Path Loss Model for Coupling Loop Interference with Multiple Reflections over Single Frequency Network

Abstract Path loss models are important for predicting coverage area and for performance analysis in simulation and design of radio systems including an on-channel repeater (OCR). In this paper, an analytical path loss model for the coupling loop path is proposed to evaluate the performance of an OCR in a single frequency network (SFN). Since the receive antenna and the transmit antenna in the OCR are electrically coupled, the coupling loop interference (CLI) between the transmitting and receiving antennas at the OCR must be suppressed in order to avoid signal distortion and oscillation. Although numerous publications exist for path loss models, the assumption is commonly that transmit and receive antennas are fully separated. Therefore, an important step toward designing and installing an OCR station in an SFN is to model the actual propagation characteristics of CLI. Based on the ellipses model, an analytical path loss model in which the receiver and the transmitter are co-located is developed according to reflection distance.