Optimal antenna position analysis for in campus information dissemination through digital TV broadcasting

In the advent of the conversion of analog to digital broadcasting, many of the countries including the Philippines have started adopting the standard for Digital Television (DTV) Broadcasting. With this step towards advancement, Mapua Institute of Technology would be providing a digital broadcast laboratory for its students to be ready with up-to-date technology. Part of the set-up is a realtime in-campus digital TV broadcast facility which can be used for information dissemination for the school community. The broadcast facility operates at 479 MHz, ISDB-T standard, 6 MHz BW, 13 segment 64 QAM with 1 W transmitting power. Optimum location for the four transmitting antenna in Mapua Intramuros Campus were identified by conducting indoor test measurements using signal level meter, signal level checker and one-segment mobile receiver. Three trial locations for the four proposed antenna positions were evaluated with a total of 2200 signal measurements. Field strength, delay profile, spectrum and constellations were measured and analyzed. Theoretical computations for field strength are compared to actual test results. A MATLAB program for contour mapping is provided for visual representations of signal spread. As expected, the study were able to prove the presence of interference, multipath and other factors like concrete and metal structures as well as human beings affecting the transmission and reach of each wall mounted antenna in a designated area. It is recommended to deploy additional Skywallie antenna for campus wide coverage. Although, educational license allowed us to operate at 479 MHz with 1 W power, increasing transmitter power will improve signal coverage. In addition, increasing the number of test points will produce more accurate measurements.