High-order evaluation and modelling of cross-polarization discrimination on earth-satellite propagation paths at Ka and V-bands

The performance of the satellite communication systems employing either polarization diversity or frequency-reuse schemes to improve the spectral efficiency is degraded due to the depolarization-induced interference originated by raindrops and ice particles present along the Earth-Satellite propagation path. Two models are able to account for both rain and ice contributions: one enables the prediction of the long-term first-order statistics (Cumulative Distribution Function, CDF) of cross-polarization discrimination (XPD), and the second enables the prediction of the relationship between XPD and co-polar attenuation (CPA). The second was developed considering exclusively data at V-band and so, it not only requires independent validation but also extension to other frequency-bands. The predictions provided by the first are usually converted on the corresponding XPD-CPA relationship using the long-term first-order statistics of rain attenuation, (incorrectly) considering that the equiprobability hypothesis applies. Using 8 years of measurements both models are tested, a new XPD-CPA relationship is proposed for the Ka-band and a novel approach to the conversion from the CDF of XPD to the corresponding XPD-CPA relationship is presented.