See

discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261150359

Fixed scenario reception of DVB-T2 signal in

urban area

Conference Paper January 2013

CITATION READS

1 51

3 authors, including:

Emil Dumic
University North
36 PUBLICATIONS 131 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Emil Dumic on 16 June 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Fixed Scenario Reception of DVB-T2 Signal in
Urban Area
Iva Bacic, Emil Dumic, Kresimir Malaric
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing
Department of Wireless Communication
Unska 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
iva.bacic@fer.hr

Abstract - In this paper, we present the measurement of the signal Main benefit of the DVB-T2 is the possibility to increase
transmitted in the second generation digital terrestrial television the capacity in digital terrestrial television (DTT). The standard
standard in urban area. The transmitter was located at the Sljeme hill provides a minimum increase in capacity of at least 30% in
in Zagreb, Croatia and measurements were carried out at different comparison to the DVB-T standard in equivalent reception
locations in the city of Zagreb, Croatia. The channel power, the condition using existing receiving equipment [9]. Although it
constellation graph and the bit error rate were recorded at every has been fundamentally designed for fixed reception, the DVB-
measurement points as well as the channel impulse and frequency T2 standard is also feasible in portable and mobile devices if
response. Measurements were done via a common log periodic appropriate set of parameters is used [1]. In the Republic of
antenna and a professional receiver with signal analyzer. The
Croatia, although digital television is already in use, the DVB-
minimum channel power interval for error free communication was
detected.
T2 standard was introduced recently and only one operator is
providing its services via this standard.
Keywords - DVB-T2; Digital Television; Signal reception in urban In this paper, we present the measurement of the DVB-T2
area; Channel power, Constellation graph and Bit Error Rate; Carrier- reception in urban area. The receiver used to measure and
to-Noise Ratio analyze the received signal is a professional receiver with
spectrum analyzer. In Section 2, a brief description of the
I. INTRODUCTION DVB-T2 specifications is listed. Section 3 derives the
The transition from analog to digital TV opened a variety of measurement setup and presents the results obtained via
opportunities like the availability of frequencies in the Ultra- measurements and the paper is concluded in Section 4.
High-Frequency (UHF) band [1]. The terrestrial television
platform was defined in the Digital Video Broadcasting II. DVB-T2 SPECIFICATION
Terrestrial (DVB-T) standard [2] and the main motivation for The block diagram of a DVB-T2 system is given in Fig. 1.
developing the second generation is to increase the efficiency The system inputs are MPEG Transport Streams (MPEG TS)
of the system in order to reach the Shannon limit as near as
[10] composed of burst, compliant with time slicing. Every TS
possible [3]. The Digital Video Broadcasting Second
Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) [4] was published first as a is then transmitted and processed by blocks shown in Fig. 1.
DVB blue-book in July 2008 with extra capacity for The Forward Error Correction (FEC) is based on the Low-
broadcasting the High Definition Television (HDTV) [5] or the Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes [11]. The LDPC code,
3D TV [6] with a shrinking broadcasting spectrum [7]. The together with the Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocwuengham (BCH)
system transmits data in physical layer pipes (PLPs), using encoder provides protection against interference and noise and
OFDM modulation [8] with latest channel coding, interleaving ensures robust signal reception. The DVB-T2 standard defines
and modulation techniques. Thanks to all configurable different coding rates used by the encoder: 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4,
parameters of the new standard, the transmission can be 4/5 and 5/6. The coded bits are then interleaved into symbols
adapted to the characteristics of the actual channel conditions via the interleaver and demultiplexor placed after the encoding
[1]. block.

Figure 1. The DVB-T2 transmitter block diagram

th
55 International Symposium ELMAR-2013, 25-27 September 2013, Zadar, Croatia
233
 Another innovation in the DVB-T2 standard is the use of This is shown in Fig. 2 [13].
rotated constellation but it is optional. The rotated
Due to various changes in channel, the DVB-T2 introduces
constellation is introduced since it showed to provide better the scattered pilots with eight different pilot patterns with
and more accurate communication in various propagation regard to the selected Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) size and
channels [12] recovering information loss from one channel GI selected and in order to maximize the data payload. Each
component within another channel component [1]. service can have different robustness and protection level with
As shown in Fig.1, the system uses the Orthogonal a unique modulation mode through the use of Physical Layer
Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) [8] supporting the 1K, Pipes (PLPs). Each PLP carries one or more logical data
2K, 4K, 8K , 16K and the 32K mode with different guard streams (the DVB-T2 services and higher layer signaling data)
intervals: 1/4, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/16, 1/32, 1/128. and can have different physical parameters, like coding rate or
Therefore, the DVB-T2 allows increase of guard interval (GI) constellation. The DVB-T2 standard allows the transmission of
length without decreasing the spectral efficiency of the system multiple PLPs simultaneously [2].
(regarding the 16K and 32K OFDM mode) with concerning to
the earlier DVB-T. It is also possible to choose between III. MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS
normal or extended carrier modes. The extended carrier mode
The measurements were carried out in May, 2013 in the
gives the possibility to use more carriers per symbol which
capital of Croatia, Zagreb. Zagreb is a city covering of about
result in increased data capacity [1]. Every subcarrier may be
162 km2 with population of about 800 000 inhabitants.
modulated via one of listed modulation techniques:
The main transmitter of DVB-T2 signal is located at the
x QPSK rotated and normal, Sljeme Hill about 10km from the city center and elevated
x 16-QAM rotated and normal, 857m from the average altitude of Zagreb (158m). The
x 64-QAM rotated and normal and transmitter transmits signal with DVB-T2 configuration
x 256-QAM rotated and normal. presented in Table 1. The Croatian DVB-T2 standard uses the
The rotation in the modulation process introduces more 32K OFDM mode with a guard interval set to 19/256. The L1
robustness in system. In case of no rotated modulation, signaling uses the 64QAM modulation and the pilot pattern is
regarding the constellation graph, the system has two the pp4 [1]. Constellation mapping is done with the 256-QAM
independent Phase-Amplitude Modulations (PAM) e.g. in case modulation and the message is protected with a code rate of
of 16-QAM modulation, the system has 2 independent 4-
2/3. There are two carrier frequencies: 550 MHz (channel
PAMs. When rotated modulation is used, the system introduces
two related PAMs (e.g. in case of 16-QAM modulation, there number 28) and 730 MHz (channel number 53).
are two related PAMs). Furthermore, if one of the axes was The transmitted signal was measured at 12 different
lost, then the survivor still contains all bits of information (in locations in the city with 14 different measurement results.
case of 16-QAM, it contains all 4 bits), but with less reliability. Map of measurement location is shown in the appendix, at the
end of the paper. Mostly, the 28th channel was monitored. At
only 2 locations, the 730 MHz channel was measured. For
signal receiving a log periodic antenna was used. The antennas
have 11dB gain at measured frequencies.
The received signal was processed with a professional
receiver with signal analyzer. At every location, the channel
power and power spectral density was detected as well as the
bit error rate. Next, the channel impulse and frequency
response were monitored. Results are listed in Table 2. For
every location, its distance from the transmitter at the Sljeme
hill is given, too. The measured channel power, power spectral
density, bit error rate before and after the LDPC as well as the
overall BER are also listed in Table 2.

TABLE I. DVB-T2 CONFIGURATION IN CROATIA

Parameter Croatian DVB-T2 configuration
FFT size 32k
Guard interval 19/256
L1 signaling modulation 64QAM rotated
Figure 2. Rotated 16-QAM modulation [13] Pilot pattern pp4
PLP code rate 2/3
PLP Constellation 256-QAM
Carrier frequency 550 MHz or 730 MHz
Bandwidth 8 MHz

th
55 International Symposium ELMAR-2013, 25-27 September 2013, Zadar, Croatia
234
 TABLE II. DVB-T2 MEASUREMENT RESULTS
Measu- Distance Carrier Measured Measured BER before BER after BER / Number of taps
rement from frequency Channel Power LDPC coding/ LDPC coding/ total number of detected
point transmitter [MHz] power [dBm] spectral total number total number bits
[km] density of bits of bits
[dBm/Hz]
1 10.1 550 -73.97 -142.8 2.04e-1/ 1.31e7 2.55e-1/8.73e6 2.56e-1/8.69e6 7 -Ricean ch.
2 12.0 550 -53.57 -122.4 1.25e-3/ 1.31e7 0.0e+0/8.73e6 0.0e+0/8.69e6 2 Ricean ch.
3 12.0 730 -51.26 -120.1 1.81e-3/1.31e7 0.0e+0/8.73e6 0.0e+0/8.69e6 2 Ricean ch.
4 13.8 550 -58.51 -127.3 3.03e-2/1.31e7 0.0e+0/8.73e6 0.0e+0/8.69e6 2 Ricean ch.
5 14.1 550 -47.84 -116.7 7.25e-5/1.31e7 0.0e+0/8.73e6 0.0e+0/8.73e6 1 Gaussian ch
6 12.4 550 -46.61 -115.4 1.0e+0/9.99e2 1.0e+0/9.99e2 1.0e+0/9.99e2 1 Gaussian ch
7 10.5 550 -44.37 -113.2 1.68e-3/2.62e7 0.0e+0/1.75e7 0.0e+0/1.74e7 1 Gaussian ch
8 11.2 550 -60.86 -129.7 2.14e-1/1.31e7 2.55e-4/8.73e6 2.56e-4/8.73e6 3 Ricean ch.
9 9.6 550 -42.73 -111.5 1.75e-5/2.623e7 0.0e+0/1.75e7 0.0e/1.74e7 2 Ricean ch.
10 9.2 550 -71.06 -139.9 1.0e+0/3e3 1.0e+0/3e3 1.0e+0/3e3 1 Gaussian ch
11 9.3 550 -84.84 -153.6 not available not available not available not available
12 9.0 550 -68.17 -137.0 not available not available not available not available
13 9.2 550 -39.63 -108.4 1.12e-4/1.31e7 0.0e+0/8.73e6 0.0e+0/8.73e6 1 Gaussian ch
14 9.2 730 -41.77 -110.6 6,26e-5/1.31e7 0.0e+0/8.73e6 0.0e+0/8.73e6 1 Gaussian ch

Table 2 shows that at 12 out of 14 measurements results Table 2 also shows the dependence of communication
were obtained. At two locations (measurement number 11 and quality and the channel power. Measurements show that signal
12), the signal was to week to synchronize with receiver to reception and decoding was possible when channel power was
obtain reception parameters. Unusually, these two cases -58.51 dBm: measurement 4 showed no bit error rate (even
happened at locations near the transmitter, in the Old City of after the LDPC decoder). In measurement number 8, the
Zagreb in the centre of capital. The main reason for bad monitored channel power was -60.86 dBm. In this case, the
reception may be the urban plan at observed locations. Since decoding was not possible and communication quality was not
this is the old part of Zagreb, all houses are placed very good enough, the bit error rate after all decoder was BER =
closely each other providing obstacles for signal. The solution 2.56e-04. This means that the line between good
for this problem is moving the room antenna to the roof. This communication and communication beyond the quasi error
is the case with measurement number 9 where the antenna was free (QEF, QEF for BER10-7) is placed somewhere between
placed at the roof of house. In this case, even though still in channel power = <-60.86, -58.51> dBm (channel power was
the city centre, the signal reception was good and the receiver measured at the receiver).
could synchronize with transmitter and calculate all the At some places, only the line of sight (LOS) was present,
measurement parameters. The overall bit error rate in this case e.g. in measurement 13. Figure 3 show the impulse response in
was 0.00 e+00 meaning that communication quality and signal case of measurement 13 with only one ray, the line of sight.
reception are good. Other measurements monitored more than this one tap (more

Figure 3. Impulse responses for measurements number 13 (left) and number 2 (right)

th
55 International Symposium ELMAR-2013, 25-27 September 2013, Zadar, Croatia
235
than one visible ray at the receiver), e.g. measurement number
2. Its impulse response is also given in Fig. 3. In case of
measurement number 2, beside the LOS another two taps were
detected at the receiver. They are delayed and their amplitude
is of less power compared to the first detected line. The delay
and amplitude for every detected ray are listed in the peak
table provided together with the impulse response in Fig. 3.
The receiver has possibilities to detect and record the
constellation diagram. Figure 4 show the constellation
diagram of the first measurement (Table 2). The constellation
graphs show the DVB-T2 configuration parameter in use
(defined in Table 1). The 256-QAM modulation with its
rotation as well as the 64-QAM modulation of the pilot
carriers is visible in Fig. 5 where the constellation graph for
measurement number 7 is presented. The reception in case of Figure 4. Constellation graph for measurement number 1
measurement 7 is better (compared to measurement 5); the
dots in the constellation graph are more grouped together and
not dispersed as in Fig. 4 (Measurement number 1). Although
both measurements took place at location about 10 km away
from the transmitter, the received channel power is not very
similar and differs about 30 dBm for both measurements. The
urban plan and aspect influenced the signal reception and in
measurement 7; fewer obstacles were present between the
transmitter and receiver resulting in better communication
quality (constellation diagram on Fig. 5).
At two locations (measurement number 3 and 14), the 53rd
channel was measured. The carrier frequency for this
configuration is 730 MHz. Other parameters are as listed in
Table 1. Measurements 2 and 3 of the two different channels
with different carrier frequencies were taken. The receiver
showed similar performances and similar communication
quality independent of carrier frequency. The experiment was Figure 5. Constellation graph for measurement number 7
repeated with measurements 13 and 14 were taken. Again,
similar performances, regardless of the carrier frequencies

Figure 6. Channel frequency response for measurement number 5

th
55 International Symposium ELMAR-2013, 25-27 September 2013, Zadar, Croatia
236
were shown. The difference was the presence of reflected rays. At the end, an example of another receiver feature was
In measurements 13 and 14, only the LOS was present since presented. The receiver detected the frequency response for
the measurements took place above all buildings and obstacle every measurement meaning monitoring of amplitude and
sources between the transmitter and receiver. On the other phase, as well as the group delay for every subcarrier. In future
hand, the place where measurements 2 and 3 were taken, the work, these results may be used in real channel modeling in
buildings are grouped together and provide barriers for signal. urban areas for the UHF band.
This results in present rays besides the LOS line (Fig. 3). The
distance between the transmitter and receiver (measurement ACKNOWLEDGMENT
location) is not the same; the second and third measurements The work described in this paper was conducted under the
were taken further away from the Sljeme hill then research projects: Laboratory for electromagnetic
measurements 13 and 14. This all results in a less channel compatibility and biological effects of electromagnetic fields
power in measurements 2 and 3 compared to measurements 13 (036-0361566-1569) and Picture Quality Management in
and 14. Digital Video Broadcasting (036-0361630-1635) supported by
The receiver also detected the channel frequency response the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic
showing the amplitude, phase and group delay for every of Croatia.
subcarrier (number of subcarrier is 27840). The Frequency
response in case of measurement number 5 is shown in Fig. 6. REFERENCES
Every subcarrier has its amplitude and phase. Next, they reach
the receiver at different times, defining thus its delay. These [1] D. Tralic, E. Dumic, J. Vukovic, S. Grgic, "Simulation and
results will be used in future work to determine the channel Measurement of DVB-T2 System Parameters", in Proc. 54th
propagation model for observed urban area. International Symposium ELMAR-2012, pp. 83-88, September 2012
[2] ETSI EN 300 744 (V1.6.1), "Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB);
Framing structure, channel coding and modulation for digital terrestrial
television", September 2008
IV. CONCLUSION
[3] I. Eizmendi, G. Prieto, G. Berjon-Eriz, Iratexe Landa, M.Velez,
In this paper, we presented measurement results of the "Empirical DVB-T2 Thresholds for Fixed Reception", IEEE Trans
DVB-T2 signal in the city of Zagreb, Croatia. The Broadcasting, vol. 59, no.2, pp.306-3016, June 2013
measurements were done with a log periodic antenna and a [4] ETSI EN 302 755, "Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Frame structure
signal analyzer at 12 different locations in Zagreb. The receiver channel coding and modulation for a second generation digital terrestrial
television broadcasting system (DVB-T2)", V1.1.1, September 2009
detected the configuration of the DVB-T2 signal and
determined signal, channel and communication parameters. [5] G. Cermak, M. Pinson and S. Wolf, "The relationship among video
quality, screen resolution, and bit rate", IEEE Trans Broadcasting, vol.
The channel power was monitored. After result analyses, it 57, pp. 258-262, June 2011
may be concluded that the channel power level between the [6] J. Morgade et al., "3DTV roll-out scenarios: A DVB-T2 approach, IEEE
Trans. Broadcasting, vol. 57, pp. 582 592, June 2011
quasi error free communication and communication with no
quasi error free communication is somewhere between [7] M. Costa and K. Sakic, "Digital dividend after the transition to DVB-
T2" in Proc. ELMAR, pp. 243 246, September 2012
<-60.86, -58.51> dBm.
[8] R. van Nee, R. Prasad, OFDM for wireless multimedia communications,
During measurement different cases of signal propagation Artech House 2000
where detected. Measurements with only one line (the line of [9] DVB BlueBook A133. "Implementation guidelines for a second
sight) and the channel impulse response of this channel were generation digital terrestrial television broadcasting system (DVB-T2) ",
DVB Document A133, February 2009
presented in this paper. Other measurements showed behavior
[10] ETSI TS 101 154 V.1.11.1, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB);
similar to the Rice fading channel, where besides the LOS, Specification for the use of Video and Audio Coding in Broadcasting
other taps where detected by the receiver. One measurement Applications based on the MPEG-2 Transport Stream, July 2012.
showing this characteristic was presented through its channel [11] T. Richardson and R. Urbanke, "The Renaissance of Gallagers Low-
impulse response. Density Parity-Check Codes", IEEE Commun. Magazine, vol. 41,
pp.126-131, August 2003
The receiver could detect the constellation graph of the [12] K. Boull and J. C. Belfiore, "Modulation scheme designed for the
communication. At different locations, different Rayleigh fading channel", in CISS92, Princeton, NJ, March 1992
communication quality was observed. Two different [13] http://www.dveo.com/broadcast-systems/DVB-T2-Overview.html
measurement results are presented. The first does not show a [14] https://maps.google.com/
very good communication quality. The constellation graph for
second example shows dots that are more grouped and nor
dispersed proving better communication quality.

th
55 International Symposium ELMAR-2013, 25-27 September 2013, Zadar, Croatia
237
 Appendix: Measurement locations [14]

th
55 International Symposium ELMAR-2013, 25-27 September 2013, Zadar, Croatia
238

View publication stats