Search

The development of a digital high‐frequency (HF) radio communication system requires an ionospheric channel model from the channel impulse response (CIR) measurement. Although the Watterson ionosphere channel model has been available and used for a long time, several CIR measurements have been conducted in all regions of the Earth in an attempt to validate or replace the Watterson channel model with a suitable model for their region. However, only a few CIR measurements were conducted in low‐latitude regions, especially over Indonesia. In this study, we develop the CIR measurement system for the near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) propagation mode over Java Island based on the software defined radio platform to meet low‐cost and simple operation requirements. The specification of the system is based on the International Telecommunication Union ionospheric channel characteristic document and increased in order to be able to capture higher values. Results from a 1‐week campaign measurement period show the ability of the system to measure the root mean square of time delay within the range of 0.2–1.3 ms and the Doppler shift within the range of 0.7–1.1 Hz in the quiet conditions of the ionosphere. Further measurements will be conducted to obtain a comprehensive ionosphere CIR that is useful for designing the NVIS‐HF digital communication in Indonesia, which is located beneath the crest region of an equatorial ionospheric anomaly. Plain Language Summary: An ionosphere channel model based on channel impulse response (CIR) measurement is required for the development of high‐frequency (HF) digital communication systems. There are a number of in situ CIR measurements around the world with the purpose of validating or replacing the Watterson ionosphere channel model with one that is more suitable for their perspective region. However, only a few ionosphere CIR measurements were conducted in the low‐latitude region, especially over Indonesia. In this study, we develop a low‐cost and simple CIR measurement system for the near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) propagation mode over Java Island, Indonesia, using a software‐defined radio platform. The specification of the system was based on the International Telecommunication Union ionosphere channel characteristic recommendation documents and increased in order to be able to observe higher values. Results from the 1‐week campaign measurement period show the capability of the system to measure the root mean square of time delay and Doppler frequency values. Further measurements will be taken to acquire complete CIR data for designing the NVIS‐HF communication system in Indonesia, which is under the crest area of an equatorial ionospheric anomaly. Key Points: Development of an ionosphere channel impulse measurement system based on low‐cost software defined radio implemented on Java IslandUtilizing a correlator channel sounder technique to meet a simple system and operationCampaign results show the ability of the system to observe a 0.2 ms time delay and a Doppler shift in the range of 0.7–1.1 Hz [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]