7.6. Electromagnetic Spectrum
7.6.1. EM Spectrum Considerations
7.6.1. EM Spectrum Considerations
In accordance with DoDI 5000.02, Enclosure 12, paragraph 11, the Program Manager (PM) must consider the use of the EM SPECTRUM when delivering capability to the warfighter's or business domains. The fundamental questions are:
- Will the system/equipment require access to the EM SPECTRUM to operate as it is intended (e.g., to communicate with other systems; to collect and/or transmit data, to broadcast signals, etc.)?
- Will sufficient EM SPECTRUM access be available to operate the system/equipment during its life cycle in the intended operational environment?
- Will the system/equipment, including commercial-off-the-shelf systems delivered by the program, radiate EM energy that could be detrimental to other systems or equipment?
- Will the intended operational EM environment produce harmful effects to the intended system, even if the proposed system does not radiate EM energy (such as ordnance)?
Ensuring the compatible operation of DoD systems in peace and in times of conflict is becoming increasingly complex and difficult. DoD's demand for spectrum access is increasing as more systems become net-centric and information is pushed to the "tactical edge". In addition, the EM environment in which the DoD operates around the globe is becoming more congested as consumer applications that require spectrum are introduced and take hold. System developers can no longer assume their systems will be operating in an interference-free frequency band or that a single band will work around the world. Given these circumstances, DoD Instruction 4650.01 states the following as one of spectrum management's core principles: "Pursue spectrum-efficient technologies to support the increasing warfighter demand for spectrum access and encourage development of spectrum-dependent systems that can operate in diverse EM environments."
National and DoD policies and procedures for the management and use of the EM Spectrum direct PMs developing spectrum-dependent systems/equipment to consider EM SPECTRUM requirements and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) control early in the development process. Given the complex environment (both physical and political) in which DoD forces operate, and the potential for worldwide use of capabilities procured for DoD, early and thorough consideration is vitally important. These policies and procedures are intended to ensure the following:
- Permission is obtained from designated authorities of sovereign ("host") nations (including the United States) to use the equipment within their respective borders and near the geographic borders of other countries (within coordination zones);
- Sufficient spectrum will be available in the operational environment during the system/equipment's life cycle; and
- Equipment can operate compatibly with other spectrum-dependent equipment already in the intended operational environment (electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)).
Because this requires coordination at the national and international levels, getting spectrum advice early helps a PM identify and mitigate spectrum-related risks and successfully deliver capabilities that can be employed in their intended operational environment.
E3 control is concerned with proper design and engineering to minimize the impact of the EM environment on equipment, systems, and platforms. E3 control applies to the EM SPECTRUM interactions of both spectrum-dependent and non- spectrum-dependent objects within the operational environment. Examples of non- spectrum-dependent objects that could be affected by the EM environment include all other electrical/electronic systems, ordnance, personnel, and fuels. The increased dependency on, and competition for, portions of the EM Spectrum have increased the likelihood of adverse interactions among sensors, networks, communications, weapons systems, fuels, personnel, and ordnance.
DoD has established procedures, described below, to identify and mitigate spectrum-related risks and to control the E3 impacts on the equipment, systems, and platforms used by our military forces. Spectrum requirements shall be addressed early in acquisition programs (DoD Instruction 4650.01). In accordance with DoD Directive 3222.3, "DoD Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Program," proper design and engineering techniques to control E3 shall be considered throughout the acquisition process to ensure the successful delivery of operational capabilities to the warfighter.
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