Equivalent circuit for phase delay estimation for a medium frequency antenna

Abstract

The R(anging)-Mode system, which is a terrestrial backup to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), can provide alternative position, navigation, and timing (APNT) data for maritime applications. A precondition for accurate APNT data is the accurate description of the most relevant error source in the transmitter chain. The goal of this paper is to describe the time delay and attenuation caused by the transmitter chain of maritime R-Mode radio beacons. With the approach to describe the transmitting antenna and the antenna tuning unit with an equivalent circuit with lumped elements we are able to explain the amplitude variation and can give a first estimation of the delay at the antenna.