June 14, 2000
Ultra-Wideband Signals for Sensing and Communication:
A Master Plan for Developing Measurement Methods, Characterizing the Signals and Estimating Their Effects on Existing Systems
ITS Ultra-Wideband Measurement Plan
(Master Plan Task 1.2)
August 25, 2000 (1:13pm)
1. INTRODUCTION
This measurement plan includes tasks that will be performed by personnel from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Institute of Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) in Boulder, Colorado, the Department of Commerce National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) which is also in Boulder, and the NTIA Office of Spectrum Management (OSM) in Washington, DC.
The measurement procedures contained in this plan are intended as guidance. As we gain experience in understanding the characteristics of UWB emissions and their transfer properties in receiver systems, we may develop alternative measurement procedures or make additional measurements to those described here. Modifications to this measurement plan will be coordinated between OSM and ITS, and will be noted in the final NTIA Report on this tasking.
2. MEASUREMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this plan are to:
3. APPROACH
In order to accomplish the objectives of this measurement plan, the following approach will be taken:
In addition to the above, some measurement results will be compared with simulated and analytical analysis results of single and multiple UWB sources including responses in a range of IF bandwidths.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of the test plan showing the relationship between the various individual tasks in the test plan. Individual blocks or groups of blocks represent the major tasks, which are described in more detail in the following paragraphs. The test blocks outside of the dashed line are not part of this test plan.
4.1. Full Bandwidth Time Domain Measurements (NIST and ITS) - Master Plan Task 3.
The objectives of these measurements are to quantify UWB device and UWB simulator characteristics that cannot be measured directly with commercial-off-the shelf (COTS) equipment, and to compare with measurements performed with COTS equipment. NTIA/ITS will assess the effects and limits of using COTS bandwidth limited equipment in determining UWB device characteristics.
4.2 Development of COTS Techniques for Bandwidth Limited Measurements (ITS) - Master Plan Task 4
The objectives of these measurements are to:
The general laboratory test equipment configuration for the development of COTS techniques is shown in Figure 3. Many of the measurements will not require the use of all of the measurement equipment shown. Most of these measurements will be made on a radiated basis (with appropriate corrections for antenna gain factors), with conducted measurements performed as necessary.
Measurements and analysis will include:
Parameter | Proposed COTS Measurement |
RF Emission Spectrum | The radiated emission spectrum of each UWB device will be measured to determine the -10 & -20 dB bandwidths. The spectra will be measured down to the noise limit of the measurement system (with typical noise figure not to exceed 10 dB). Low-noise, bandpass-preselected front-ends will be used to maximize dynamic range of the measurements. Depending upon the EIRP and emission bandwidth of the UWB units, efforts should be made to measure 20 dB below the peak emission level. RF emission spectra will be measured with several techniques, including: peak-detected in a 1 MHz resolution and video bandwidth with stepped-frequency or swept-frequency maximum-hold algorithm to ensure that the peak level in 1 MHz and other bandwidths is determined at each measured frequency. Other possible techniques may include narrowband measurements in a CW/Gaussian mode, and wideband measurements in an impulsive mode. These results will be compared to each other and the NIST full-bandwidth data. Results will be used in the computation of peak and average power (below). |
Pulse width | Compare the reciprocal of the -10 dB and the -20 dB bandwidths of the measured RF emission spectra with the NIST-measured pulse width values. Determine level on time waveform (e.g., 3-dB point, 6-dB point, etc.) that corresponds to 10-dB spectrum bandwidth. |
Average PRF | a) If measurable spectrum lines are present (e.g., if PRF is fixed),
measure frequency separation between them.
b) If lines are not present (or are present but for some reason not measurable) then use a wideband detector to couple signal into an oscilloscope and measure average PRF from measured intervals within pulse trains. |
Total Peak Power | Definition: Total peak power is the peak power while the pulse is on,
measured with a bandwidth equal to or greater than one over the
pulse width.
Some techniques to be investigated include: a) If measurable lines are present, measure power in maximum-amplitude spectral line. Calculate total power, PT, from this power level and the duty cycle (pulse width and repetition rate determined as above): PT = Pline - 20log(duty cycle). b) Measure peak spectrum power density in a bandwidth and extrapolate to total power within the 3-dB and 10-dB points of the spectrum. c) Measure average power with a thermistor power meter, and calculate total power. PT = Pave - 10log(duty cycle). |
Peak Power in a bandwidth (Power spectral density, PSD) | For each UWB device, measure the peak power in a wide bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) and extrapolate to 50 MHz resolution bandwidth. Extrapolation will be performed using measured bandwidth correction factors. Also, measure the average power using Part 15 measurement procedures for UWB systems operating above 1000 MHz (i.e., 1 MHz resolution bandwidth and 10 Hz video bandwidth (See Annex A). Record the difference in power in dB between the peak power in a 50 MHz resolution bandwidth and the Part 15 average power. Compare the results with the NIST measurements. |
Total Average Power | Definition: Average power is the RMS power averaged over multiple
pulse periods measured with a bandwidth greater than one over the
pulsewidth.
Some techniques to be investigated include: a) Using pulse width, average PRF, and PT from above, calculate Pave using Pave = PT + 10log(duty cycle). b) Using power measured in maximum spectral line (if available), calculate Pave = Pline - 10log(duty cycle). c) Measure Pave directly with a thermistor power meter. Compare these determinations of total Pave to each other. |
Average Power in a bandwidth (average PSD) | Definition: Average power is the rms power averaged over multiple
pulse periods measured in a given bandwidth. Often referred to as
average power spectral density (PSD).
Some techniques to be investigated include: a) Log-detected narrowband video filtering (video bandwidth 1/100 of resolution bandwidth). Also, see Section 4.2 item 4 above. b) Video averaging (spectrum analyzer firmware algorithm). c) Determine average PSD using amplitude probability distributions in a variety of bandwidths, including 1 MHz. |
Percent Dither | Attempt to measure wideband-detected signal pulse-to-pulse intervals on a COTS oscilloscope. |
Pulse Gating | Wideband-detected signal will be coupled to an oscilloscope or the signal will be measured with a spectrum analyzer in 0-Hz span mode to observe the intervals between pulse bursts. An oscilloscope will be used if the intervals are too short to be resolvable on a spectrum analyzer. |
4.3. IF Envelope Time Waveform and Bandwidth Correction Factor Measurements (ITS) - Master Plan Task 5
The objectives of this task are to:
Figure 3 shows the general laboratory test equipment configuration for these measurements. UWB signals will be provided by UWB devices or by the UWB pulse generator triggered by an arbitrary waveform generator (which determines the patterns of exact times when impulses are generated). Measurements shall be performed on all UWB devices in selected modes which have different emission characteristics. The UWB pulse generator will be used to simulate UWB devices if actual UWB devices are not easily available to include a full range of UWB parameter characteristics (e.g., PRF, non-dithered, dithered, and gating). One set of measurements with the UWB pulse generator will include a PRF of 30 kHz with 0% and 50% dithering.
Digitized waveforms of UWB signals will be obtained from the internal spectrum analyzer digitizer (narrower bandwidths), a digital oscilloscope connected to the spectrum analyzer log video output (medium bandwidths), or a digital oscilloscope connected to an external wideband detector or logarithmic amplifier processing the spectrum analyzer IF output.
4.3.1. General Measurement Procedure
These general measurement procedures are key to providing meaningful IF envelope time waveforms, APD and BWCF data, and will include:
4.3.2. IF Envelope Time Waveform Measurements
IF envelope time waveforms as a function of receiver IF bandwidth for non-dithered, dithered and gated UWB signals should be measured. Particular attention should be given to the ratio of the UWB signal PRF and the receiver IF bandwidth. Receiver IF output time waveforms should be described as noise-like, CW-like, pulsed.
4.3.3. IF Envelope Amplitude Probability Distribution (APD) Measurements
Using the same equipment set-up and UWB sources used in the time waveform measurements in 4.3.2 above, data from multiple digital traces at each given bandwidth/UWB device mode will be measured and combined into amplitude probability distributions (APDs). The total number of data samples from each measured UWB signal mode will be determined by considering the number of samples required to accurately resolve the expected impulsive duty cycle for that PRF and effective pulsewidth in the receiver bandpass.
These APD data will be plotted and the readings will be analyzed to compute various simulated detector functions. Included in these detector functions will be RMS, average voltage, and average logarithm.
4.3.4. Bandwidth Correction Factor and Part 15 Measurements
Receiver IF bandwidth correction factor (BWCF) measurements will be made for all UWB device modes measured in Part 4.3.2. These measurements should determine the UWB peak and average signal levels at a receiver IF output as a function of the UWB signal characteristics (PRF, non-dithered/dithered, etc) and the receiver IF bandwidth. For each bandwidth correction factor measurement:
4.4. Receiver Interference Protection Measurements - Master Plan Task 6 & 7
The objectives of this task are to:
These measurements will use accepted National and International interference protection criteria. The measurements will use the UWB simulator as the interference source. Both closed system and radiated measurements will be performed. Three to four of the following systems will be measured.
System | Frequency Band of Operation (MHz) |
1. Instrument Landing System (Localizer and Glideslope) | 108-112
328.6-335.4 |
2. Distance Measuring Equipment (Interrogator and Transponder) | 960-1215 |
3. ATCRBS Systems (Interrogator and Transponder) (Selected for Measurement) | 1030, 1090 |
4. SARSAT Receivers | 1,544.5 |
5. Air Route Surveillance Radar (Selected for Measurement) | 1260-1400 |
5. Fixed Microwave System | 1755-1850 |
6. Airport Surveillance Radars (Selected for Measurement) | 2700-2900 |
7. Earth Station Receiver (Selected for Measurement) | 3700-4200 |
8. Radar Altimeters | 4200-4400 |
9. Microwave Landing System | 5030-5090 |
10. Terminal Doppler Weather Radars | 5600-5650 |
11. Microwave Landing System | 5030-5090 |
12. Terminal Doppler Weather Radars | 5600-5650 |
Measurements will be performed for the UWB simulator parameters or conditions shown in TABLE 3, and on other UWB parameters based on measured data from Section 4.3 .
TEST # | PRF/BW
RATIO |
DITHER
(%) |
GATING
(%) |
RECEIVER IF OUTPUT
RESPONSE TO UWB SIGNAL |
1 | 10/1 | YES(50%) | TBD | Noise-like |
2 | 10/1 | No | TBD | CW-like |
3 | 1/10 | No | TBD | Pulse-like |
4.4.1. Closed System Measurements
Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the closed system measurement setup.
For each victim receiver, perform the following procedures:
where:
LP = the propagation loss between transmitting and receiving antennas necessary to preclude interference from the Part 15 UWB device, in dB
EIRP = the equivalent isotropic radiated power limit under Part 15.209, in dBm. The EIRP value as a function of frequency can be determined from Table 4 below.
GR() = the victim receiver antenna gain in the direction of the Part 15 device, in dBi.
LR = the insertion loss (loss between the receiver antenna and receiver input) in the victim receiver, in dB.
Pr = received power of the UWB device at the victim receiver input measured using the Part 15 measurement procedure (See Annex A), in dBm. NOTE: the measured value of Pr is an average UWB signal level at the receiver RF input which corresponds to a peak I/N of 0 dB at the receiver IF output . For distance separation calculations of peak I/N protection ratios of -6 and -10 dB, an additional 6 or 10 dB must be subtracted from Pr, respectively.
Once the required propagation loss (LP) is determined for the appropriate interference protection criteria, an appropriate smooth earth propagation model should be used to determine the required separation distance.
Frequency
(MHz) |
Field Strengtha
(microvolts/meter) |
Measurement
Distance (m) |
FCC Measurement
Bandwidth (kHz) |
EIRPb
(dBm) |
0.009 - 0.015 | 2400/F(kHz) | 300 | 0.3 | 11.8 -20log10F(kHz) |
0.015 - 0.490 | 2400/F(kHz) | 300 | 10 | 11.8 -20log10F(kHz) |
0.490 - 1.705 | 24000/F(kHz) | 30 | 10 | 12.3 -20log10F(kHz) |
1.705 - 30.0 | 30 | 30 | 10 | -45.7 |
30 - 88 | 100c | 3 | 100 | -55.3 |
88 - 216 | 150c | 3 | 100 | -51.7 |
216 - 960 | 200c | 3 | 100 | -49.2 |
960-1000 | 500 | 3 | 100 | -41.3 |
above 1000 | 500 | 3 | 1000 | -41.3 |
a) The field strength emission limits specified are based on measurements employing a
CISPR quasi-peak detector, except for the frequency bands, 9-90 kHz, 110-490 kHz, and
above 1000 MHz. Emission limits in these three bands are based on measurements
employing an average detector.
b) The field strength emission limits were converted to an equivalent isotropic radiated power level in dBm using the following equation. EIRP(dBm) = Eo(dBV/m) + 20log10D(m) - 104.8 c) Except for perimeter protection systems and biomedical telemetry systems, fundamental emissions from intentional radiators operating under Section 15.209 shall not be located in the frequency bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, or 470-806 MHz, except as specified in 15.231 & 15.241. |
4.4.2 Radiated Measurements
Radiated measurements are made as follows:
4.5. Aggregate Effects Measurements - Master PlanTask 8
The objective of these measurements is to determine if emissions from multiple UWB transmitters can have an aggregate or cumulative effect at a receiver IF output when multiple UWB signals are present at a receiver input. This information will also be applied to the aggregate modeling and analysis efforts.
These aggregate measurements will be closed-system using up to three UWB simulators. Figure 5 shows the aggregate effects measurement test setup. Tests will be made with signal combinations as shown in Table 5. Some measurements will be made to test the validity of the ITS aggregate APD model.
TEST # | SIGNAL # | PRF/BW RATIO | DITHER (%) | GATING (%) | RECEIVER IF OUTPUT RESPONSE TO UWB SIGNAL |
1 | 1 | 36,799 | Yes (50%) | TBD | Noise-like |
2 | 10/1 | Yes (50%) | TBD | Noise-like | |
3 | 10/1 | Yes (50%) | TBD | Noise-like | |
2 | 1 | 10/1 | No | TBD | CW-like1 |
2 | 10/1 | No | TBD | CW-like1 | |
3 | 10/1 | No | TBD | CW-like1 | |
3 | 1 | 1/10 | No | TBD | Pulse-like |
1/10 | No | TBD | Pulse-like | ||
2 | 1/10 | No | TBD | Pulse-like | |
4 | 1 | 10/1 | Yes | TBD | Noise-like |
2 | 10/1 | No | TBD | CW-like1 | |
3 | 1/10 | No | TBD | Pulse-like | |
1. Spectrum analyzer should be tuned to center of PRF line spectra. |
The following measured data will be taken.
1. For each source, set the spectrum analyzer resolution and video bandwidths to 1 MHz, and record the APD at the spectrum analyzer IF output. Plot all three APDs on a single graph. Maintain equal output levels for the three simulator outputs.
2. Combine two simulator outputs and measure the resulting APD in 1 MHz bandwidth.
3. Combine three simulator outputs and repeat.
4. For UWB noise-like and CW-like signals at the spectrum analyzer output, use video averaging technique (VBW=1/100 of RBW) on the spectrum analyzer to observe the aggregate effect. Perform stair-step measurement with one, two, and three simulators combined, and record.
5. Compare APDs of measured aggregates to results obtained by mathematically combining individual APDs.
General Procedure:
Note: If a measurement below 1 GHz does not comply with the Part 15 limits, the above procedure is repeated with using a quasi-peak detector, as Part 15 emission limits for frequencies below 1 GHz are in terms of quasi-peak.
The objective of this procedure is to establish an I/N of 0 dB at the victim receiver IF output across a wide range of UWB parameters. When I/N of 0 is established, other levels (e.g., -6 dB, -10 dB) can be set by adjusting input attenuation accordingly.
Technique:
1) For each bandwidth, determine spectrum analyzer RMS noise level using lowpass video filtering (RBW 100 × VBW).
2) For UWB signal with noise-like characteristics at IF output, couple into spectrum analyzer at a level at least 10 dB above the spectrum analyzer video filtered noise established in step 1. Determine level using lowpass video filtering. Then add attenuation at spectrum analyzer input to achieve desired 0 dB I/N ratio. Verify that new level is 3 dB higher than inherent noise level.
3) For UWB signal with CW-like characteristics at IF output, couple into spectrum analyzer at a level 10 dB or more higher than spectrum analyzer noise established in Step 1. Determine level using lowpass video filtering. Then add attenuation at spectrum analyzer input to achieve 0 dB I/N ratio, taking into account that the log average of noise is measured 2.5 dB lower than the actual RMS level.
4) For UWB signal with pulse-like characteristics at IF output, couple into spectrum analyzer at a peak-detected level 10 dB or more higher than spectrum analyzer noise established in Step 1. Then add attenuation at spectrum analyzer input to achieve 0 dB I/N ratio, taking into account that the log average of noise is measured 2.5 dB lower than the actual RMS level.
1. 1 Pending FAA response to NTIA.