Performance of quadrifilar helix antenna on EAD channel model for UAV to LEO satellite link

Abstract

In this paper we explore the performance of our designed Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QHA) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to be used in data transmission to Low Orbit Earth (LEO) Satellite. Elevation Angle Dependent (EAD) channel model was technique used to analyze the channel fading and Bit Error Ratio (BER) values were used to quantify the performance of this long distance communication channel. A Cylindrical shape (21.2mm, 94.2mm) diameter and height, Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QHA) was designed with Voltage Stand Wave Ratio (VSWR) < 2 at 2.4GHz. QHA was designed with proper pattern which has high directivity gain at low elevation angles so as to mitigate the fading effects on this long distance data transmission link from UAV to LEO Satellite.