Coefficient ()

Snells Law
Fresnel Reflection Coefficient ()