Spectrum Engineering

This report describes a set of algorithms developed at NTIA for the analytic assessment of interference effects in satellite communication services. These algorithms convert the interference levels at the receiver input into an observable performance degradation of the receiver output, such as, bit errors or distortion of the voice output.

This report, a follow-on of two earlier reports, examined the impact on fixed and mobile services of relaxing the current power-flux-density limits from satellites in the region of 2 GHz. The results of these studies were used to support U.S. contributions into the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR).

The Technical Spectrum Efficiency Factor (TSEF) concept was developed in the Technical Subcommittee (TSC) of the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) and was applied, by NTIA, to government fixed telecommunications systems in the 7-8 GHz bands. Both computer automated and manual procedures were employed. The TSEF evaluates the technical spectrum efficiency of a spectrum-using system by comparing the amount of the spectrum it uses to that used by the most spectrum-efficient system that could be procured to accomplish the same mission. The "most spectrum-efficient" system is called "the reference system". An extensive catalog of spectrum conservation techniques is also included.