Analysis of the Bit Error Due To the Arrival-Angle Fluctuation in Ka-Band Satellite Turbulent Channels

Abstract

For constructing satellite communication systems with high speed and large capacity, it becomes important to analyze effects of the atmospheric turbulence between the earth-stations and satellites. In this paper, the bit error rate in Ka-band satellite communications is calculated under the arrival-angle fluctuation of microwave beams propagated through atmospheric turbulent media. This calculation is based on a multiple scattering method for analyzing wave propagation in an inhomogeneous turbulent medium. At the Ka-band, the atmospheric turbulence increases a considerable degree of the bit error at low elevation angles, but the ionospheric fluctuation can be neglected as is expected. The Kolmogorov model of the atmospheric turbulence more sensitively affects the bit error rate than the Gauss model.