Simulated Angle-of-Arrival measurements for an over ocean microwave radio link

Experimental testing is a useful tool when developing propagation models and identifying anomalies in a practical radio link. Combining amplitude and direction of arrival measurements provides a powerful tool for determining the propagation path travelled by a radio wave. This paper looks at the problem of measuring the Angle·of·Arrival (AoA) of a microwave radio signal in an over ocean microwave link. The equipment set-up and theory of performing the AoA measurement is reviewed. A test link recently installed by the authors across the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, is also described. Simulations and laboratory measurements are employed to verify the measurement procedure and determine the expected performance.