NTIA-commissioned reports examine the role of radiofrequency receivers in improving spectrum efficiency

NTIA commissioned MITRE to prepare two comprehensive reports and recommend best practices on receiver design and performance, in recognition of its critical role in spectrum management. The reports focus on the highly diverse radios used in federal missions, but also issue more general analysis and recommendations. 

“Receiver Interference Immunity: Issues and Recommendations” is the result of extensive research, consultations with government and industry experts, and MITRE’s internal expertise. Among its key findings is that the complexity and diversity of the radiofrequency (RF) environment precludes any universal approach.  Examples include receivers that are required to be highly sensitive to perform their missions and those that are relatively inefficient but expensive to replace. The report recommends several concrete steps that can be taken to improve spectrum efficiency.  These include focusing on receivers in bands being considered for repurposing; improving data collection for receivers, including identifying blocking interference levels; and informing federal procurement officials of their options in designing and buying new equipment.  The 141-page report covers the technical issues involved in receiver interference, prior reports on the subject, relevant standards and regulations (both domestic and international), test procedures, and policy issues.  An appendix lists 159 current receiver standards.

An additional MITRE report, “Best Practices for Designing Interference-Resilient RF Receiving Systems,” describes various techniques developed by system designers to make their receivers as immune as possible to the harmful effects of RF interference, without degrading other measures of system performance.  The guide is intended for federal employees involved in the acquisition and procurement of RF receiving systems.  The intent is to educate and provide awareness of best practices associated with the development of receiving systems with a specific focus on the mitigation of out-of-band RF interference.  This will enable federal employees to engage with industry partners in discussions early in the design process on the concerns of the evolving spectral environment and the need for improved receiver system immunity to interference signals. 

For questions regarding the MITRE reports, please contact Antonio Richardson [email protected] or Bruce Jacobs [email protected].