Noise
Source
RF Filter
LNA
RX
Anti-alias
Filter, A/D
Internet
ARIA Web site
Software
Document 26
The Committee has also spent a considerable amount of time fostering an excellent working relationship with the FCC's Technological Advisory Council. Mr. Rinaldo was invited to present details of our noise study to the TAC last year. The presentation is attached.
As the committee has continued its work in evaluating the impact of various devices on the amateur service, the work is becoming more and more in line with that of the current RFI Task Force.
In order to provide a more efficient means of addressing these issues, we make the following recommendations:
I want to thank the members of the committee, especially Chris Imlay, Paul Rinaldo, and Jim Maxwell for their very hard work and dedication to this effort.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joel Harrison, W5ZN
Chairman
DRAFT PR 12/10/2001
AMATEUR RADIO INTERFERENCE ASSESSMENT (aRIA)
Test Plan
(Revision 1)
1. PURPOSE
To assess radio noise levels and statistics in certain amateur bands and to determine any changes over time resulting from unlicensed devices.[1]
2. SCOPE
This study is related to a broader program initiated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Technological Advisory Council (TAC) http://www.fcc.gov/oet/tac/ and its Spectrum Working Group, http://www.jacksons.net/tac/. The FCC/TAC program is to be implemented in three parts:
a) Literature survey: Using funds contributed by TAC members, the survey is to be conducted by:
Prof. Richard W. Adler, K6RWA, US Naval Postgraduate School, rwa@attglobal.net.
George H. Hagn, PE, Engineering Consultant, Annandale, VA, ghagn@erols.com
Adjunct Prof. Wilbur R. Vincent, W6PUX, US Naval Postgraduate School, wrvincent@urcad.org
George F. Munsch, W5VPQ, Consultant, munsch@attglobal.net
b) Simulation: This phase of the FCC TAC study is not yet funded.
c) Real-world noise measurements: This is where amateurs can make a substantial contribution by supplying radio noise data for the amateur bands in which unlicensed devices operate. As of this writing, there are no funds available to carry out these measurements. It is anticipated that radio amateurs will perform the measurements on a voluntary basis under technical guidance of the ARRL to help ensure standardized results to facilitate data comparisons.
2.1 Frequencies of Interest
While it is desirable to understand the noise levels of all amateur bands, resource limitations make it necessary to focus on certain bands. The bands of interest are those in which unlicensed devices typically operate and are growing in numbers:
420-450 MHz
902-928 MHz
1240-1300 MHz
2300-2310 MHz
2400-2450 MHz
3300-3500 MHz
5650-5925 MHz
Of these, the band 2400-2450 MHz should have priority because of the current influx of unlicensed devices such as cordless phones, Bluetooth devices and IEEE 802.11b local area networks.
2.2 Environments
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Recommendation ITU-R PI.372, based on ITU-R Report 258-5 (1990), shows median values of man-made noise power in the frequency range 300 kHz to 250 MHz for the following environmental categories:
A: Business
B: Residential
C: Rural
D: Quiet rural
E: Galactic
The information is given in terms of the effective antenna noise figure, Fa, in dB above kT0B, where k = 1.38 x 10-24 (Boltzmann's constant T0 = 288 K, room temperature) and B = noise power in Hz. The antenna noise level is referenced to the noise power available from a resistor at room temperature (-204 dBW + 10 log10 B).
PI.372 also provides values of decile deviations of man-made noise, i.e., the 90% and 10% values of variations from the medians. Unfortunately, very little documented information is available on man-made noise levels in band above 250 MHz. Thus, there is a need to establish man-made noise levels and related statistics for UHF (300-3000 MHz) and SHF (3-30 GHz) bands and to determine whether the above environmental categories are appropriate.
Of the above categories, assuming they are found to be valid, "residential" and "rural" environments should be of primary interest because they indicate the locations of most amateur stations.
2.3 Duration of Tests
The tests should be conducted over a sufficient period of time to indicate a trend in noise levels and related statistics. Three years is considered a minimum to establish changes in the radio noise environment at a given location.
Within this time frame, daily, weekly and seasonal noise patterns should be determined. Additional short-term tests will be performed using portable/mobile equipment.
3. OBJECTIVES
The goals of this noise study test plan are to:
¨ characterize the types, numbers and signal levels of unlicensed devices operating in amateur bands of interest;
¨ sample residential and rural areas on a long-term basis;
¨ determine trends over a 3-year period, noting variations throughout the day, week and year;
¨ publish the results of these studies for League membership, and for the FCC, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), ITU and CISPR, as appropriate;
¨ involve League volunteers in the planning, collection and analysis of test data;
¨ cooperate with, and contribute to, the TAC noise study being conducted for the FCC by the Naval Postgraduate School;
¨ on the basis of analysis of test results, estimate the potential for harmful interference to amateur operations in these bands due to a proliferation of unlicensed devices;
¨ where discovered, identify any uses of these bands not in conformance with FCC regulations or the NTIA Manual and share these results with the appropriate government agencies.
4. OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Availability
Test participants should be willing to make at least a three-year commitment to collect and report noise observations. More specifically, the individual or group would be willing to install a monitoring station, operate it on a semi-automatic basis, send data collected routinely and write reports of significant activity. Periods that the equipment is turned off, such as during vacations, should not normally exceed 3 weeks.
Operators should be available to exchange email correspondence in relation to the tests and participate in telephone conferences if necessary.
4.2 Qualifications
Participation is open to all League members having an understanding of radio theory and some practical experience with bands above 400 MHz. Participants should have the ability to recognize different types of signals that may be encountered in the bands of interest. Further, they should be willing to follow the ARRL test plan. ARRL will provide technical support needed to ensure that the results are uniform and credible.
4.3 Geographical Location
It is desirable to select participants in major metropolitan, suburban and rural areas so there is a diversity of noise environments. Participants should also be geographically dispersed throughout the United States.
5. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Antennas
Stations at fixed locations participating in the test plan should have both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna of at least 10 dB dBi gain with a short run of low-loss transmission line.
Walk/drive-around stations should have both standard vertical monopole and directional antennas.
5.2 Receivers
Receivers should be of the type normally used by amateurs for weak-signal operation, and should be selected for high sensitivity, low noise figure and large spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR).
WINRADIO model 3700e (approximately $3 k) has a frequency range up to 4 GHz, which covers all the bands of interest. George Hagn recently purchased one and is evaluating it.
Inexpensive hand-held receivers may have some utility in drive/walk-around tests to locate and identify noise sources. The ICOM IC-R3 that covers frequencies up to 2.5 GHz is one example that has been tested by the ARRL lab. Initial tests indicate that it can receive IEEE 802.11b signals at short distances using a loop-Yagi antenna.
5.3 Black Boxes
Participants will be supplied with three "black boxes," as follows:
5.3.1 Noise Source Box
This "black box" will be mounted near to, and a standard distance from, the station receiving antenna, and will include a noise source and a remotely controlled switch to turn on the noise source to calibrate the receiving system. A noise source box may be needed for each band tested. The noise sources will be calibrated by the ARRL Laboratory and will comply with FCC Part 15 limitations.
5.3.2 RF Filter/LNA Box
An RF band-pass filter will be used to protect the broadband low-noise amplifier (LNA), which will be used to increase the sensitivity of the noise measurement receiver. These two components may be housed in the same box.
5.3.3 Anti-Aliasing Filter and A/D Box
This "black box" takes the intermediate-frequency (IF) output of a receiver, filters it to eliminate aliasing, converts the signal from analog to digital form and outputs the digital signal to a personal computer. These boxes will be checked by the ARRL Laboratory and provided to the participants.
5.4 Computer
Any personal computer may be used. However, participants should run tests to verify that the computer does not add to the received noise. If computer-generated noise is a problem, then a Faraday shield may be required around the computer and the cables may require filtering. Instructions on the fabrication of the shield and cable filtering will be provided.
Software to acquire the time samples will be supplied. This software will perform the following functions:
6. TEST OPERATIONS
6.1 Test Method #1
This test method involves driving/walking around to receive signals of interest, identify them by type, determine the origins of the signals (e.g., residential, commercial, etc.), and prepare a report characterizing the radio environment in the bands of interest. Participants using this method should carry a GPS receiver to determine the exact locations and times. This is a short-term test method that may take only one day but which should be repeated about every six months or when significant changes in the environment are observed (e.g., a new building or roadway). The results may be anecdotal and somewhat subjective but they are useful as indications of the types and locations of various emitters.
6.1.1 Test Method #1 Reporting Format
1) Latitude of the test site,
2) Longitude of the test site,
3) Date of test (format YY/MM/DD),
4) Time of test in UTC,
5) Name and of observer (i.e. Paul Rinaldo),
6) Call sign of observer (i.e. W4RI),
7) Center frequency in GHz (Fo),
8) Span Bandwidth in MHz (BW),
9) Resolution Bandwidth in (kHz),
10) Video Bandwidth in (kHz),
11) Manufacture of test instrument,
12) Model number of test instrument,
13) Serial number of test instrument,
14) Calibration due date of test instrument,
15) Diagram of test setup (this will require some thought as to format i.e., AutoCAD drawing etc.),
16) Power measurements in dBm,
17) Spectrum analyzer plot from the actual test (windows metafile or a bit mapped image of some standard format),
18) Observer's receiving setup (brief narrative description such as: vertical LP antenna /antenna oriented toward source/2 dB NF preamp/XYZ1234 receiver),
19) Mobility (examples: fixed location/driving/walking),
20) Distance between source and observer (km),
21) Assumed location of noise source (location name and grid square),
22) Measured polarization of noise source,
23) Description of observed noise (narrative), description of the location. Possibly words like "Rural," "Residential," "Industrial," "Business," "Campus," etc would do.
24) Remarks (narrative. Could include information about whether the use
appears to be within FCC Rules or exceeding limits.)
6.2 Test Method #2
This test method consists of receiving from a fixed location to determine noise levels and statistics and the types of signals of interest and their characteristics over time. The current literature on noise trends with time for a given band and type of noise environment (excepting the Japanese) is almost nonexistent. This is an area where radio amateurs can make a major contribution.
6.2.1 Receiving System Block Diagram
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Noise
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LNA |
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RX |
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Anti-alias
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Internet ARIA Web site |
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Software |
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Note:
The above diagram shows the Noise Source Box connected to an
antenna. An alternative is to have the receiver switch between its antenna and
a direct connection to the noise source.
6.2.2 Data Elements
6.2.3 Outputs
6.3 Test Method #3
This method is self directed and is based on the assumption that there are a number of participants who are expert at devising test plans and who have access to laboratory quality/traceable test equipment.
Participants volunteering to use this test method should document a specific test plan and share it with the ARIA team prior to implementation. Some consideration should be given to studying the effects of certain types of noise on the bit error rate (BER) of amateur digital communications. Polarization and direction of arrival of signals should be noted to the extent practicable.
7. REPORTS AND ANALYSES
The test data will be sent to a central Web site for analysis. The results will be made available to participants on an ongoing basis. The results of the analysis of individual contributions will be shared with the contributors. Results will be analyzed further on a noise-environment category basis and provided to the TAC noise study.
8. SCHEDULE
(Time line of events in test plan to be developed.)
9. FUNDING
While the tests are largely self-funded, we should consider preparing a list of any items that should be centrally funded, and develop sources such as the ARRL laboratory budget and the ARRL Foundation.
Examples of potential items for this list include the following black boxes:
¨ Noise Source
¨ RF Filter LNA
¨ Anti-alias Filter, A/D
Appendix A
Bibliography
American Radio Relay League, Report of the Ad Hoc Spectrum Strategy Committee, http://www.arrl.org/announce/reports-01/ss.html, January 2001
Anderson, David S., et al, Assessment of Compatibility Between Ultrawideband (UWB) Systems and Global Positioning System (GPS) Receivers, Report No. 01-45, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1995, http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/reports/UwbGps/NTIASP_01_45.pdf
Biggs, Michael, et al, Measurements to Characterize Aggregate Signal Emissions in the 2400-2500 MHz Frequency Range, Report No. 95-323, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1995
Dalke, Roger, "Effects of Noise on VHF Satellite Communications," Proc. of International Symposium on Advanced Radio Technologies, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, NTIA, 1999, http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/isart/art99/slides99/dal/dal_s.pdf
Dalke, Roger, et al, Spectrum Measurements for an RF-driven Lighting Device, Report No. 99-365, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, May 1999, http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/pub/all_pubs/1990.html
Federal Communications Commission DA 99-2743, Memorandum Opinion and Order, In the Matter of Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules to Make Non-Substantive Revisions to the Table of Frequency Allocations, December 1999
Federal Communications Commission, 47 CFR 15 Part 15--Radio Frequency Devices, http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/cfr/1998/47cfr15.pdf
Federal Communications Commission, 47 CFR 18 Part 18--Industrial, Scientific and Medical Equipment, http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/cfr/1998/47cfr18.pdf
Gawthrop, P., et al, Radio Spectrum Measurements of Individual Microwave Ovens, Vols 1 and 2, TR94-303-1 and --2, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1994
Hoffman, J. Randy, Measurements to Determine Potential Interference to GPS Receivers from Ultrawideband Transmission Systems, Report No 01-384, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, February 2001, http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/pub/ntia-rpt/01-384/
International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR), Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of Industrial, Scientific and Medical R/F Equipment, CISPR11.
International Telecommunication Union, Recommendation ITU-R F.758-1, Considerations in the development of criteria for sharing between the terrestrial fixed service and other services,1997.
International Telecommunication Union, Recommendation ITU-R P.372-6, Radio Noise, 1993.
International Telecommunication Union, Report ITU-R 258-5, Man-Made Radio Noise, 1990.
International Telecommunication Union, Recommendation ITU-R SM.182-4, Automatic Monitoring of Occupancy of the Radio-Frequency Spectrum, 1992
International Telecommunication Union, Recommendation ITU-R SM.337-4, Frequency and Distance Separations, 1997
International Telecommunication Union, Recommendation ITU-R SM.378-6, Field-Strength Measurements at Monitoring Stations, 1955.
Parker, Andrew A., et al, Spectrum Signatures of Man-Made Noise, paper presented at the Conference on Factors Affecting the Reception of Radio Signals, Naval Post Graduate School, March 2001.
Roosa, Paul C, Jr., et al, Assessment of Compatibility Between Ultrawideband Devices and Selected Federal Systems, Report No. 01-43, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 2001, http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/reports/uwb/uwb.pdf
Sanders, Frank, et al, Broadband Spectrum Survey at Denver, Colorado 1995, Report No. 95-321, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1999, http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/pub/surv_dnv/
Sanders, Frank, et al, Broadband Spectrum Survey at Los Angles, California May 1997, Report No. 99-336, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1999, http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/pub/ntia-rpt/97-336/97-336_complete_rpt.pdf
Sanders, Frank, et al, Broadband Spectrum Survey at San Diego, California, Dec 1996, Report No. 99-334, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1999, http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/pub/surv_sdg/sdg_ab.html
Sanders, Frank, et al, Broadband Spectrum Survey at San Francisco, California May-June 1995, Report No. 99-367, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, July 1999, http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/pub/ntia-rpt/99-367/abstract.html
Skomal, Edward N., Man-Made Radio Noise, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, ISBN 0-442-27648-6, 1978.
Vincent, Wilbur R., et al, Ambient Signals and Noise in the 915-MHz ISM Band, paper presented at the Conference on Factors Affecting the Reception of Radio Signals, Naval Post Graduate School, March 2001.
Vincent, Wilbur R., et al, A Review of Man-Made Radio Noise at 37 HF Receiving Site, paper presented at the Conference on Factors Affecting the Reception of Radio Signals, Naval Post Graduate School, March 2001.
Vincent, Wilbur R., et al, The Temporal and Spectral Structure of 2.4 GHz Radio Noise from a Microwave Oven, paper presented at the Conference on Factors Affecting the Reception of Radio Signals, Naval Post Graduate School, March 2001.
Appendix B
Domestic Allocations and Band Usage
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United States Table |
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Federal Government |
Non-Federal Government |
FCC §§ |
Non-Amateur Usage |
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420-450 RADIOLOCATION G2
S5.286 US7 US87 US217 US228 US230 G8 |
420-450 Amateur
S5.28 S5.286 US7 US87 US217 US228 US230 NG135 |
90 97 15.209 |
Intentional radiators-general limits.
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902-928 RADIOLOCATION G59
S5.150 US215 US218 US267 US275 G11 |
902-928 ISM PRIVATE LAND MOBILE Amateur |
18.107 90 97 15.245 15.247 |
Location and Monitoring Service High-power spread spectrum (cordless telephones) High-power intentional radiators Field-disturbance sensors/perimeter protection Periodic radiators Material measurement systems |
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1240-1300 RADIOLOCATION S5.333 G56
S5.334 |
1240-1300 Amateur
S5.282 S5.333 S5.334 |
97
15.209 |
Intentional radiators-general limits Periodic radiators LPI voice/data |
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2300-2305 G123 |
2300-2305 Amateur
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97 15.209 |
Intentional radiators-general limits |
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2305-2310
G123 |
2305-2310 FIXED MOBILE (except aero) RADIOLOCATION Amateur
US338 |
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97 15.209 |
Wireless Communications Service Intentional radiators-general limits
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2390-2400
G122 |
2390-2400 AMATEUR
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97 15.209 15.321 |
Intentional radiators-general limits Asynchronous unlicensed personal communications service devices |
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2400-2402
S5.150 G123 |
2400-2402 ISM S5.150 Amateur Amateur-Satellite S5.282 |
18.107 097
15.247 |
Microwave ovens High-power digital cordless telephones High-power IEEE 802.11b local area networks Bluetooth Field disturbance sensors Unlicensed Personal Communications Service Intentional radiators-general limits Periodic radiators |
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2402-2417
S5.150 G122 |
2402-2417 ISM S5.150 AMATEUR Amateur-Satellite S5.282
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18 97
15.247 |
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2417-2450 Radiolocation G2
S5.150 G124 |
2417-2450 ISM S5.150 Amateur Amateur-Satellite S5.282
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18 97 15.245 15.247 |
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United States Table (continued) |
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Federal Government |
Non-Federal Government |
FCC §§ |
Non-Amateur Usage |
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3300-3500 RADIOLOCATION US108 G31
S5.149 |
3300-3500 Amateur Amateur-Satellite S5.282 Radiolocation US108
S5.149 |
97
15.205 15.251 |
3300-3332 MHz, 3339-3345.8 MHz and 3358-3500 MHz Intentional radiators-general limits. 3332-3339 MHz and 3345.8-3358 MHz are restricted. |
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5650-5925 RADIOLOCATION G2
S5.150 US245 |
5650-5830 ISM S5.150 Amateur
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18.107 97 15.245 15.247 15.249 |
5725-5825 Unlicensed NII Field-disturbance sensors, perimeter protection High-power Intentional radiators High-power intentional radiators-spread spectrum |
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5830-5850 ISM S5.150 Amateur Amateur-satellite (space-to-Earth) S5.282
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18 97
15.247 15.249 |
High-power intentional radiators High-power intentional radiators-spread spectrum |
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5850-5925 ISM S5.150 FIXED-SATELLITE (Earth-to-space) US245 MOBILE NG160 Amateur |
18
90 97 15.249 |
Intelligent Transportation DRCS High-power intentional radiators |
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[1] For the purposes of this paper, "noise" includes all manmade radio signals whether intentional or incidental.