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Free Space Path Loss

Apply free space path loss to complex signal

  • Free Space Path Loss block

Libraries:
Communications Toolbox / RF Impairments and Components

Description

The Free Space Path Loss block applies a free space path loss to a complex signal. The block simulates the loss of signal power due to the distance between the transmitter and receiver. The Mode parameter indicates whether you specify the loss in decibels or as a computation that is based on distance and the RF signal frequency.

Ports

Input

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Complex signal, specified as a scalar or column vector.

Data Types: double | single
Complex Number Support: Yes

Output

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Output signal, returned as a scalar or column vector. This output is the same dimension and data type as the input signal.

Parameters

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Loss calculation mode, specified as one of these options.

  • Decibels — The loss is specified using the Loss (dB) parameter.

  • Distance and Frequency — The loss is computed using the Distance (km) and Carrier frequency (MHz) parameters.

Power loss in decibels, specified as a scalar. The decibel amount shown on the block icon is rounded for display purposes only.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set the Mode parameter to Decibels.

Distance between the transmitter and receiver in kilometers, specified as a scalar.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set the Mode parameter to Distance and Frequency.

Carrier frequency in megahertz, specified as a scalar.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set the Mode parameter to Distance and Frequency.

Block Characteristics

Data Types

double | single

Multidimensional Signals

no

Variable-Size Signals

no

Algorithms

The free-space path loss, L, in decibels is:

L = 20log10(4πR/λ).

This formula assumes that the target is in the far-field of the transmitting element or array. In the near-field, the free-space path loss formula is not valid and can result in a loss smaller than 0 dB, equivalent to a signal gain. For this reason, the loss is set to 0 dB for range values R ≤ λ/4π.

Extended Capabilities

C/C++ Code Generation
Generate C and C++ code using Simulink® Coder™.

Version History

Introduced before R2006a