Spectrum Management
29 January 2014
Practical Application: 1005
Spectrum Management
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Spectrum Management
Introduction
Military operations are complicated by increasingly complex demands on the
Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS). All modern forces depend on the EMS. The
EMS is a physical medium through which joint forces conduct operations. EMS‐
dependent devices are used by both civilian and military organizations and
individuals for intelligence; communications; position, navigation, and timing;
sensing; Command and Control (C2); attack; ranging; Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensor data collection/transmission; Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UASs); civil infrastructure; data transmission and information
storage and processing. The importance of the EMS and its relationship to the
operational capabilities is the key focus of Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum
Management Operations (JEMSMO). JEMSMO is a functional area ultimately
responsible for coordinating EMS access among multinational partners,
throughout the operational environment.
The EMS is a physics‐based maneuver space essential to control the operational
environment during all military operations. Information and data exchange
between platforms and capabilities will at some point rely on the EMS for
transport. This maneuver space is constrained by both military and civil uses as
well as adversary attempts to deny the use of the EMS, creating a congested and
contested environment. This constrains freedom of maneuver to use all
capabilities of friendly forces throughout the operational environment.
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Spectrum Management
Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Management
Operations 20 March 2012
Depiction of DoD Operations in Spectrum Bands Below 40 GHz
Problem
As one can see, the electromagnetic spectrum is a valuable resource that
supports the backbone of all phases of military and commercial operations. It’s
use must be carefully planned and controlled for the consequences could be
severe. Interference can disrupt even the most important missions or operations.
For this reason, the spectrum must be carefully monitored for both unintended
and intentional electromagnetic signals. Not only government applications can
be affected, but local commercial services can be shut down or caused to function
abnormally. Even the local fast food drive‐thru can be impacted. The unintended
effect on emergency services can be very damaging.
One valuable tool in the mission to monitor and isolate possible interference is
the QRC Technologies WBT recorder/transmitter. This dual use recorder can
visually examine portions of the spectrum, record the results and retransmit the
data for either later analysis or testing for effect.
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Spectrum Management
1) The QRC WBT operates like a narrow band spectrum analyzer. The unit
will display a frequency band of up to 50 MHz or two channels of 25 MHz
or less. The smaller bandwidths are available for longer recording
periods. This spectrum may then be recorded for a historical or baseline
performance record. Later measurements can be compared to this
record for evidence of degradation or frequency/bandwidth changes.
The unit contains two hot swappable disc drives (960 MB) that are easy
to remove and store. This single box self‐ contained unit can be battery
powered for true portability.
2) A comprehensive library can be compiled to document spectrum
performance for future analysis. This can be done not only for the
emitters, but for areas of the spectrum of concern. Do you have a low
SNR satellite link? Checking and documenting the guard bands may be a
wise thing to do. Were there any adjacent signals before? Check the
disk. Preventing creeping interference is a smart way to prevent future
problems.
3) The ability to retransmit pre‐recorded signals is another way to get the
jump on potential problems. Test signals may be generated to determine
any interactions before the installation. The test signal may be moved to
any frequency within the WBT’s range. The output level is adjustable and
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Spectrum Management
external power amplifiers can boost the level to any range desired. This
capability is also excellent for the training role. The ability to transmit
recorded files lets future interference hunters develop their skill set.
The WBT can be a vital tool for the interference hunter. It may be even more
important for interference prevention. It is versatile, capable of many
applications, and easy to operate. Future on board applications will improve
capability. There is a planned application space designed into the unit for
customers to implement their own applications. Planned features include full
band sweep capability, waterfall display and threshold triggering.
The need to review spectrum usage, to clearly articulate requirements and
identify opportunities for sharing does not fall upon the DoD and other federal
users alone, but also upon all users of the spectrum in the United States.
Spectrum sharing is a way to satisfy the growing demands, both private and
government, for this finite and increasingly important resource. (From the
AD/DOD) This points to the fact that spectrum monitoring is essential. Let us
help.
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WBT Specifications
Technical Data: WBT
Size (W x H x D) 18.7” x 12.4” x 3.1”
Weight Under 10.0 Lbs
10.4” LCD (Resistive Touch) 700 NIT Display
Communication Links Gigabit Ethernet
Power Consumption 83W Nominal
External Power Input 10.0 – 32.0 VDC
Operating Temperature Range 0 to +50°C (+32 to +122°F) (Without Condensation)
Storage Temperature Range ‐20 to +80°C (‐4 to +176°F) (Without Condensation)
Frequency Range 50 MHz to 4.4 GHz
Supplied Power Adapters AC 120‐240V Power Brick (20VDC regulated)
Supplied Power Adapter Automobile Power Plug (12VDC Nominal)
Thermal Management Forced Air
File Format QVRT (VITA‐49 Standard Derived)
Tuner Configuration Options Frequency Range
A 50 MHz to 2.2 GHz
B 400 MHz to 4.4 GHz
1211 Central Park Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
voice: 540.446.2270
fax: 540.548.4080
www.qrctech.com
QRC Specializes in Active & Passive, Fully Autonomous Survey Devices for
Cellular Communication Networks.
QRC Products Cover GSM, CDMA, EVDO, WCDMA, WiMAX &
LTE Protocols.
Our Products Can Be Used for Network Discovery, Competitive Analysis,
Interference Analysis, Mission Preparation, Optimization, &
Critical Infrastructure Analysis.