Corner Reflector Antenna Design for Interference Mitigation between FM Broadcasting and Aeronautical Ground to Air Communication Radios

Abstract

Third order intermodulation products caused by two or more FM broadcasting radios transmitter on a site to inter modulate either within transmitters themselves or within a non-linear component on site and those intermodulation products due to non-linearity’s of passive circuits of transmitters sharing same radiating element have been the source of interference in Tanzania to aeronautical ground to air communication (COM) systems which are safety services due to its nature of safeguarding human life and properties. These intermodulation products have been found in frequencies used by COM systems. This research work focused on using of corner reflector antenna to mitigate interference caused by FM broadcasting radio stations to COM facilities which are used for ground to air communication between control tower and pilots in Tanzania. Through simulations it is observed that the corner reflector antenna provide sufficient front to back ratio which facilitate in reducing electric signal strength and hence forth power level from FM broadcasting stations reaching the aeronautical facilities and hence mitigate the interference.

Keywords: COM, FM, third order, intermodulation