Application of the Fritchman error model to new error parameters

This paper presents a model for channels with memory and applies that model to the process of specifying error performance in a digital communications system. A partitioned Markov chain with a single error state is described, based on the well-known Fritchman (1967) model, and then applied to error parameters used in performance allocation, including bit error rate, error-second rate, block error rate, and error threshold rate. These error parameters are extended to new definitions of error gap and cluster distributions, and interpreted for the random error channel. Next, selected error parameters are plotted based on error measurements taken from single and tandem digital radio links using both troposcatter and line-of-sight media. Error parameters for these radio links are derived using the fitting functions of the model and are compared with the actual measurements. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the number of model parameters required to describe troposcatter and line-of-sight radio channels