Mobile satellite system performance through simulation

A simulator for mobile satellite system (MSS) link simulation is described. The simulation consists of two elements which evolved separately. The propagation simulator is used to produce fade data and statistics under a variety of path conditions. The channel simulator produces bit error rates (BER), under real propagation conditions, for several coding/modulation formats. The propagation simulator shows good agreement with theoretical fading models and experimental data. The channel simulator predicts bit error ratio (BER) very close to theoretical values for back-to-back modem tests, verifying its operation. When used with either experimental propagation data or simulated data from the propagation simulator, the channel simulator can predict channel performance under realistic fading conditions.<<ETX>>