Dynamic channel modeling and performance analysis for UAV communications

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive dynamic channel modeling and simulation framework for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) air-to-ground communication systems. Starting from fundamental AWGN and Rayleigh fading channels, we progressively incorporate large-scale path loss (distance-dependent) and Doppler shift (velocity-dependent) to construct a realistic time varying channel model. The performances of BPSK and QPSK modulations are compared under both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) scenarios. Simulation results quantitatively reveal the impact of flight distance and velocity on bit error rate (BER), and provide optimal modulation switching thresholds under different SNR conditions. An interactive GUI tool is developed to visualize the dynamic BER variation and constellation diagrams in real time. The work offers theoretical insights and practical guidelines for UAV communication system design.