Microwave System Design, Fade Problems and Solutions

This paper describes the design approach in providing the maximum reliability practicable in a microwave system for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the solutions to three noteworthy fade problems experienced over the past 24 years. A review is provided of the theoretical solutions to the fade problems and the success of applying these solutions in the field to reduce outage time caused by path fading. This presentation is made on the basis that others who have similar tasks in providing microwave systems with better than 99.992% reliability can benefit from our experience.