Adaptive Transversal Equalization of Multipath Propagation for 16-QAM, 90-Mb/s Digital Radio

Adaptive transversal equalization is an effective and relatively new countermeasure for dispersive multipath propagation in terrestrial digital radio networks. In this paper we describe the design and performance of a five-tap baseband analog equalizer developed for a family of 16-QAM, 90-Mb/s radio systems. Laboratory measurements and field evaluation during a five-month fading season in Palmetto, Georgia, indicate that the use of this adaptive transversal equalizer can significantly reduce the need for costly space-diversity equipment.