volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

In this paper, a channel characterization of an RF link using circularly polarized antennas inside a mine is performed. The association of circular polarization with multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) radio technologies represents a powerful tool to improve the performance of an underground RF channel. The statistical parameters of the channel are derived from in-mine measurements at the 2.4 GHz band for both co-polarization (CP) and cross-polarization (XP) scenarios. Results show a remarkable improvement through the use of MIMO combined with circular polarization compared to the regular patch MIMO antenna system, in terms of channel capacity and path loss. This improvement increases significantly at the XP scenarios, reaching up to 18 bps/Hz for channel capacity and up to 21 dB for path loss. The RMS delay spread for a circularly polarized setup is generally higher than the linearly polarized MIMO patch setup due to surface roughness of the gallery. In the linear polarization case, a signal degradation of more than 15 dB at the XP case is observed compared to the CP scenario. This signal loss that is due to depolarization is somewhat mitigated by the surface roughness.Due to its superior and stable performance, MIMO combined with circular polarization is better suited than a regular MIMO patch system for in-mine uses, especially in the applications where the transmitter may change direction with respect to the receiver.

1. Forooshani, A. E., S. Bashir, D. G. Michelson, and S. Noghanian, "A survey of wireless communications and propagation modeling in underground mines," Communications Surveys & Tutorials, IEEE, Vol. 15, No. 4, 1524-1545, 4th Quarter, 2013.
doi:10.1109/SURV.2013.031413.00130

2. Mo, L. and Y. Liu, "Underground coal mine monitoring with wireless sensor networks," ACM Transactions on Sensor Networks, Vol. 5, Mar. 2009.

3. Sun, Z. and I. F. Akyildiz, "Channel modeling and analysis for wireless networks in underground mines and road tunnels," IEEE Transactions on Communications, Vol. 58, No. 6, Jun. 2010.

4. Wang, S., "Radio wave attenuation character in the confined environments of rectangular mine tunnel," Modern Applied Science, Vol. 4, No. 2, 65-70, 2010.
doi:10.5539/mas.v4n2p65

5. Huo, Y., Z. Xu, H. D. Zheng, and X. Zhou, "Effect of antenna on propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves in tunnel environments," Asia Pacific Conference on Postgraduate Research in Microelectronics Electronics, 2009, Prime Asia 2009, 268-271, 2009.
doi:10.1109/PRIMEASIA.2009.5397396

6. Mabrouk, I. B., L. Talbi, M. Nedil, and K. Hettak, "MIMO-UWB channel characterization within an underground mine gallery," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 60, 4866-4874, Oct. 2012.

7. Mabrouk, I. B., L. Talbi, and M. Nedil, "Performance evaluation of a MIMO system in underground mine gallery," IEEE Antennas Wireless Propag. Lett., Vol. 11, 830-833, 2012.
doi:10.1109/LAWP.2012.2208260

8. Ghaddar, M., M. Nedil, I. Ben Mabrouk, and L. Talbi, "Multiple-input multiple-output beam-space for high-speed wireless communication in underground mine," Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation, IET, Vol. 10, No. 1, 8-15, 2015.
doi:10.1049/iet-map.2014.0464

9. Rissafi, Y., L. Talbi, and M. Ghaddar, "Experimental characterization of an UWB propagation channel in underground mines," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 60, No. 1, 240-246, 2012.
doi:10.1109/TAP.2011.2167927

10. Benzakour, A., S. Affes, C. Despins, and P. M. Tardif, "Wideband measurements of channel characteristics at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz in underground mining environments," Vehicular Technology Conference, 2004.

11. Briso-Rodriguez, C., J. M. Cruz, and J. I. Alonso, "Measurements and modeling of distributed antenna systems in railway tunnels," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, Vol. 56, No. 5, 2870-2879, Sept. 2007.
doi:10.1109/TVT.2007.900500

12. Guan, K., Z. Zhong, J. I. Alonso, and C. Briso-Rodriguez, "Measurement of distributed antenna systems at 2.4 GHz in a realistic subway tunnel environment," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, Vol. 61, No. 2, 834-837, Feb. 2012.
doi:10.1109/TVT.2011.2178623

13. Valenzuela, G. R., "Depolarization of E-M waves by slightly rough surfaces," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 3rd Edition, Vol. 15, 552-557, 1967.

14. Wright, J. W., "A new model for sea clutter," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 16, 217-223, 1968.
doi:10.1109/TAP.1968.1139147

15. Raemer, H. R. and D. D. Preis, "Aspects of parallel-polarized and cross-polarized radar returns from a rough sea surface," IEEE Trans. on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Vol. 22, No. 1, 29-44, Feb. 1980.
doi:10.1109/TEMC.1980.303818

16. Vaughan, R. G., "Polarization diversity in mobile communications," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, Vol. 39, No. 3, 177-186, 1990.
doi:10.1109/25.130998

17. Kwon, S.-C. and G. L. Stuber, "Geometrical theory of channel depolarization," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, Vol. 60, No. 8, 3542-3556, 2011.
doi:10.1109/TVT.2011.2163094

18. El Azhari, M. E., M. Nedil, M. Seddiki, N. Kandil, and L. Talbi, "Radio-channel characterization of an underground mine using circularly polarized antennas at 2.4 GHz," Proc. IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Int. Symp. (APSURSI), Jul. 2017.

19. El Azhari, M. E., M. Nedil, M. Seddiki, N. Kandil, and L. Talbi, "2.4 GHz radio-channel characterization of an underground mine using patch antennas," Proc. IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Int. Symp. (APSURSI), Jul. 2017.

20. El Azhari, M. E., M. Nedil, I. Benmabrouk, K. Ghanem, and L. Talbi, "Characterization of an off-body channel at 2.45 GHz in an underground mine environment," Progress In Electromagnetics Research M, Vol. 43, 91-100, 2015.
doi:10.2528/PIERM15061504

21. Yahya, M. and Z. Awang, "Cross polarization ratio analysis of circular polarized patch antenna," 2010 International Conference on Electromagnetics in Advanced Applications, 442-445, Sydney, NSW, 2010.
doi:10.1109/ICEAA.2010.5653152

22. Rappaport, T. S., "Mobile radiop propagation: Small scale fading and multipath," Wireless Communications: Principle and Practice, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2001.

23. Jackson, J. D., Classical Electrodynamics, 3rd Ed., Wiley, 1998.

24. Sarris, J. N. and R. Andrew, "Ricean K-factor measurements in a home and an office environment in the 60 GHz band," Mobile and Wireless Communications Summit, 16th IST. IEEE, 1-5, 2007.

25. Varzakas, P., "Average channel capacity for rayleigh fading spread spectrum MIMO systems," International Journal of Communication Systems, Vol. 19, No. 10, 1081-1087, Dec. 2006.
doi:10.1002/dac.784

Dr. Moulay El Hassan El Azhari

Dr. Larbi Talbi

Dr. Lamia Arabi

Prof. Mourad Nedil

Dr. Mohamed Lamine Seddiki

Dr. Nahi Kandil