L-band LMS impairment mitigation by using diversity at the receiver

The results of a measurement campaign carried out to analyze the benefits of polarization and spatial diversity at the receiver for the L-band LMS propagation channel are presented. Polarization diversity measurements were carried out with a dual circular polarized antenna providing right-hand and left-hand circular polarization. Spatial diversity measurements were performed with two GPS antennas λ/2 apart. Satellite elevations within the range 1° to 80° in urban, suburban, rural, heavily wooded and lightly wooded environments were studied. Polarization diversity has showed to be the best option to reduce the effect of the deep fades.