Fade and non-fade duration statistics for earth-space satellite link in Ku-band

The choice of modulation and forward error correction coding for satellite communications depends on fade dynamics and long-term fade occurrence statistics. An investigation is presented of the fade duration and inter-fade duration measured with a dual slope Ku-band radiometer as well as a Ku-band INTELSAT VI beacon receiver in Singapore which has an equatorial climate. A comparison of the results from both the measurements is presented. The normalized fade duration obtained follows a lognormal distribution with median of -1.3 and a standard deviation of 2.