DVB-SH Analysis Using a Multi-State Land Mobile Satellite Channel Model

Standardization activities on digital video broadcasting - satellite services to handheld devices (DVB-SH) have driven the need for a consolidated narrowband channel model. In the DVB-SH system, the satellite broadcasts a signal carrying multimedia services aimed directly to a variety of mobile (handheld or vehicular) and fixed terminals. A 3-state land mobile satellite (LMS) channel model that describes the narrowband propagation channel in three possible shadowing states: line-of-sight conditions, moderate shadowing and deep shadowing; was originally taken as a baseline. The channel model and assumptions made in the 3-state model were revised and data re-analysed using automatic-data-classification and parameter-extraction iterative algorithm deriving a new model based on 2-states with varying parameters more suitable to the DVB-SH. This paper starts with a high level description of the main DVB-SH system parameters and assumptions. Then the two channel models relevant for the satellite component of this system are initially compared on a statistical basis. Physical layer simulations of the DVB-SH waveform with realistic system assumptions are required with both models for equivalent scenarios. The performance of both models are discussed to show the effectiveness of the model to represent shadowed conditions and therefore its suitability for the analysis and optimal configuration of the physical and link layer parameters (namely physical layer interleaver size, link layer protection time, overall redundancy...).