GPS Satellite Signal Strength Model for Ionospheric Total Electron Content in Sarawak, Malaysia [ ]


Satellite signals for communication and navigation experience impairment effects due to ionosphere especially in the equatorial region. The causes and significance of ionosphere disturbances are a kind of research that is of great interest in this area. Space-based radio communication systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) is providing a unique chance to explore the impact of the ionosphere as the signals propagate from the satellites to the GPS receivers. Sarawak which is located near to the equatorial region has been selected for the aim of this research. By utilizing the Total Electron Content (TEC), data recorded by the GPS Ionospheric Scintillation & TEC Monitor (GISTM), the ionospheric effect was examined and related to the signal strength performance. The recorded TEC were tested by comparing to TEC obtained from CODE Global Ionosphere Maps (GIMs) in time series. The results have shown a high consistency of TEC in the time domain with their corresponding minimum and maximum values of TEC that occurred at the same time. The preliminary developed SNR empirical model using regression curve fitting approach is a function of slant TEC from the satellites to the reference station path. This model will be used to forecast the satellite signal strength performance with an input parameter of slant TEC.