Development and Performance Evaluation of an Optimized Receiver Antenna Height Model for Improved Signal Reception in VHF and UHF Bands

Michael Emmanuel Akpan; J.N. Dike; Matthew Ehikhamenle

doi:10.56201/ijemt.vol.12.no4.2026.pg198.210

📄 Download Paper

Development and Performance Evaluation of an Optimized Receiver Antenna Height Model for Improved Signal Reception in VHF and UHF Bands

Michael Emmanuel Akpan, J.N. Dike, Matthew Ehikhamenle, .

Abstract

The need for reliable VHF and UHF signal reception in Nigeria is challenged by diverse terrains, climatic variability, and rapid urban development. The study aimed to develop and evaluate an optimized receiver antenna height model to improve signal reception, using Nigeria Info as the case study. This research work tackles these challenges through three key objectives: collection and analysis of signal strength measurements across varying receiver antenna heights within Nigeria Info’s coverage area, development of a mathematical model that optimizes receiver antenna height for enhanced signal reception, and comparison of the optimized model’s performance with conventional propagation models. A simulation-based approach was adopted using MATLAB to model signal propagation characteristics and to evaluate the antenna performance under varying conditions. Received signal strength indicator measurements were obtained across the urban, suburban and rural environments at different antenna heights. MATLAB/Simulink was employed to design and simulate the optimized model, which incorporated terrain profiles, environmental attenuation factors, and climate variables. The result obtained show that the optimized model improved prediction accuracy by 12-20% over conventional models with an optimal reception height ranged between 35-50m. The simulation results confirmed that receiver antenna height significantly influences signal reception in both VHF and UHF bands, with optimal heights varying, depending on frequency and propagation conditions. The optimized model demonstrates superior adaptability compared to conventional models, particularly in regions with complex terrain and climate challenges. The findings of this study contribute to the improvement of wireless communication system design, especially in broadcast, mobile, and terrestrial communication networks. The optimized antenna height model offers a practical and cost-effective solution for enhancing signal quality and coverage in VHF and UHF applications.

Keywords

VHFUHF bandsMATLAB/SimulinkANNRSSIFMReceiverfrequencytransmitterbroadcastingstationAntenna HeightSignal propagation I.

References

Akpan, A. O. (2019). Signal attenuation effect on the reception of VHF/UHF terrestrial broadcasting in Oron and its environment, Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria. IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE), 14(5), Series I, 26–38. Ali, I., & Khan, M. S. (2020). Comparative analysis of empirical propagation models for GSM network planning. Wireless Personal Communications (Springer Nature), 114(2), 1241– 1261. Anele, I. J., & Osazuwa, J. (2021). Optimization of antenna height for improved signal strength in GSM networks. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 40(5), 891–902. Straw, R. D., & Hall, G. L. (1999). Antenna height and communications effectiveness. American Radio Relay League . Saunders, S. R., & Aragón-Zavala, A. (2012). Antennas and propagation for wireless communication systems. John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2nd Edition, Chapter 2, pp. 37–52 Faruk, N., Ayeni, A. A., & Adediran, Y. A. (2013). Characterization of propagation path loss at VHF/UHF bands for Ilorin City, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Technology (University of Nigeria Press), 32(2), 253–265. Hao, Y., Wu, Z., Zhao, H., Chen, Z., Ma, J., Wang, J., & Yang, C. (2026). Measured data and empirical model-driven prediction for VHF/UHF path loss in maritime environments. Frontiers in Marine Science (Frontiers Media SA), 13, Article 1755348, 1–16. Ibe, A. E., & Okoro, E. (2020). Comparative analysis of propagation models for UHF bands in urban terrain of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 15(5), 1154–1161. https://doi.org/10.36478/jeasci.2020.1154.1161 Jones, M., & Wilson, P. (2019). Optimization of antenna deployment in VHF communication systems for rural networks. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 67(9), 6215– 6223. https://doi.org/10.1109/TAP.2019.2914572 Oseni, O. F., & Ojo, F. K. (2022). Coverage and performance evaluation of VHF and UHF electric field strength distribution in urban area of Ilorin, Nigeria. UNIOSUN Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences (Osun State University, Nigeria), 4(2), Article 0221, 1–12. Saunders, S. R., & Aragón-Zavala, A. (2024). Antennas and propagation for wireless communication systems (3rd ed., p. 145). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Ukommi, U., & Ubom, E. (2023). Impact assessment of elevation angles on signal propagation at VHF and UHF frequencies for improved rural telephony. ABUAD Journal of Engineering Research and Development (Afe Babalola University Press), 6(2), 136–142. Ukommi, U., & Ubom, E. (2024). Impact assessment of elevation angles on signal propagation at VHF and UHF frequencies for improved rural telephony. ABUAD Journal of Engineering Research and Development (African Journals Online – AJOL), 6(2), 136–142. Wang, J., Wu, Z., Hao, Y., Yang, C., Han, H., & Hao, Q. (2024). Applicability Study on the ITU-R P.1546 for the Five V/UHF Radio Frequencies. Springer Nature.

Development and Performance Evaluation of an Optimized Receiver Antenna Height Model for Improved Signal Reception in VHF and UHF Bands

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY