| Abstract: | A rain compensation algorithm (RCA) has been developed for use in the advanced communications technology satellite (ACTS) mobile terminal (AMT) system. The basic goal of the RCA is to control the transmitted data rates (9·6, 4·8 or 2·4 kbps) in the forward and return links so that a 3 dB link margin is maintained at the highest possible transmitted data rate. In this paper, analyses of both theoretical and practical issues relating to the RCA are presented. In addition, sample simulations of a one-dimensional version of the RCA at the MT are presented which illustrate typical RCA performance using both simulated and recorded pilot fade field data. It is found that with suitable post-processing, the RCA can provide reasonable (conservative) data rate estimates without making excessive data rate changes, i.e., data rate change fluctuations. It is anticipated that the results presented here will not only be useful for the eventual operation of the RCA, but more generally will be useful in the design and operation of other rain compensation techniques for K/Ka-band communication systems. |
