Broadcast Antenna Optimization with Microcomputer

Abstract

Increasingly intense competition for the limited frequency allocations in the AM broadcast band (500-1600 kHz) has led to the use of directional array antennas to reduce interference. In this band, all available channels to reduce interference. In this band, all available channels have been assigned, and for a new station to receive a frequency assignment they must guarantee no interference with existing stations. Thus, new stations must be located a significant distance away from any existing station on that frequency, and often additional protection must be provided by using directional array antennas. In the U.S., more than 25% of the AM broadcast antennas are directional arrays. This allows considerably more use of each channel and is perhaps the first attempt at practical "frequency reuse" [1].