Design parameter analysis for ATSC 1.0 single frequency networks based on receiver multipath handling performance

This work proposes suitable network configurations for single frequency networks (SFNs) with ATSC 1.0 based on network coverage calculations and the laboratory multipath handling performance of commercial receivers. SFNs are widely used for delivering terrestrial digital television services because of their efficient use of the spectrum. In Mexico the analogue television transmissions switch-off occurred on 31 December 2016. Thus it is expected the adopted ATSC 1.0 system will be in force for the next several years despite the recent standardization of the ATSC 3.0 system. As ATSC 1.0 uses 8-VSB modulation the multipath handling capability of receivers is critical for the design of SFNs. The presented network planning results help develop technical normativity for implementing SFNs in Mexico and other countries that use ATSC 1.0. SFNs with transmitter separation up to 130 km are fully covered for outdoor reception mainly due to the directivity of the receiving antenna. Moreover for indoor reception at least 70% of an SFN coverage area can be achieved with a transmitter separation of up to 60 km depending on the radiated power and the transmitter antenna height.