Frank H. Sanders, Bradley J. Ramsey, and Robert L. Hinkle

Abstract:

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is responsible for managing the Federal Government's use of the radio spectrum. In discharging this responsibility, NTIA uses a variety of spectrum measurement system to collect data for spectrum management support. Such spectrum management support can involve technical analysis of radio interference that involves Federal Government radio systems. Such an interference situation has occurred at Bath, Maine, involving the U.S. Navy and a private-sector earth station operator. This report details a data collection effort directed at determining the mechanism of interference to the earth station. Based upon the assessment of the interference mechanism, technically feasible mitigation options are proposed and described.

The major objective of the measurements and tests performed at Bath was to determine the mechanism by which interference is occurring, and to recommend technically feasible solutions to the interference problem. Technical feasibility of a solution does not necessarily mean that the solution will be considered to be practical or desirable from a standpoint of cost or other non-technical considerations; it only means that the solution will work under the limits of known laws of physics and current state-of-the art knowledge of electrical engineering principles. Our purpose in performing the tasks at Bath, performing analysis of the data from Bath, and in writing this report is to set forth all possible technical solutions that meet these criteria. The parties to the interference problem may use these recommendations to attempt to resolve the interference problem on a technical basis.

Keywords: electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); radar spurious emissions; fixed-satellite earth stations; front-end overload; interference mitigation; radar interference; radar stations; television receive-only (TVRO) systems; radio frequency interference (RFI); low noise amplifier (LNA); EMC; forward error correction

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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