NTIA Report TR-96-333

Testing and Evaluation of the Subcarrier Traffic Information Channel

September 1996

John F. Mastrangelo and Wayne R. Rust

Abstract: In support of the Federal Highway Administration of the United States Department of Transportation, the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences has completed a laboratory and field test program designed to independently evaluate the performance of an FM subcarrier-based traveler information broadcast system. This system was developed by the MITRE Corporation to investigate the use of FM subcarriers for the broadcast of traffic data to vehicles on highways. The testing and evaluation program measured the Subcarrier Traffic Information Channel (STIC) system performance both in the laboratory and when installed in the subcarrier channel of a commercial FM broadcast station. STIC performance was measured and evaluated in a variety of reception environments in order to assist in the future prediction of STIC coverage in areas of the United States that differ dramatically in terrain and population density.

Keywords: Advanced Traffic Information Systems (ATIS); FM broadcast subcarrier; Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS); propagation measurements; propagation predictions; Subcarrier Traffic Information Channel (STIC) system

• Complete Report (8.5 MB)

• Title page; Disclaimer; Contents

• Chapter 1: Introduction;
  Chapter 2: STIC System Description;
  Chapter 3: Laboratory Evaluation

• Chatper 4: STIC Field Testing and Evaluation (6.6 MB)

• Chapter 5: Conclusions

• Appendices:
  Appendix A: Data Collection System
  Appendix B: Data-Processing Methodology
  Appendix C: Conversion of Received Signal Power to Electric Field Strength
  Appendix D: Comparision of Predicted and Received Signal Power Levels

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software are 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.

To request a reprint of this report, contact:
Margaret Luebs, Publications Officer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 497-3572
info@its.bldrdoc.gov