Probability of Bit Error on a Standard IRIG Telemetry Channel Using the Aeronautical Fading Channel Model

Abstract

This paper analyzes the probability of bit error for PCM-FM over a standard IRIG channel subject to multipath interference modeled by the aeronautical fading channel. The aeronautical channel model assumes a mobile transmitter and a stationary receiver and specifies the correlation of the fading component. This model describes fading which is typical of that encountered at military test ranges. An expression for the bit error rate on the fading channel with a delay line demodulator is derived and compared with the error rate for the Gaussian channel. The increase in bit error rate over that of the Gaussian channel is determined along with the power penalty caused by the fading. In addition, the effects of several channel parameters on the probability of bit error are determined.