RF Interference PDF

Customer Solutions Group – North America
Radio Frequency Interference
System Guide Series
68P80801B75-O
1993 - 1999 Motorola, Inc. to reduce the signal strength near a site where there is an abundance of signal strength All Rights Reserved
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW ......................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 SCOPE OF MANUAL ..................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 CUSTOMER SUPPORT DESK REPRESENTATIVE ........................................................................... 1-1
1.3 VERSION INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 1-1
1.4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.5 MANUALS ON-LINE ..................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.6 RELATED MANUALS ................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.7 TEXT CONVENTIONS ................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.8 SOFTWARE TEXT CONVENTIONS ................................................................................................ 1-3
1.9 HARDWARE NAMING CONVENTIONS .......................................................................................... 1-3
1.10 REPORTING MANUAL ERRORS .................................................................................................... 1-3
1.11 GENERAL SAFETY ....................................................................................................................... 1-3
1.11.1 Ground the Instrument ........................................................................................................ 1-3
1.11.2 ESD Procedure.................................................................................................................... 1-4
1.11.3 Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere...................................................................... 1-4
1.11.4 Keep Away from Live Circuits............................................................................................. 1-4
1.11.5 Do Not Service or Adjust Alone........................................................................................... 1-4
1.11.6 Use Caution When Exposing or Handling the CRT ............................................................ 1-4
1.11.7 Do Not Substitute Parts or Modify Equipment .................................................................... 1-5
SECTION 2 UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF RFI ............................................................ 2-1
2.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 NATURE OF RFI........................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2.1 Root Causes of Interference ................................................................................................ 2-1
2.2.2 Effects of Interference.......................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3 PROBLEMS WITH RFI .................................................................................................................. 2-2
2.3.1 Inbound interference at the FNE ......................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.2 Outbound interference at the MS......................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.3 Rogue co-channel noise....................................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.4 Noise floor rise .................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.3.5 Choppy Audio ...................................................................................................................... 2-3
SECTION 3 IDENTIFYING THE TYPES OF RFI ........................................................................ 3-1
3.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 SOURCES OF INTERFERENCE ....................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2.1 Interference Generated by Transmitters.............................................................................. 3-1
3.2.2 Interference Generated by External Sources....................................................................... 3-1
3.2.3 Interference Generated within Receivers ............................................................................ 3-1
3.3 SPECIFIC TYPES OF INTERFERENCE............................................................................................. 3-2
3.3.1 Transmitter Noise ................................................................................................................ 3-2
3.3.2 Receiver Noise ..................................................................................................................... 3-3
3.3.3 Intermodulation Noise ......................................................................................................... 3-4
3.3.4 Intersystem Interference .................................................................................................... 3-12
3.3.5 FNE Receive or MS Transmit Noise.................................................................................. 3-16
3.3.6 Unidirectional Broadcast or Receive Noise ...................................................................... 3-19
SECTION 4 MEASURING THE LEVEL OF RFI.......................................................................... 4-1
4.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................... 4-1
Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O i

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
4.2.1 Noise Readings .................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Testing Frequency and Necessity ........................................................................................ 4-1
4.3 TESTING PROCEDURE: MEASURING RFI AT AN IDEN SITE ....................................................... 4-1
4.3.1 Required Testing Equipment ............................................................................................... 4-1
4.3.2 Evaluation Procedures ........................................................................................................ 4-2
4.4 TESTING PROCEDURE: DETECTING RFI BETWEEN SYSTEMS ..................................................... 4-8
4.4.1 Required Test Equipment .................................................................................................... 4-8
4.4.2 Evaluation Procedures ........................................................................................................ 4-8
SECTION 5 ANALYZING THE PROBLEMS OF RFI ................................................................. 5-1
5.1 PROBLEM SEGMENTATION .......................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 PROBLEM ISOLATION .................................................................................................................. 5-1
5.3 PROBLEM RESOLUTION ............................................................................................................... 5-1
SECTION 6 MINIMIZING THE EFFECTS OF RFI..................................................................... 6-1
6.1 REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF TRANSMITTER SIDE BAND NOISE .................................................. 6-1
6.2 REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF PORTABLE RECEIVER IM ............................................................... 6-2
6.3 REDUCING THE POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE INTERFERENCE ........................................................... 6-2
6.4 SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS ................................................................................................................... 6-3
6.4.1 Changing Frequency ........................................................................................................... 6-3
6.4.2 Reducing Undesired Signal Strength................................................................................... 6-3
6.4.3 Increasing ERP or signal strength of desired signal........................................................... 6-5
6.5 LONG TERM AVOIDANCE ............................................................................................................ 6-5
6.6 FCC REGULATIONS .................................................................................................................... 6-6
APPENDIX A MANMADE NOISE AND INTERFERENCE .......................................................... A-1
APPENDIX B PROPAGATION OF RFI ............................................................................................B-1

FADED OR MUTED SIGNAL LEVELS ....................................................................................................... B-1
SHADOWING ........................................................................................................................................... B-1
NEAR-FIELD ATTENUATION .................................................................................................................. B-1
MULTIPATH ............................................................................................................................................ B-1
APPENDIX C ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................ C-1
ii 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

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SECTION 1: DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
SECTION 1 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
1.1 Scope of Manual

This manual is a reference source on Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and how this phenomena can
affect the iDEN system and other mixed technology radio systems that share the 806 MHz to 821 MHz
frequency band. We also discuss the use of tools and equipment for detecting and reducing or eliminating
RFI. In general RFI elimination would be the goal. However in most cases, due to the intractable nature
of RFI problems, RFI reduction might be the normal result. In other cases, RFI issues may well need
escalation.
The audience is primarily RF Engineers and RF System/Performance Engineers who design, implement,
and ensure the integrity of the network’s RF subsystem. We expect the engineers to be capable of using
instruments for measuring different types of RFI, evaluating and analyzing RFI problems and performing
drive tests as required.
It is highly recommended that a complete set of current iDEN product manuals be available for reference
in each market. These manuals, provided in Portable Document Format (PDF), may be viewed or
downloaded from the Motorola iDEN AccessSecure web server
https:/accesssecure.mot.com/iDEN/techdocs/manuals.html
1.2 Customer Support Desk Representative

Before performing any optimization on the system, please contact Customer Support Desk Representative
(CSDR) in order to make sure they are aware of what is going to be done to the system and when. This
will allow CSDR to have the correct technical support engineers on call if needed. For more information
on procedures for calling CSDR, classification of trouble tickets or escalation processes, please refer to
the latest version of the Customer Guide to iDEN Technical Solutions Center sysiu023. This document is
located at: https:/accesssecure.mot.com/iDEN/techdocs/manuals.html
1.3 Version Information

The following table lists the manual version, date of version, and remarks on the version.
Version Date of Issue Remarks
O August 18, 2000 General Release
1.4 Acknowledgments
The following table acknowledges those who contributed to the publication of this document.
Name Company Name Company
Harry Cho Motorola Ron Marchisio Motorola
Jim Krammen Motorola John Critchley Motorola
Thedora Norris Motorola Ray Grimes Motorola
Paul Weber Motorola
Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O 1-1

October 13, 2000
1.5 Manuals On-line

This manual is available on the World Wide Web at https://accesssecure.mot.com/, the iDEN customer
site. This site was created to provide secure access to critical iDEN Infrastructure and Subscriber
information. This web site features the following categories of information:
1. Quick reference to the iDEN organization, answers to frequently asked questions, and definitions to
iDEN acronyms.
2. Product training information including; course descriptions, prerequisites, training planning tools,
schedules, pricing and registration information.
3. A library of iDEN Infrastructure and Subscriber technical documentation such as bulletins, system
release documents, and product manuals.
4. New product announcements and marketing bulletins.
5. System product performance and customer satisfaction.
For information on obtaining an account on this site contact Motorola at (847) 576-9541.
1.6 Related Manuals

The following manuals are referenced in the text and their latest versions should be accessed for further
information:
• Customer Guide to iDEN Technical Solutions Center sysiu023
• RF Measurement Guide, sysiu002
• RF Site Noise Measurement Procedure, sysiu029
• Understanding RSSI and SQE Measurements, sysiu015
1.7 Text Conventions

The following special paragraphs are used in this manual to point out information that must be read. This
information may be set-off from the surrounding text, but is always preceded by a bold title in capital
letters. The three categories of these special paragraphs are:
NOTE Presents additional information in the main body of the manual. This
information will be helpful, non-critical information that you can use.
CAUTION Presents information to identify a hazard which can or will cause

minor personal injury or equipment damage could occur if the
caution is ignored.
WARNING Presents information to warn you of a potentially hazardous

situation in which there is a hazard that can cause personal
injury, death or major equipment damage if the warning is
ignored.
1-2 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

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1.8 Software Text Conventions
The following typographical conventions are used for the presentation of software information:
• In text, sans serif BOLDFACE CAPITAL characters (a type style without angular strokes: i.e.,
SERIF versus SANS SERIF) are used to name a command.
• In text, typewriter style characters represent prompts and the system output as displayed on an
operator terminal or printer.
• In command definitions, sans serif boldface characters represent those parts of the command string
that must be entered exactly as shown and typewriter style characters represent command output
responses as displayed on an operator terminal or printer.
• In the command format of the command definition, typewriter style characters represent the
command parameters.
1.9 Hardware Naming Conventions

Acronyms are frequently used throughout the text and are fully defined at their first point of reference. An
acronym list in also provided in APPENDIX C of this manual.
1.10 Reporting Manual Errors

If you locate an error or identify a deficiency in this manual, please take the time to contact us:
Fax to us at: (847) 538-3127.
Be sure to address the fax to iDEN Technical Publications. Include your name, fax or phone number, the
complete manual title and part number, the page number where the error is located, and any comments
you may have regarding what you have found.
Thank you for your time. We appreciate any comments from users of our manuals.
1.11 General Safety

Remember Safety Depends on You!!
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and
repair of the equipment described in this manual. Failure to comply with these precautions or with
specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended
use of the equipment. Motorola, Inc. assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements. The safety precautions listed below represent warnings of certain dangers of which we are
aware. You, as the user of this product, should follow these warnings and all other safety precautions
necessary for the safe operation of the equipment in your operating environment.
1.11.1 Ground the Instrument
To minimize shock hazard, the equipment chassis and enclosure must be connected to an electrical earth
ground. The power cable must be either plugged into an approved three-contact electrical outlet or used
with a three-contact to two-contact adapter. The three-contact to two-contact adapter must have the
grounding wire (green) firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet. The
power jack and mating plug of the power cable must meet International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) safety standards.

October 13, 2000
1.11.2 ESD Procedure
Motorola strongly recommends that you use an antistatic wrist strap and a conductive foam pad when
installing or upgrading the system. Electronic components, such as disk drives, computer boards, and
memory modules, can be extremely sensitive to ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD). After removing the
component from the system or its protective wrapper, place the Wrist Strap component flat on a
grounded, static-free surface, and in the case of a board, component-side up. Do not slide the component
over any surface.
If an ESD station is not available, you can avoid damage resulting from ESD by wearing an antistatic
wrist strap (available at electronics stores) that is attached to an unpainted metal part of the system
chassis.
Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present in this product. Power switch terminals can
have hazardous voltages present even when the power switch is off. Do not operate the system with the
cover removed. Always replace the cover before turning on the system.
1.11.3 Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere
Do not operate the equipment in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Operation of any electrical
equipment in such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.
1.11.4 Keep Away from Live Circuits
Operating personnel must:

• Not remove equipment covers. Only Factory Authorized Service Personnel or other qualified
maintenance personnel may remove equipment covers for internal subassembly, or component
replacement, or any internal adjustment.
• Not replace components with power cable connected. Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages
may exist even with the power cable removed.
• Always disconnect power and discharge circuits before touching them.
1.11.5 Do Not Service or Adjust Alone
Do not attempt internal service or adjustment, unless another person, capable of rendering first aid and
resuscitation, is present.
1.11.6 Use Caution When Exposing or Handling the CRT
Breakage of the Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) causes a high-velocity scattering of glass fragments
(implosion). Where applicable, to prevent CRT implosion, avoid rough handling or jarring of the
equipment. The CRT should be handled only by qualified maintenance personnel, using approved safety
mask and gloves.

October 13, 2000
1.11.7 Do Not Substitute Parts or Modify Equipment
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install substitute parts or perform any
unauthorized modification of equipment. Contact Motorola Warranty and Repair for service and repair to
ensure that safety features are maintained.

October 13, 2000
Notes

October 13, 2000
SECTION 2: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF RFI
SECTION 2 UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF RFI
2.1 Introduction
With the rapid growth in wireless systems implementation, the emphasis on understanding the nature of
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is becoming increasingly important. As the number of cell sites
increases, occurrences of RFI have become more common. Therefore, a greater awareness of RFI
elements is needed to recognize and control the consequences of the growth of technology. RFI is
unwanted electromagnetic energy in the range of frequencies used for radio communications.
2.2 Nature of RFI
2.2.1 Root Causes of Interference
The symptoms of RFI may manifest themselves during operations, troubleshooting, or repair situations.
The following description depicts a typical scenario:
A customer notices poor audio quality or experiences a dropped call that is affecting the
Mobile Subscriber (MS) near other Radio Frequency (RF) sites. The presence of
interference may be the cause of the degradation in performance. In this case, the MS
may be receiving a desired signal (from a site 5 miles away) at the same time it is
receiving an undesired signal (from approximately ½ mile away), thereby causing the
reduction in performance.
A rise in the noise floor due to transmitter side band energy present near a lower cell site can be one
source of RFI. The mixing of several strong signals in the front-end of portable receivers, known as IM
(Intermodulation), could be another. IM is a likely source of interference when the desired signal level is
well above the noise floor (–95 dBm). Fifth order and third order IM can be significant contributors to
interference.
Refer to the discussion in Section 3.3 for more detailed information about the root causes of interference.
2.2.2 Effects of Interference
The most common effects of RFI include:

• High rate of unexplained handoffs or dropped calls
• Other problems traceable to a particularly crowded cell site
• Subscriber cannot initiate communication
• Poor audio/reception
Interference can cause performance degradation that manifests in:
• The iDEN bands. Many interference problems are traceable to events originating at cell sites located
near broadcast or other high power RF installations several miles away.
• Transmitters. Transmitter interference includes IM products, side band noise (SBN), and spurious
emissions.
• External sources. Interference can be generated externally from such sources as IM products, other
sites in the same system, bi-directional amplifiers, and high-voltage power lines.

October 13, 2000
• Within receivers. Interference can be generated within receivers when they experience desired or
undesired signals or IM products.
There are several ways in which RFI can impact wireless systems, including:
• Fixed Network Equipment (FNE) interference
• Mobile Subscriber (MS) interference
• Rogue co-channel noise from a singular source
• Noise floor rise from single or multiple sources
2.3 Problems with RFI

Considering the monumental growth in wireless communications such as cordless telephones, television,
radio, two-way radio, cellular, PCS, etc., a thorough comprehension of RF limitations is essential to
address the potential for interference and interaction of these technologies. For cellular-like systems, the
technology shift is in the direction of smaller low-powered portable radios, thereby promoting the use of
base sites of lower height in more numerous quantities. The fact there are many different technologies
offering services at and near the 806-824 MHz band (iDEN MS Tx band), often having small frequency
separation and large differences in performance specifications (interference protection), further
complicates RF interference management issues. This paradigm is the increased likelihood of RFI within
technologies and between technologies. The type of RFI discussed here occurs notwithstanding
equipment compliance with FCC regulations; the close physical distance and frequency spacing
combination was not anticipated when regulations were enacted.
2.3.1 Inbound interference at the FNE
The FNE interference is generally due to a phenomenon, in RF engineering, called near-far effect. This is
where the marginal RF link between a base transmitter and the intended portable radio, on the fringe of
coverage, is overwhelmed by the signal from an undesired portable radio near the base receive site. This
situation is a common occurrence with older, high-powered SMR radios that radiate full power RF energy
without power control near low height base sites of cellular-like systems.
2.3.2 Outbound interference at the MS
In a cellular network, an improper system design can create pockets of MS interference within the RF
coverage area. For instance, a poor frequency reuse plan can lead to co-channel interference that may be
detrimental to supporting contiguous RF coverage for the MS. Various scenarios may exist in poorly
designed systems, thereby providing inadequate RF coverage. Slight interference does not degrade the
audio; severe interference causes garbled audio, no audio, or dropped calls, regardless of the type of
interference present.
2.3.3 Rogue co-channel noise
Generally the interference incurred by rogue co-channel noise source is temporary, and often the problem
caused by such interference is intermittent. Therefore problem resolution can sometimes be challenging
when the objective is to completely abolish the interference. Nonetheless, the singular source interference
can be recognized and handled systematically by performing a thorough RF interference test. Due to the
nature of this form of interference being very dependent on the specifics of the system and troublesome
area, a comprehensive recommendation or description of the interference scenario is neither practical nor

October 13, 2000
beneficial. In accordance, a prudent RF engineer should evaluate each interference situation judiciously
and methodically.
NOTE: Frequency mixes involving keyed carrier transmitters can produce temporary
interference.
2.3.4 Noise floor rise
Noise floor rise from multiple sources typically exists in urban environments where several RF
technologies coexist and the density of sites is rather high. Although other RF technologies should not
pose an interference threat per design and regulation by FCC, the equipment quality, technology
robustness, and natural environment phenomena can sometimes create havoc in the RF domain. In
conjunction with the condition of high-density site locations, the presence of noise floor rise is more
evident. The primary reason is that the adjacent channel or in-band energy is not completely eliminated in
the transmitted signal due to natural constraints in the filtering and amplifying technology. When the
separation between sites is large enough, the associated path loss generally minimizes the adjacent band
energy. However without enough path loss to attenuate the adjacent band energy, the interference noise
can accumulate to cause RF performance degradation to others. This is a greater issue with low sites.
2.3.5 Choppy Audio
Choppy Audio, or Helicopter Noise, is another problem potentially caused by interference. Choppy audio
can be a MS or landline artifact from lost packets that can be caused by a poorly implemented RF link or
by RFI. Helicopter noise can be the effect of a bad MSO Transcoder card.
Helicopter noise sometimes also describes the ‘tick-tick-tick’ heard on vehicle entertainment system
speakers or commercial PA systems from a nearby iDEN MS transmitter.
Transistor junctions in the presence of RF signals that have AM components (such as iDEN) act like
diode detectors and rectify the noise-like spectrum of iDEN. This is pure audio rectification. This
produces pulses of energy that correspond to the envelope of the iDEN signal. These pulses are amplified
at audio frequencies and sent to the speakers producing the characteristic helicopter noise.

October 13, 2000
Notes

October 13, 2000
SECTION 3: IDENTIFYING THE TYPES OF RFI
SECTION 3 IDENTIFYING THE TYPES OF RFI
3.1 Introduction
This section describes the types of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) that can involve the iDEN system
and the effects that the system might experience as a result of interference. Types of RFI include:
• Transmitter noise
• Receiver noise
• Intersystem interference
3.2 Sources of Interference
3.2.1 Interference Generated by Transmitters
Sources of interference generated by transmitters include:

• IM products resulting when two or more signals in their respective transmitter final power amplifier
stages are mixed
• Side band noise (SBN) resulting in IM distortion among the modulation side bands (adjacent channel
interference)
• Spurious emissions resulting from transmitter problems
3.2.2 Interference Generated by External Sources
External sources of interference include:

• IM products generated by the mixing of two or more strong signals in non-linear elements in the
nearby site environment
• TV translators
• Improperly installed and operated WANs and LANs
• Transmissions by other authorized (or unauthorized) users, or other sites in the same system that use
the desired frequency as part of a frequency re-use plan (co-channel interference)
• Bi-directional amplifiers, which amplify a broad band of frequencies and enhance RF coverage in
localized areas, can generate both wideband noise and IM products. With sufficient gain, these
amplifiers can also raise the RF noise floor over a radius of up to a mile from their antenna sites.
• High voltage power lines, lower frequencies, neon signs, automotive ignitions, and the like generating
broadband noise (see the discussion in APPENDIX A for more information).
3.2.3 Interference Generated within Receivers
Sources of interference as a result of receiver design choice include:

• The receiver overloaded by excessive on-channel desired signal strength, which is usually the result
of Automatic Gain Control (AGC) design limitations
• Receiver front end overloaded by a single high level unwanted signal, not on the desired channel,
typically in excess of –25 dBm, or multiple high level unwanted signals whose total peak
instantaneous power exceeds –25 dBm (receiver blocking).

October 13, 2000
• Receiver front-end non-linearities creating IM products on the desired frequency by mixing two or
more high level signals, typically in excess of –50 dBm.
• Receivers with lower selectivity are inadequate for selecting an intermediate frequency (IF) that
effectively rejects strong signals, typically in excess of –50 dBm, on adjacent channels.
3.3 Specific Types of Interference
3.3.1 Transmitter Noise
Transmitter noise (also called SBN) is a type of interference that presents undesired RF energy on the
same frequency as that on which a radio receiver is trying to receive signals. Transmitter noise results in a
decrease in the signal to noise ratio for the receiver. The decrease in Signal Quality Estimate (SQE) can
be correlated to the subscriber’s radio screen in terms of fewer bars. A high transmitter noise level on
nearby channels can degrade the receiver and lead to drop calls. Transmitter noise arises as a result of a
compromise in the transmitter’s filtering capability. The noise sources are the exciter and linear power
amplifier where filtering compromises permit more energy to radiate. Filtering after the transmit antenna
(in the receiver) is limited to frequencies spaced greater than 125 kHz from the transmitter carrier
frequency. This means if the frequencies are spaced at the adjacent channel or any other frequency within
the 125 kHz window, cavity type filtering on the receiver cannot limit this noise. Therefore, some
transmitter noise cannot be filtered once the RF energy has left the source transmitter.
FCC specifications require that SBN in the adjacent channel be less than 43 dB + 10*log (Power). At 100
Watts of power, the adjacent channel SBN must be at least -63 dBc. The FCC’s minimum standard for all
radios is a radiated energy level of –13 dBm or less for adjacent channel frequencies, which include both
carrier and non-carrier type products. iDEN EBTSs and most transmitter devices for analog base stations
meet this requirement with margin. If a subscriber unit is within half a mile of a cell close in frequency
(less than 1 MHz apart), and in a relatively weak desired signal area, its communication reliability can be
affected.
The SBN of an EBTS that uses standard cavity combining will be less at frequencies greater than 150 kHz
from the carrier frequencies. The use of ceramic autotune cavity combiners may also lower the SBN
according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
The SBN of digital modulation does not fall off as rapidly or as far as compared to standard FM
modulation. The noise contributions from multiple transmitters in a cell or at a site may be additive. The
total amount of noise that may be seen on a given channel will be based on the frequency separation from
each of the possible contributors. It may be possible to observe 3-6 dB of additional noise floor rise near
low sites (<75’ elevation) when there are 10-12 transmitters on that site and the desired frequency is
relatively close (<500 kHz) to the undesired frequencies.
The following example calculations show that iDEN SBN may be a significant contributor to interference
when the desired signal strength is near its noise-limited threshold. Note that any obstruction or blockage
of undesired signal will greatly increase the path loss from the minimum free space loss used in these
examples. The maximum noise floor rises will occur in those cases where there are no additional losses to
block signal levels.
3.3.1.1 Noise Floor Typical Calculation--Example 1
+45 dBm Typical ERP for downlink running a few dB above balance
-70 dB SBN @ 100 kHz for iDEN

October 13, 2000
-75 dB Typical Free Space Loss

+ 6 dB Multiple Transmitter Degradation
-99 dBm Potential Noise Floor Maximum
3.3.1.2 Noise Floor Maximum Calculation--Example 2
+45 dBm ERP for downlink running a few dB above balance

-70 dB SBN @ 100 kHz
-70 dB Minimum Free Space Loss
+ 6 dB Multiple Transmitter Degradation
-94 dBm Potential Noise Floor Maximum
3.3.2 Receiver Noise
Receiver noise includes:

• Receiver desense
• Receiver blocking
• Local oscillator SBN
• Receiver spurious responses
3.3.2.1 Receiver Desense
Receiver desense occurs when an interfering signal – one the receiver cannot discriminate from the
wanted signal – reduces the gain in some receiver amplifier stages. It is a measure of the receiver’s ability
to reject off-channel signals. Another form of this interference occurs when the interfering signal mixes
with the receiver oscillator noise to produce additional noise in the receiver, thereby degrading its
performance. In both cases, the amount of signal seen by the receiver is reduced due to this noise. In
severe cases, this can cause Receiver Blocking. This means that off-channel frequencies of other
transmitters within the passband of the receiver have such high levels that they bypass the receiver
filtering and interfere with its ability to select its own frequency. An example of this is the image
frequency, which is the mathematical opposite of the receiver mixer’s desired frequency.
Adjacent Channel Rejection (ACR) occurs when a desired signal is desensitized at a reference sensitivity
level by an adjacent channel signal (see documents TIA-603 and IS-102CAA). The procedure detailed in
TIA-603 for measuring ACR can be used to quantify receiver desensitization at any frequency offset and
for higher desired signal levels.
Several factors may contribute to a receiver’s desensitization characteristic. The receiver IF selectivity
may be inadequate to reject strong signals, typically in excess of –50 dBm on adjacent channels. This has
been a major factor in determining the receiver’s ability to reject strong signals on adjacent channels.
With the availability of inexpensive ceramic filters and digital signal processing, this type of RFI is less
of a problem with modern equipment.
IF images and image products can also be a factor in receiver interference. Receivers can have spurious
responses to strong single signals, typically in excess of -50 dBm, which are on frequencies other than the
desired receive frequency. Examples include the 1st IF image response (an out of band signal), the 2nd IF

October 13, 2000
image response (an inband signal), and any harmonics of the local oscillator mixing with any harmonics
of the undesired signal.
An additional consideration is the spectrum of the interfering signal vs. frequency offset. If the interfering
signal has a broad spectrum or a high noise floor the receiver desensitization measurement will indicate
poor desensitization performance even for very well designed receivers.
When a high performance signal generator is used as the interference source, receivers will usually have
≥ 90-dB rejection of signals that are offset by ≥ 500 kHz from the desired channel, and usually have better
than 80-dB rejection for offsets greater than about 50 kHz. When the iDEN base radio is used as the
interfering signal source, the desensitization level is approximately 20 dB less than when the high
performance signal generator is used. The difference in transmitter performance is due to the noise floor
characteristic of the iDEN Cartesian feedback linear amplifier.
3.3.2.2 Receiver Blocking
Receiver blocking occurs when:

• The receiver front end is overloaded by a single high level unwanted signal, not on the desired
channel, typically in excess of -25 dBm
OR
• Multiple high level unwanted signals whose total peak instantaneous power exceeds -25 dBm.
3.3.2.3 Local Oscillator SBN
Receiver local oscillator noise can fold into the intermediate frequency IF passband by mixing with a
single high level signal, typically in excess of –50 dBm and usually within 500 kHz of the desired signal.
This is not to be confused with adjacent channel interference, which results when the modulation products
from the interfering device on the adjacent channel fall into the receiver’s IF passband. Local oscillator
SBN is a contributing factor to a receiver’s ability to reject strong signals at offsets greater than that of the
adjacent channel.
3.3.2.4 Receiver Spurious Responses
Spurs can cause significant degradation in the desensitization properties of the receiver, on the order of 20
dB in some cases. When the interfering signal is due to a single iDEN base radio, the iDEN noise floor,
rather than the spurs themselves, typically dominates the desensitization performance.
3.3.3 Intermodulation Noise
Another type of interference occurs when the subscriber receiver is overwhelmed with power throughout
its band, not necessarily on its desired channel, but several signals mix together and the resulting products
fall within the desired receive channel. This type of interference, called Intermodulation (IM) noise, is
caused by receiver front-end, non-linearity. When the specified performance limit is exceeded, the
receiver’s front-end amplifier gain may compress, or harmonics may be generated from multiple signals
(blocking and cross modulation). This type of interference can occur as an IM mix in the subscriber
receiver.
If IM occurs at the base transmitter, it can be resolved by filtering on the BR. If it occurs in the rack, it
can be filtered in the radio frequency diagnostic subsystem (RFDS). If it occurs in the subscriber receiver,

October 13, 2000
it requires an improved Receive-IM specification. Commercial radios specify this as IM, with typical
analog and iDEN specifications for this range between –60 dB and –70 dB. As mentioned in other types
of interference, its effects can often be reduced through physical spacing.
For typical receivers, IMR is not a function of frequency offset, as the preselector does not provide
additional rejection of potential IM combinations across the receiver’s bandpass. As a result, the IMR
performance in such receivers is essentially flat. For Motorola receivers, IMR is not a function of
frequency offset, but this is due to wide preselector bandwidths. While IMR is not a function of frequency
offset, in Motorola receivers it is a function of the level of desired signal. This is because the signal
strength of the IM products grows at a rate proportional to the order of the IM product. For example, third
order IM products grow 3 dB for every 1 dB increase in signal strengths of the carriers that produce them.
IMR is reduced by 2/3 dB for every 1 dB increase in desired signal level due to the difference between the
3:1 and 1:1 relationship. In fifth order IM, the relationship is 5:1.
Required
IM Rej
nonlinear carrier carrier nonlinear

product 1 freq 1 freq 2 product 2
Figure 1. Intermodulation Noise

In addition to the desired signal, two other carriers are incident on the victim receiver. The two strong
carrier signals have generated two “nonlinear products” in the receiver of the victim radio, with
“nonlinear product 1” landing on the frequency over which the radio desires to receive. As the signal
strengths of the undesired carriers increase, the carriers prevent proper reception of the desired signal for
the victim radio.
Table 1 shows the IMR specification for all tested and other products. Per TIA measurement
specifications, a radio’s published IMR specification is measured only at sensitivity. It is important to
note at this point that IMR as measured using TIA methods is concerned only with third order IM
processes. Fifth, seventh, ninth, and higher order processes also exist, but are usually of little concern
because they require much greater interference signal levels than the third order process. However, field
data, indicates that fifth order IM can be significant in some portables.

October 13, 2000
Table 1. IMR Equipment Specifications

Rx Adjacent Channel Rx IM
Selectivity
Portable
MTX820,MX800 -60dBc -60dBc
STX -60dBc -60dBc
HT2000,MT2000,MTX8000,Visar -70dBc -70dBc
ASTRO Saber -75dBc -74dBc
Saber SI -72dBc -72dBc
LTS2000, GTX -65dBc -65dBc
MTS2000 -72dBc -72dBc
XTS3000 -75dBc -74dBc
Mobile
Maxtrac -65dBc -65dBc
LCS2000 -65dBc -65dBc
MCS2000 -82dBc -80dBc
Spectra -80dBc -80dBc
ASTRO/Spectra -85dBc -80dBc
Data
VRM600 -80dBc -80dBc
PRM660 -60dBc -60dBc
To summarize, IM noise can arise from non-linear responses to a mix of multiple signals at the transmitter
final PA (power amplifier) stage or the front-end amplifier of the receiver, typically in excess of –50
dBm. Harmonics of several orders can be generated.
IM noise can generate harmonics of several orders. However, the most influential or measurable are the
third order and fifth order harmonics. In practice, the fifth order IM was generally not considered in
receiver design. In fact, there is no TIA specification for fifth order IM measurement or its minimum
value. However, recent field measurements indicate that the fifth order harmonic does significantly
impact certain situations.
Per TIA measurement specifications, a radio’s published IMR specification is measured only at
sensitivity. It is important to note at this point that IMR as measured using TIA methods is concerned
only with third order IM processes. Fifth, seventh, ninth, and higher order processes also exist, but are

October 13, 2000
usually of little concern because they require much greater interference signal levels than the third order
process. However, field data indicates that fifth order IM can be significant in some portables.
3.3.3.1 Third Order Intermodulation Analysis
This section explores the interference power levels generated by the various third order IM forms and the
interference power that results from multiple IM products landing on a single frequency.
There are two forms for third order IM: 2A-B and A+B-C. These expressions mean that undesired signals
with frequencies values A, B and C will add to the frequency of the desired signal.
The arithmetic behind third order IM has been calculated but is not shown here for brevity. Third order
intermodulation occurs when a non-linear process cubes a signal. The two third order IM forms were
evaluated. The calculations show that the interference power of the 2A-B; A+B-C combination form is
simply the sum of the voltages of the separate forms. Assuming that the signals are noise-like and
uncorrelated with respect to each other, this is simply the sum of their powers. While this is not
mathematical proof that the powers from each IM hit will add, we see that in practice they do. So, if a
private radio channel is hit by two IM products of the 2A-B form, the interference power will be 3 dB
higher than if hit by a single 2A-B IM hit, assuming that the interfering carrier powers are all equal.
Figure 2 shows the spectrum of an iDEN signal and the spectrums that result from the three
intermodulation forms investigated. The iDEN signals were at a level of 1 volt RMS. It is apparent from
Figure 2 that the A+B-C form has more interference power than the 2A-B form even though the same
signal powers were used in each case. Also apparent is that the 2A-B;A+B-C combination has more
power yet even though it is formed by the exact same signals as each of the other two forms.

October 13, 2000
-12
-14
-16
Spectrum Magnitude (dB)
-18
-20 (2A-B) + (A+B-C)

A+B-C
2A-B
-22 iDEN Before IM
-24
-26
-28
-30
-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25
Frequency Offset from Channel Center
(kH )
Figure 2. Spectrums of iDEN Signals After Third Order Intermodulation
The Interference power intercepted by a receiver is a function of the receiver’s IF filter bandwidth. In
Figure 3, the spectrums have been integrated to find the ratios of the intercepted powers of three IM
forms. The figure shows that the A+B-C form results in about 3.2 dB more interference power than the
2A-B form. This means that the intermodulation rejection (IMR) level is effectively 1.07 dB worse when
IM is of the form A+B-C, since the IMR specification is measured with the 2A-B form. The reason that
the IMR is only about 1 dB worse is that third order IM changes 3 dB for every 1-dB change in the
undesired signal level. Since the A+B-C form results in about 3 dB more interference power, the
undesired signal must be reduced by 1 dB to return the interference power to the level obtained with the
2A-B form.

October 13, 2000
5.2
4.8
4.6
Power Ratio (dB)
4.4
4.2
Ratio of (2A-B)+(A+B-C) : 2A-
B
Ratio of A+B-C : 2A-
4 B
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
3
0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 17.5 20 22.5 25
IF Filter Bandwidth
(kH )
Figure 3. Ratios of Intercepted Interference Power due to Intermodulation
3.3.3.2 Fifth Order Intermodulation Analysis
A similar analysis can be performed for fifth order IM (the expressions can get very large and so will not
be carried out here). An example using the frequencies 851.1875 MHz, 852.5625 MHz, 853.6125 MHz,
854.6625 MHz, 857.3875 MHz, 859.1125 MHz, 861.0875 MHz, 862.1625 MHz, 862.5375 MHz,
863.4125 MHz, 864.5375 MHz, 865.5125 MHz results in the following IM combinations:
No. of Products of This Form Product Form Power w/r 3A-2B
8 s(t)' 12Nv Nw Nx Ny Nz 15.22 dB
5 s(t)' 6N w2 Nx Ny Nz 8.51 dB
3 s(t)' 3Nx2 Ny2 Nz 5.31 dB
2 s(t)' 2Nx3 N y N z 3.25 dB
9 s(t)' 12Nw2 Nx Ny Nz 14.5 dB
3 s(t)' 6N x3 Ny Nz 12.75 dB
The last two IM products result from the generation of a third order product of the form A+B-C, with an
additional carrier multiplied on giving the form A+B-C+D-D and A+B-C+C-C, respectively. Adding

October 13, 2000
powers from each fifth order intermodulation product shows that the interference power due to fifth order
intermodulation of all the undesired channels is 28 dB greater than value measured in the lab based on the
3A-2B form. This sounds like a huge degradation, but the degradation in the fifth order IMR specification
is only 28/5 dB, or 5.6 dB. Also, if the fifth order intermodulation that is coincident with the third order
products is eliminated, it changes the interference power by only a slight amount, about 3 dB in this case.
This makes the fifth order IMR specification 5 dB, rather than 5.6 dB, worse.
3.3.3.3 System Impact Analysis
The system impact of the various IM forms and multiple IM products landing on a channel can be
summed up in terms of their affect on the intermodulation rejection value. The intermodulation rejection
value is the strength of the undesired signal minus the strength of the desired signal.
Tests show that third order IM dominates fifth order until the received signal strength from the iDEN site,
called the undesired signal, is ≥ 21 dBm. This is an unusual occurrence. If no third order IM product lands
on the channel, the multiple fifth order products merely reduce the fifth order IMR by approximately 5
dB.
Root Cause Graphs
1 iDEN Transmitter
-20
10 iDEN Transmitters 5th Order Intermodulation
-30
Int
erf
er
en
ce IM Interfernce Limit
Si
IM Interference Limit in Fading
gn -40
al AC Interference Limit @ 100 kHz
Le AC Interference Limit @ 1
vel MH
(d
B
m)
-50
3th Order Intermodulation
-60
-120 -110 -100 -90 -80 -70 -60
Desired Signal Level
(dB )
Figure 4. Low Specification Portable Interference Root

October 13, 2000
5th Order
I t d l ti
-20
3th Order
I t d l ti
Int -30
erf
ere
nc
e
Sig
nal IM Interfernce Limit
Le
vel IM Interference Limit in Fading
(dB -40
AC Interference Limit @ 100 kHz
m)
AC Interference Limit @ 1 MHz
10 iDEN Transmitters
-50
1 iDEN Transmitter
-60
-120 -110 -100 -90 -80 -70 -60
Desired Signal Level (dBm)
Figure 5. High Specification Portable Interference Root

Each of the graphs presented on the preceding page lists the signal strength of the desired signal on the X-
axis. The signal strength of a single channel of the source of interference (presumably an iDEN base
radio), is listed on the Y-axis as Interference Signal Strength. The strength of both these signals is
measured at the receiver of concern. The Interference Signal Strength is also measured at the frequency of
the interfering signal rather than the frequency of the desired signal. This is the signal strength due to a
single transmitter; additional transmitters are approximated in the graph, assuming hybrid combing (no
selectivity).
The graphs contain lines for adjacent channel interference (AC) and two-tone intermodulation
interference (IM). These lines indicate the power level at which interference will occur due to a specific
effect for a given desired signal level. To use the graph, both the desired and the interfering signal levels
are plotted as a point on the graph. If that point is above or to the left of a line there will be interference
due to the effect associated with that line.
Since adjacent channel interference is a function of the frequency offset between the desired signal and
the interference signal, two lines are included on the graph: one for 100 kHz offset and the other for 1
MHz offset. Since the noise powers of multiple iDEN transmitters will sum, lines are given for both a
single transmitter scenario and a 10-transmitter scenario. The 10-transmitter scenario is approximate since
the transmitters will be at various frequency offsets. The impact of high-Q transmitter filters is not
considered.
We recommend you use a program that calculates IM products to see if the frequency assignments at a
site produce intermodulation products. If the frequencies indicate that third order IM is possible (2 & 3
tone combinations), the third order IM lines in Figure 4 or Figure 5 should be used. The figures also
include lines for fifth order intermodulation. From our observations of fielded systems with a large
number of transmitters on a site, there are so many fifth order combinations that it should be assumed that
fifth order IM actually exists. The graph cannot be used to determine the impact of higher order
intermodulation products.

October 13, 2000
There are two lines on each graph for the two-tone IM interference point: one called “nominal
interference point” and the other called “interference point in fading”. The nominal interference point is
based on an interference level that produces a 12-dB SINAD audio quality at the speaker port of a radio in
static conditions.
35
30
25
SINAD (dB)
20
85 dB TIA IMR Radio
75 dB TIA IMR Radio
65 dB TIA IMR Radio
15
10
0
-50 -45 -40 -35 -30 -25 -20
Signal Strength of Interferer (dBm)
Figure 6. Simulated Receiver SINAD Performance at –85 dBm with 3rd Order IM
As shown in Figure 6, the transition from 12 dB SINAD to 0 dB SINAD is especially abrupt regardless of
the IMR specification of the radio. Listening tests indicated that in even very slow faded conditions, the
12 dB SINAD level was so close to the SINAD cliff that the random fading caused the interference to
capture the receiver for a large percentage of the time. The listening test indicated that when 6 dB of
margin was added to the interference point, the capture by the interfering signal rarely occurred.
Therefore, the interference point in the fading line was added to the root cause graphs and reflects a 6-dB
margin.
3.3.4 Intersystem Interference
Typical wireless technologies consist of the MS and the fixed network equipment (FNE). For these units
to communicate with each other, the FNE transmit frequency is also the MS receive frequency; the MS
transmit frequency is also the FNE receive frequency. Generally the frequency separation between the
FNE transmit and the MS transmit is fixed, and the FNE transmits at a higher frequency.
Various technologies utilize the frequency spectrum near that used by iDEN. These technologies also
have channel or carrier bandwidth that varies in size, although the transmit and receive carrier or channel
bandwidths are the same for each respective technology with the exception of broadcast technology. The
carrier bandwidth for iDEN, SMR, and Public Safety is 25 kHz. In iDEN the carrier bandwidth is further
divided into 4 frequency subchannels and 6:1 time division channel slots. The channel or carrier

October 13, 2000
bandwidth for AMPS and EAMPS is 30 kHz. The carrier bandwidth for GSM is 200 kHz with 8 time
division channel slots.
3.3.4.1 FNE Transmit or MS Receive
The FNE transmit frequency band of interest consists of intermittent technology specific channel
groupings that are used by various different technologies.
Table 2. FNE Tx frequencies
Technology Frequency Range
iDEN / SMR D 851-852.25 MHz
iDEN / SMR E 852.25-853.5 MHz
iDEN / SMR F 853.5-854.75 MHz
Mixed Band1 854.75-861 MHz
iDEN / SMR A 861-861.5 MHz
iDEN / SMR B 861.5-863 MHz
iDEN / SMR C 863-866 MHz
Public Safety 800-899 MHz
EAMPS A” band 869.04-870 MHz
CDMA N+1.77 MHz2
AMPS A band 870.03-879.99 MHz
AMPS B band 880.02-889.98 MHz
EAMPS A’ band 890.01-891.48 MHz
EAMPS B’ band 891.51-893.97 MHz
900 MHz iDEN /
935-940 MHz
SMR
GSM 935-960 MHz
1
Occupants in the mix band are specified in the next table.
2
As an example N = 870.03 MHz in the plot.

October 13, 2000
8 0 0 MH z F N E T x o r M S R x
E A M P S B ’ b a nd
E A M P S A ’ b a nd
A M P S B b a nd
A M P S A b a nd
Technology
CDM A
E A M P S A ” b a nd
P ub lic S a f e t y
iD E N / S M R C
iD E N / S M R B
iD E N / S M R A
M ix e d B a nd
iD E N / S M R F
iD E N / S M R E
iD E N / S M R D
850
854
858
862
866
870
874
878
882
886
890
894
F re q u e n c y (M Hz )
Figure 7. 800 MHz FNE Tx plot.

October 13, 2000
Table 3. Mixed band FNE Tx frequencies

3
Various 0 854.75-856 MHz
iDEN / SMR 1 856-856.2 MHz
Various 1 856.2-856.5 MHz
iDEN / SMR 2 856.5-856.7 MHz
iDEN / SMR 3 857-857.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 4 857.5-857.7 MHz
iDEN / SMR 5 858-858.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 6 858.5-858.7 MHz
iDEN / SMR 7 859-859.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 8 859.5-859.7 MHz
iDEN / SMR 9 860-860.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 10 860.5-860.7 MHz
3
Various channel groupings consist of Public Safety, Industrial/Land Transportation and Business Pools.

October 13, 2000
800 MHz FNE Tx or MS Rx

Various 10
iDEN / SMR 10
Various 9
iDEN / SMR 9
Various 8
iDEN / SMR 8
Various 7
Technology
iDEN / SMR 7
Various 6
iDEN / SMR 6
Various 5
iDEN / SMR 5
Various 4
iDEN / SMR 4
Various 3
iDEN / SMR 3
Various 2
iDEN / SMR 2
Various 1
iDEN / SMR 1
Various 0
854.5
855
855.5
856
856.5
857
857.5
858
858.5
859
859.5
860
860.5
861
Frequency (MHz)
Figure 8. Mix band FNE Tx plot.
3.3.5 FNE Receive or MS Transmit Noise
Correspondingly the MS transmit frequency band of interest consists of intermittent technology specific
channel groupings that are used by various different technologies.
Table 4. MS Tx frequencies
iDEN / SMR D 806-807.25 MHz
iDEN / SMR E 807.25-808.5 MHz
iDEN / SMR F 808.5-809.75 MHz
Mixed Band 809.75-816 MHz
iDEN / SMR A 816-816.5 MHz
iDEN / SMR B 816.5-818 MHz
iDEN / SMR C 818-821 MHz

October 13, 2000

Public Safety 800-899 MHz
EAMPS A” band 824.04-825 MHz
CDMA M+1.77 MHz
AMPS A band 825.03-834.99 MHz
AMPS B band 835.02-844.98 MHz
EAMPS A’ band 845.01-846.48 MHz
EAMPS B’ band 846.51-848.97 MHz
900 MHz iDEN /
896-901 MHz
SMR
GSM 890-915 MHz
800 MH z FN E T x or MS R x
E A M P S B ’ b and
E A M P S A ’ b and
A M P S B b and
A M P S A b and
C D M A
Technology
E A M P S A ” b and
P ub lic S a f e t y
iD E N / S M R C
iD E N / S M R B
iD E N / S M R A
M ixed B and
iD E N / S M R F
iD E N / S M R E
iD E N / S M R D
850
854
858
862
866
870
874
878
882
886
890
894
F re q u e n c y (M H z )
Figure 9. 800 MHz MS Tx or FNE Rx Plot.

October 13, 2000
Table 5. Mixed band MS Tx frequencies.

iDEN / SMR 1 811-811.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 2 811.5-811.7 MHz
iDEN / SMR 3 812-812.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 4 812.5-812.7 MHz
iDEN / SMR 5 813-813.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 6 813.5-813.7 MHz
iDEN / SMR 7 814-814.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 8 814.5-814.7 MHz
iDEN / SMR 9 815-815.2 MHz
iDEN / SMR 10 815.5-815.7 MHz

October 13, 2000
800 MHz MS Tx or FNE Rx

Various 10
iDEN / SMR 10
Various 9
iDEN / SMR 9
Various 8
iDEN / SMR 8
Various 7
Technology
iDEN / SMR 7
Various 6
iDEN / SMR 6
Various 5
iDEN / SMR 5
Various 4
iDEN / SMR 4
Various 3
iDEN / SMR 3
Various 2
iDEN / SMR 2
Various 1
iDEN / SMR 1
Various 0
809.5
810
810.5
811
811.5
812
812.5
813
813.5
814
814.5
815
815.5
816
Frequency (MHz)
Figure 10. Mix Band MS Tx Plot
3.3.6 Unidirectional Broadcast or Receive Noise
The TV broadcast bandwidths and TV translators are clustered in several groups of carriers or channels of
6 MHz near the frequency band of interest.
Table 6. TV broadcast frequencies
NTSC (channels 38-69) 614-806 MHz

October 13, 2000
Notes

October 13, 2000
SECTION 4: MEASURING THE LEVEL OF RFI
SECTION 4 MEASURING THE LEVEL OF RFI
4.1 Introduction
This test plan also explains how to measure the ambient RF noise level at an iDEN base site. This allows
the system operator to determine whether making improvements in the EBTS noise figure, by adding
tower-top RF amplifiers for example, will result in a true increase in system sensitivity.
Before conducting any tests to determine the presence of RFI, familiarity with base radio (BR) commands
is required. Please refer to Section 17 of the Enhanced Base Transceiver System manual, 68P81091E20,
before attempting any of the procedures described in this section.
4.2 Testing Recommendations
4.2.1 Noise Readings
Each antenna, particularly omni antennas on shared, high-density sites, can have a significantly different
noise reading. The noise reading depends greatly on the relationship of the antennas to other transmitting
antennas residing on the same tower level and crossarm. Each antenna to which a receiver is attached
must be tested independently for noise floor. The original engineering requirement to gain benefit of
effective three-branch diversity over base stations require a maximum noise floor of 1dB.
4.2.2 Testing Frequency and Necessity
We recommend that these procedures be repeated at regular intervals to verify consistent noise levels.
New transmitters and antennas are added as shared sites grow and expand. As site noise rises, site
performance can degrade.
Once site-noise level is determined, decisions regarding the usefulness of tower-top preamplifiers can be
made based on the difference between the total effective system noise with both with and without site
noise. Typically, with site-noise levels near thermal noise (-131 dBm) levels, there is no improvement
seen with tower top amplifiers.
4.3 Testing Procedure: Measuring RFI at an iDEN Site
4.3.1 Required Testing Equipment
The following equipment is required to perform the RFI measurement procedure:

• Motorola R-2660 iDEN test set
• Step attenuator: HP model 8494B – 11 dB in 1-dB steps
• Step attenuator: HP model 8496B – 110 dB in 10-dB steps
• RF power meter: HP model 438A or similar, with option for “long time period” averaging function
• Low-power RF sensor head: HP model 8481D or similar
• Two-way RF splitter (resistive or hybrid) with type “N” connectors
• Directional Coupler: Narda model 3020A or similar with type “N” connectors

October 13, 2000
• 50-ohm load, 2- watt with type “N”, connector, capable of handling the combined output of the entire
EBTS
• Three terminators, 50 ohms, 2-watt with type BNC connectors
• Two “T” adapters, center male type, with type BNC connectors
• 30-dB, 2-watt fixed attenuator with type “N” connectors
• 10-dB, 10-watt fixed attenuator with type “N” connectors (not needed if the directional coupler has a
coupling loss of 30 dB)
• IBM or other PC-based laptop computer with ProComm or similar serial communications software
installed
• Test interface cable between laptop and BR 9-pin “D” connector
• Spare EBTS BR
• 10’ double-shielded RF cable with male type “N” connectors
• 6’ double-shielded RF cable with male type BNC connectors
• 6’ double-shielded RF cable with one male BNC connector and one SMA connector
• Miscellaneous double-shielded RF cables, most with type “N” connectors, two to three feet in length
The testing process consists of the following procedures:
• Setting up the spare BR
• Measuring the RFI at the site, which consists of the following procedures:
• Calibrating the test equipment
• Measuring the EBTS input thermal noise power
• Measuring BER degradation with site antenna connected
• Calculating the site-to-noise ratio
4.3.2 Evaluation Procedures
The RFI site noise detection test consists of the following procedures:
• Setting up the spare BR
• Measuring RFI at the site
• Measuring EBTS Input Thermal Noise Power
• Measuring BER degradation with site antenna connected
• Calculating the site-to-noise ratio
4.3.2.1 Setting Up the Spare Base Radio
1. Connect two type BNC terminations onto each side of one of the “T” adapters (female ports).
2. Connect the double-terminated “T” adapter to the “Ethernet A” connector located on the back panel
on the BR.
3. Connect another type BNC termination onto one side (female port) of the other “T” adapter.
4. Connect the terminated “T” adapter to the “5 MHz/1PPS A” connector located on the back panel of
the BR.
5. Connect a 48-volt power cable from one of the spare BR positions in the EBTS cabinet to the DC
power connector, located on the back of the BR.
6. Turn on the power to the BR by flipping the circuit breaker inside the front cover of the power
supply.
7. Connect one end of a 6’ cable with type BNC male connectors to the unused side of the “T” adapter
that was connected in step 4.

October 13, 2000
8. Remove the termination from the “5 MHz/1PPS” connector located near the top of the EBTS rack.
9. Connect the other end of the 6’ BNC cable to the connector left, not terminated, in step 8 (see Figure
12).
10. Connect a 6’ cable with SMA/BNC connectors to a spare output (BNC connector) on a six-way
splitter in the EBTS RF distribution panel (see Figure 12).
11. Connect the other end of the 6’ SMA/BNC cable to a spare output (BNC connector) on a six-way
splitter in the EBTS RF distribution panel (see Figure 12).
12. Connect the laptop computer to the 9-pin “D” connector on the front panel of the BR.
13. Set up the ProComm program in the laptop for 19,200 bits per second data rate, 8-bit data, one stop
bit, and no parity.
14. Press the reset button on the front panel of the Control Module and log on the BR by entering the
password.
15. To set the RF of the receiver to the channel being used for the test, type set RX_Freq XXX.XXXX.
16. To enable branch 1, but disable branches 2 and 3 for the testing, enter set RX_mode 1. This
assumes receiver 1 was connected back in step 10. The appropriate branch must be enabled with this
command after the connection made in step 10 has determined which branch to use.
17. To disable the software gain control, type set sgc off.
4.3.2.2 Measuring RFI at the Site
The site-to-noise measurement procedure consists of the following procedures:

• Measuring the EBTS input thermal noise power
• Measuring Bit Error Rate (BER) degradation with the site antenna connected
4.3.2.3 Calibrating the Test Equipment
To measure the loss in the directional coupler and attached power pad (if any):
1. Connect a short RF cable from the output of the R-2660 to the input of the RF power meter (see
Figure 11).
2. Set the R-2660 to generate an unmodulated RF carrier on the frequency to be used for the test.
3. Adjust the RF output of the R-2660 until –5 dBm is indicated in the RF power meter.
4. Disconnect the RF power meter from the cable and connect the cable to the input of the 10-watt
power pad (see Figure 12).
5. Connect the output of the power pad to the coupled output port of the directional coupler.
Note: If a directional coupler with a 30-dB coupling loss is used, the 10-watt power pad is
not needed and the cable can be connected directly to the coupled output port.
6. Connect the high power load to the straight-through output port of the directional coupler.
7. Connect the RF power meter to the input port of the directional coupler.
8. Note the reading on the RF power meter. It should be approximately -35 dBm.
9. Subtract the reading obtained in the step 3 (-5 dBm) from the result obtained in the step 8 (the result
should be very close to -30 dBm). Write down this value for later calculations.

October 13, 2000
R - 2660
RF
Power
Meter
Figure 11. R-2660 RF Output Calibration
Hi Power 50 R-2660
OHM Load
10 Watt
10 dB PAD
SEE PARTS LIST

ABOUT THE NEED
DIRECTIONAL FOR THIS PAD
COUPLER
RF Power
Meter
Figure 12. Directional Coupler Loss Measurement

October 13, 2000
4.3.2.4 Measuring EBTS Input Thermal Noise Power
This measurement is performed using the MIRS/iDEN BER test function of the R-2660 RF signal
generator. The RF power meter must be connected to the unused port of the splitter to monitor the output
of the R-2660 and to verify that it remains constant throughout the procedure. Connect the end-of-test
equipment that was calibrated with the power meter (see Section 4.3.2.4) directly to the antenna port of
the EBTS being tested and perform the following test:
1. At the BRC> prompt on the laptop computer, enter get rssi 20 10.
A display of 20 readings on the BER averaged over 10 samples should appear. Adjust the step
attenuator and repeat this test until the BER on the laptop display is as close to 4% as possible.
2. Note the attenuator setting.
The RF power level being fed into the BR equals –30 dBm minus the loss through the 10-dB pad and
the directional coupler (typically –30 dB total, using a 30-dB coupler or a 20-dB coupler with a 10-dB
pad), minus the attenuator setting dB. This should be approximately –112 dBm.
3. At the BRC> prompt, enter get rssi 20 100.
4. Write down the resulting 20 BER readings and average them.
5. Take the average BER calculated in step 4 and calculate the Carrier-to-Noise (C/N) ratio by linear
interpolation of the standard BER and the C/N curve for the iDEN modulation format.
6. Take the average BER calculated in step 4 and calculate the C/N ratio by linear interpolation of the
three points taken from the BER vs. C/N curve for the iDEN modulation format shown below:
BER (%) C/N (dB)
5 12.27
4 13.01
3 13.81
RF input power (dBm) -112.0 @ measured BER of 4.01%

Resulting C/N (dB) 13.0
Input noise power (dBm) -125.0
Figure 13. BTS System Noise Measurement
4.3.2.5 Measuring BER Degradation with Site Antenna Connected
Repeat the previous procedure from Section 4.3.2.4, but replace the 50-ohm load with a connection to the
site antenna. The signal level is again varied with the step attenuators until 4% BER displays on the
laptop.

October 13, 2000
Site
Antenna
R - 2660
Step Atten.
0-11 dB @ 1 dB Splitter
Step Atten.
10 Watt 0-111 dB @ 1 dB
10 dB Pad
See Parts List

About The Need
For This Pad
3 2 1
RF Ports
RF
Power
In Out In Out
Meter
5M
Ethernet 5 MHz
Hz
3 2 1
Re
RF Splitters
f
RF In
EBTS
Primary
put
RF Rack
BR2
BR1 Test BR
Power
Figure 14. Site-Noise Degradation Measurement

The input carrier level is the same as was calculated in the previous procedure (see Section 4.3.2.4) plus
any change in attenuator setting as calculated in this procedure vs. the attenuator setting as calculated in
the previous procedure. Perform the following steps:
1. Remove the 50-ohm load from the directional coupler and connect the site antenna in its place.
2. At the BRC> prompt on the laptop computer, enter get rssi 20 10.
3. Adjust the step attenuator and repeat step 2 until the BER is as close to 4% as possible.
4. Note any reduction in the attenuator setting (more RF power needed).

October 13, 2000
The RF power level now being fed into the BR is equal to the power measured in the previous
procedure (see Section 4.3.2.4), plus the reduction in the attenuator setting in dB.
Note: You may not need to change the attenuator setting. Under no circumstances should
the attenuator setting be higher (lees RF power needed). If this does happen, usually
a mistake was made in performing the test procedure.
5. At the BRC> prompt, enter: get rssi 20 100.

6. Write down the resulting 20 BER readings and average them.
Note: If there was no reduction in the attenuator setting required in step 2, compare the
average BER calculated here with the average BER calculated in the previous
procedure, Measuring the EBTS Input Thermal Noise Power. It should be higher by
at least a few tenths of a percent. If it is within 0.2%, no measurable site noise exists
and steps 7-9 can be eliminated.
7. Take the average BER calculated in step 6 and calculate the C/N ratio by linear interpolation of the
standard BER and the C/N curve for the iDEN modulation format.
8. Calculate the effective total noise power at the front end of the EBTS by subtracting the C/N ratio
calculated in step 7 from the RF input power calculated in step 4 as follows:
Previous RF power (dBm) -112.0
Attenuator setting change (dB) 1.0
Section 3 RF input (dBm) -111.0
Measured BER @ 3.747%
Resulting C/N (dB) 13.2
Section 3 RF input (dBm) -111.0
Total input noise (dBm) -124.2
4.3.2.6 Calculating the site-to-noise ratio
The site noise is the difference between the input noise power measured in the procedure (see Section
4.3.2.4) and the input noise power measured in the procedure for measuring BER degradation with the
site antenna connected (thermal noise plus noise figure plus site noise).
Note: This calculation must be performed using milliwatts, not dBm.

October 13, 2000
Equipment Noise (dBm)

-125.0=10(-125.0/0.10)=3.16x10-13milliwatts (mw)
-124.2=10(-124.2/0.10)=3.80x10-13 mw
Equipment plus site noise (dBm)
-124.2=10(-124.2/0.10) 3.80x10-13 mw
Site noise (milliwatts)
380x10(-13) mw – 3.16x10 mw = 0.64x10(-13) mw
6.40x10(-14) mw = -131.9dBm
The actual RF noise power at the base of the site’s antenna is greater by the amount of the antenna cable
loss.
4.4 Testing Procedure: Detecting RFI between Systems

Use the following procedure to detect RFI between iDEN and private trunked systems.
4.4.1 Required Test Equipment
1. Spectrum analyzer.
2. Low noise RF amplifier.
3. Step attenuator.
4. Cavity bandpass filter that has a nose bandwidth of at most 300 kHz, an insertion loss of at most 2 dB
and that can be tuned to the desired channel.
5. Antenna for the frequency band in question.
6. Subscriber unit that can be connected to a coaxial cable.
7. Radio Service Software (RSS) loaded on a suitable PC laptop computer; if applicable.
4.4.2 Evaluation Procedures
4.4.2.1 Interference to Non-iDEN Subscriber Units
The interference evaluation process begins by going to the affected location, setting up the subscriber unit
and connecting the test equipment as shown below:
Antenna
Recorder
or
Computer
Subscriber
Unit
Figure 15. Initial Evaluation

October 13, 2000
Tune analog units to the appropriate RF channel, and observe the recovered audio quality by recording
about two minutes of the audio while slowly driving the test vehicle around in at least a 100-foot circle.
The audio should have noticeable degradation compared to the normal reception expected in the general
area. After the recording has been made, replay it several times to become familiar with the type of audio
degradation that is occurring.
If the subscriber unit uses digital modulation, and the Radio Service Software (RSS) package includes a
signal quality metric, it may be more appropriate to record the data from that output on a computer for
analysis.
Next, connect the spectrum analyzer to the antenna as shown in Figure 16:
Antenna
Analyzer
Figure 16. Evaluation with Spectrum Analyzer

Record all signals in the frequency bands that are above (stronger than) –50 dBm. Pay particular attention
to those above –40 dBm, as they are the most likely to cause problems, particularly if there are several of
them within a few MHz of the desired frequency. A rough guideline is to suspect receiver front-end
overload if the total instantaneous peak RF power being delivered to the receiver is in excess of –20 dBm.
In order to correctly measure the power of any RF signal with a spectrum analyzer; it is necessary to use a
resolution bandwidth in excess of the maximum spectral distribution of RF energy expected. For analog
FM signals, this is typically 10 kHz. For narrowband digital modulation formats, this may be up to 30
kHz, and as much as 1.25 MHz for CDMA transmissions. The reason for this is so that the entire signal
will be measured at the same time. The best procedure is to adjust the analyzer frequency span range until
the desired signal is centered in the display screen and occupies about 20 percent of the width of the
display. Then start at a 1 kHz resolution bandwidth and increase it until there is no further increase in the
maximum amplitude shown on the display.
Be aware that multiple RF signals of any modulation format will occasionally add in phase, so that four
signals each at a level of –25 dBm will have a total peak instantaneous power that is another 12 dB
higher, or –13 dBm.
If there are no strong signals, then the cause is either man-made noise, or co-channel interference from
another user on the desired frequency. The difference can be resolved by connecting the equipment as
shown in Figure 17:

October 13, 2000
Antenna
(Step 1)
Cavity Preamp Analyzer
Load
(Step 2)
Figure 17. RF Noise Measurement Setup

Using a resolution bandwidth no wider than 3 kHz and a frequency span no greater than 3 times the
desired RF channel bandwidth, measure the noise present on the channel, then connect a 50 ohm load in
place of the antenna. The noise level should decrease less than 1 dB if there is no noise or interference
present. If there is a noticeable reduction, note the amount, then reconnect the antenna, and note the
spectral content of the noise. If it is not restricted to the desired channel (see drawing (a) in Figure 18),
then it is most likely either from broadband digital services like CDMA systems or from non-RF sources
such as power lines, neon signs, ignitions, and the like. If the noise is shaped to fit the channel (see
drawing (b) in Figure 18), or a single frequency carrier appears in the channel, then co-channel
interference is the cause.
Figure 18. Broadband Noise (a) and Digital Modulation (b)

If there is only one strong signal present, and it is the desired one, then the cause is one of simple receiver
overload. The symptom is very high desired signal strength, typically in excess of –30 dBm, with some
degree of audio distortion. This is rare, but if it occurs, the only solutions are to move the subscriber unit
farther away from the transmitter site, connect an attenuator in the antenna line or reduce the transmit
power.
If one or more strong signals are present record about 2 minutes of audio or data on the desired channel
using the configuration shown in Figure 19. Listen carefully to the audio recording several times to get
familiar with the recovered audio quality.
If the subscriber unit uses digital modulation, compute the average signal strength and signal quality for
the entire recording of digital data. Next, add a 5-dB pad in the line between the antenna and the
subscriber unit as shown in Figure 19:

October 13, 2000
Antenna
Recorder or
Pad Computer
Subscriber
Unit
Figure 19. Intermodulation Test

Record another 2 minutes of audio or data while driving the exact same route as in step 1 and note the
differences from the unattenuated readings. The received signal strength should have been reduced by 5
dB, but if the audio or signal quality IMPROVED noticeably, then the problem is being caused by a high
order Intermodulation product being generated in the receiver.
Subscriber units using digital modulation will clearly show the reduction in received signal strength while
simultaneously indicating the improved signal quality. This type of response usually results from two or
more strong signals at the receiver input.
If the received signal strength decreases by 4 dB or less when the 5 dB pad is switched in, the cause is
receiver front end overload, resulting from one or more extremely strong signals any where in the
frequency band. The reason for this is that one of the amplifier stages in the receiver is being driven into
saturation by the extremely strong input signals. This effectively reduces the gain of that stage for all
signals passing through it. When the strong signals are attenuated by 5 dB, the saturation is reduced, and
the effective gain of the amplifier stage increases, so the measured signal strength decreases less than 5
dB. If the audio quality or signal quality remains unchanged when the 5 dB pad is switched in, then the
problem is either due to receiver local oscillator noise, or received RF noise from nearby transmitters.
If there are no strong signals closer than 500 kHz away from the desired channel, the cavity filter can
resolve whether the receiver is at fault, or the interference is being radiated from the nearby transmitters.
First, connect the external antenna to the analog subscriber unit as shown in Figure 20. Record about two
minutes of audio or data on the desired channel. Listen carefully to the audio recording several times to
get familiar with the recovered audio quality.
If the subscriber unit uses digital modulation, compute the average signal strength and signal quality for
the entire recording of digital data.
Next, connect the antenna through the cavity filter as shown below:
Antenna
Recorder or
Cavity Computer
Subscriber
Unit
Figure 20. Side Band Noise Determination

Record another two minutes of audio or data on the desired channel. Again listen carefully to the audio
recording several times to get familiar with the recovered audio quality. Average the data recorded from

October 13, 2000
digital subscriber units. If the audio quality or average signal quality has improved, the problem is a result
of receiver performance limitations.
If it remains the about the same, the problem is a result of unwanted RF power being radiated on the
desired channel.
It is a special case if any strong signals are less than 300 kHz away from the desired channel. If there are,
they are under suspicion right away, especially if they are iDEN signals. A high Q notch filter is needed
to perform the above procedure instead of a cavity bandpass filter.
If the above procedures have determined that the problem lies with nearby transmitters, the usual
procedures for identifying the exact one or ones apply: If the transmitters are on continuously, shutting
them down one at a time can isolate the offender. As this is unpopular with the system operators, a less
intrusive method that can be applied if the transmitters are not continuously keyed is to observe the timing
of the interference compared to the activity of the nearby transmitters as observed on the spectrum
analyzer display.
4.4.2.2 Interference to iDEN Subscriber Units
The interference evaluation process begins by going to the affected location, setting up the iDEN unit and
PC laptop with iFTA software in the monitor single mode. Connect the units as shown below:
Antenna
Laptop
Subscriber
Unit
Figure 21. Initial Evaluation

Tune the iDEN unit to the appropriate RF channel.
NOTE: It is imperative to tune the unit to the appropriate channel. The concept of monitoring
a single frequency that exhibits interference is key to solving the problem of RFI.
Observe the RSSI and SQE readings. Record about two minutes of the raw data while slowly driving the
test vehicle around in at least a 100-foot circle. Average the RSSI and SQE readings, and then calculate
the level of the interference as outlined above.
Next, connect the spectrum analyzer to the antenna as shown in Figure 22
Evaluation with Spectrum Analyzer:

October 13, 2000
Antenna
Analyzer
Figure 22. Evaluation with Spectrum Analyzer

Record all signals in the frequency bands that are above (stronger than) –50 dBm. Pay particular attention
to those above –40 dBm, as they are the most likely to cause problems, particularly if there are several of
them within a few MHz of the desired frequency. A rough guideline is to suspect receiver front-end
overload if the total instantaneous peak RF power being delivered to the receiver is in excess of –20 dBm.
In order to correctly measure the power of an iDEN signal with a spectrum analyzer, it is necessary to use
a resolution bandwidth in excess of 18 kHz so that the entire signal will be measured at the same time. It
is also important to keep in mind the fact that an iDEN signal has a peak to average power ratio of
approximately 10 dB. Therefore, it is possible that 4 iDEN signals each at –35 dBm could cause some
degree of receiver front-end overload. Each signal has a peak instantaneous power of –25 dBm, so the
total peak instantaneous power for 4 signals would be another 12 dB higher or –13 dBm.
If there are no strong signals, then the cause is either man-made noise, or co-channel interference from
another user on the desired frequency. The difference can be resolved by connecting the equipment as
shown in Figure 23:
Antenna
(Step 1)
Cavity Preamp Analyzer
Load
(Step 2)
Figure 23. RF Noise Measurement Setup
Using a resolution bandwidth no wider than 3 kHz and a frequency span no greater than three times the
desired RF channel bandwidth, measure noise present on the channel then connect a 50 ohm load in place
of the antenna. The noise level should decrease less than 1 dB if there is no noise or interference present.
If there is a noticeable reduction, note the amount, then reconnect the antenna, and note the spectral
content of the noise. If it is not restricted to the desired channel (see drawing (a) in Figure 24), then it is
most likely either from broadband digital services like CDMA systems or from non-RF sources such as
power lines, neon signs, ignitions, and the like. If the noise is shaped to fit the channel (see drawing (b) in
Figure 24), or a single frequency carrier appears in the channel, then co-channel interference is the cause.

October 13, 2000
Figure 24. Broadband Noise (a) and Digital Modulation (b)

If there is only one strong signal present, and it is the desired one, then the cause is one of simple receiver
overload. The symptoms are a very high RSSI on the desired signal, typically in excess of –30 dBm, with
a corresponding SQE value of less than 27 dB. This is rare, but if it occurs, the only solutions are to move
the subscriber unit farther away from the transmitter site, connect an attenuator in the antenna line or
reduce the transmit power.
If one or more strong signals are present, record about two minutes of raw data in the monitor single
mode on the desired channel, using the configuration shown in the diagram, Figure 25. Calculate average
values for the RSSI and SQE. Next, add a 3-dB pad in the line between the antenna and the subscriber
unit as shown:
Antenna
Laptop
Pad
Subscriber
Unit
Figure 25. Intermodulation Test

Record another two minutes of raw data in the monitor single mode, calculate the average values for RSSI
and SQE, and note the differences from the unattenuated readings. The RSSI should have been reduced
by 3 dB, but if the SQE reading IMPROVED by 5 or more dB, then the problem is being caused by a
high order product being generated in the receiver. This type of response usually results from two or more
strong signals at the receiver input.
If the RSSI decreases by 2 dB or less when the 3-dB pad is switched in, the cause is receiver front-end
overload, resulting from one or more extremely strong signals anywhere in the frequency band. The
reason for this is that one of the amplifier stages in the receiver is being driven into saturation by the
extremely strong input signals. This effectively reduces the gain of that stage for all signals passing
through it. When the strong signals are attenuated by 3 dB, the saturation is reduced, and the effective
gain of the amplifier stage increases, so the measured signal strength decreases less than 3 dB. If the SQE
remains unchanged when the 3 dB pad is switched in, then the problem is either due to receiver local
oscillator noise, or received RF noise from nearby transmitters.
If there are no strong signals closer than 500 kHz away from the desired channel, the cavity filter can
resolve whether the receiver is at fault, or the interference is being radiated from the nearby transmitters.
First, connect the external antenna to the iDEN subscriber unit as shown in Figure 26. Record about two
minutes of raw data in the monitor single mode on the desired channel. Calculate average values for the
RSSI and SQE.

October 13, 2000
Next, connect the antenna through the cavity filter as shown in Figure 26:
Antenna
Laptop
Cavity
Subscriber
Unit
Figure 26. Side Band Noise Determination

Record another 2 minutes of raw data in the monitor single mode on the desired channel. Calculate
average values for the RSSI and SQE. If the average value of SQE has improved, the problem is a result
of receiver performance limitations. If the SQE remains the about the same, the problem is a result of
unwanted RF power being radiated on the desired channel.
It is a special case if any strong signals are less than 300 kHz away from the desired channel. If there are,
they are under suspicion right away, especially if they are iDEN signals. A high Q notch filter is needed
to perform the above procedure instead of a cavity bandpass filter.
If the above procedures have determined that the problem lies with nearby transmitters, the usual
procedures for identifying the exact one or ones apply: If the transmitters are on continuously, shutting
them down one at a time can isolate the offender. As this is unpopular with the system operators, a less
intrusive method that can be applied if the transmitters are not continuously keyed is to observe the timing
of the interference compared to the activity of the nearby transmitters as observed on the spectrum
analyzer display.

October 13, 2000
Notes

October 13, 2000
SECTION 5: ANALYZING THE PROBLEMS OF RFI
SECTION 5 ANALYZING THE PROBLEMS OF RFI
5.1 Problem Segmentation

The initial task is to identify how the interference problem is manifesting itself. Then the problem should
be broken down into manageable parts. For instance, all of the components from hardware to software
involved in the RF issue can be accounted for and distributed in a logical structure such that the functions
involved in the RF issue can be segmented to simply the problem analysis.
5.2 Problem Isolation

Once the problem is dissected into manageable parts, the segmented components can be isolated for
further analysis. The isolation can provide the focus necessary to uncover details of the problem not
visible from the previous observation of the problem. Furthermore, the magnitude of the problem can
possibly be assessed given the scope of isolation. Similarly, isolation provides the means to minimize the
complexity of problem diagnosis. Sometimes the problem can be identified from a generic trial and error
replacement or substitution of the isolated element.
5.3 Problem Resolution

With the source of the problem narrowed to acceptable detail, the next task is to formulate a reasonable
solution or remedy to the problem. The cost function relating resource (Or affordability), manageability
(or complexity), and practicality (or acceptability) should be optimized for the problem resolution. The
best answer to satisfy the problem is the method that leads to the optimal set of variables of the cost
function. The cost function can provide one of the benchmarking tools to assess the performance of
various available problem resolution methods.

October 13, 2000
SECTION 5: ANALYZING THE PROBLEMS OF RFI
Notes

October 13, 2000
SECTION 6: MINIMIZING THE EFFECTS OF RFI
SECTION 6 MINIMIZING THE EFFECTS OF RFI
This section describes various methods for minimizing or eliminating interference. Most often, the
interference is not eliminated, but just reduced to levels where acceptable communication can be
maintained. Multiple methods must often be employed. One method may reduce a certain kind of
interference and then a different type of interference may be revealed. Only thorough testing will
completely characterize the interference types that are occurring in any given situation. The “best”
solution for any given case will depend on many factors, including the individual circumstances of the
location. What worked in one case may not work as well in another case. For example, a change of
frequencies in one case may not be possible in another case. These solutions are offered as a menu of
possible choices. The optimal applications of the various solutions will be determined by the details of
each and every situation.
The following guidelines can be used to minimize Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) between an iDEN
system and another 800 MHz system operating within the same geographical location. These guidelines
are general in nature and these same techniques and philosophies can be applied to any systems or
experiencing RFI. Thorough testing will determine actual causes (in some cases, multiple causes) and
sources of interference the system is experiencing. Therefore, thorough testing should precede and follow
the application of any solutions proposed below to determine the appropriate actions required and the
effectiveness of the deployed solution. The recommended resolution process is to:
1. Identify the performance issue as RF Interference.
2. Identify potential sources of the interference.
3. Contact other system operators to cooperatively identify the interference issue using the testing and
detection methods described in SECTION 4. The correct and accurate assessment of the interference
mechanism is critical to developing an action plan that will rectify the situation.
4. FCC rules stipulate that the two system licensees must work cooperatively to resolve any reports of
interference.
5. Implement required changes.
6. Monitor performance.
7. Maintain communications with other operators as the site/system evolves.
6.1 Reducing the Effects of Transmitter Side Band Noise

The following solutions are possible actions to take to reduce transmitter side band noise (SBN).
• Change frequencies to increase frequency spacing between the channels.
• Lower transmitter power as much as possible. This can reduce coverage and move traffic to
surrounding sites if there is sufficient coverage overlap. The resulting reduction in carried load may
allow a reduction in the number of transmitters that will also reduce the noise floor rise due to
transmitter SBN.
• Increase the center of radiation on the transmit antennas to > 80’ AGL to increase the path loss to the
affected loss and reduce the noise floor rise.
• Co-locate sites to maximize the desired signal strength where the undesired energy is strongest.
• Change antennas in an attempt to reduce the undesired signal level in the immediate area of a site.
• Use cavity combiners instead of hybrid combiners. Use only when the recommended tests have
demonstrated that cavities will help. Note that some autotune cavity combiners may not work
properly with iDEN’s Quad-QAM modulation.
• Escalate the construction of new sites in surrounding areas to allow further reduction in ERP.
• Swap frequencies or segregate the spectrum. These alternatives would require FCC approval.

October 13, 2000
6.2 Reducing the Effects of Portable Receiver IM

The following solutions are possible actions to take to reduce portable receiver IM.
• Increase desired signal strength by adding sites or changing antennas.
• Avoid using portables with an IM specification < 75 dB. Portables with higher IM specifications are
much more immune to IM interference.
• Design systems for in-building coverage. This will present higher desired signal levels “on-the-
street”, overriding IM interference where it is more likely to occur - on the street near low sites. (The
undesired signal strengths are typically attenuated inside buildings and the strength of the IM mix is
typically insufficient to interfere with the desired signal.
• Determine the frequencies being used by each operator. Attempt to coordinate third and fifth order
Intermodulation (IM) products. Change receive and transmit frequencies so that IM products do not
fall on receive channels.
• Reduce the ERP of the undesired transmit channels as much as possible. A 1 dB reduction in ERP
will reduce 3IM products by 3 dB and 5IM products by 5dB. This reduction in ERP is likely to reduce
the number of transmitters that can contribute to mixes as the traffic is offloaded to surrounding sites.
• Change portable antennas. Reduce portable antenna gain if there is sufficient desired signal. Each 1
dB reduction in gain will reduce 3IM products in the receiver front-end by 3 dB and 5IM products by
5 dB.
• Use voting receivers to minimize the impact of portable to base interference.
• Sweep the transmit antenna system or check the tuning on the combiners to reduce transmitter
generated IM.
• Swap frequencies or segregate spectrums. These alternatives would require FCC approval.
Consolidated spectrum would tend to create tightly clumped IM products. Existing interlaced
frequency allocations spread out the IM products across much of the band.
6.3 Reducing the Possibility of Future Interference

The following solutions are possible actions to take to reduce the possibility of interference in the future.
• Maintain constant communication between license holders to coordinate frequency deployments and
system expansion plans and actions.
• Co-locate sites whenever possible.
• Swap frequencies to remove interlaced frequency assignments – requires FCC approval.
• Segregate frequencies into sub-bands and either minimize use of frequencies at sub-band edge or
establish guard bands between sub-bands.

October 13, 2000
6.4 Specific Solutions

Specific methods to reduce or eliminate Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) include:
• Changing frequencies
• Manipulating undesired signal strength
• Co-locating sites
• Manipulating physical spacing
• Increasing filtration
• Improving specifications
6.4.1 Changing Frequency
Changing frequencies is a relatively easy way to avoid both SBN and IM interference if this flexibility
exists in any given case. Changing frequencies in a frequency reuse system has multiple effects that ripple
across many sites if not the entire service area.
To treat transmitter noise, receiver desense, or IM affecting the subscriber unit, the frequency can be
physically moved. Spacing of 1 MHz or more between frequencies can greatly reduce interference. This
is an especially effective method for carriers who support their customers by providing a number of
operating frequencies within the same bandwidth. For example, the entire 806-821 MHz band is currently
passed through the duplexers. The pass band of the duplexers can be narrowed and the frequencies of
other services can be rejected if the frequencies of operation can be consolidated.
Increase spacing between channels (SBN). Moving one or more closely spaced frequencies can reduce the
amount of sideband noise that can fall on nearby channels. Either the transmit or receive frequency can be
changed depending a available options. Frequency spacings of 150 kHz or greater permits the use of
filtering on the transmitter. Greater frequency spacings generally offer greater protection.
Changing one of the frequencies will also remove this interference in most cases. The effect is
demonstrated in the discussion in Section 3.3.3. Changing transmit frequencies involved in an IM product
can be done to move the mix to a channel that is not used in the area or to a frequency that is more
immune to the IM product. Receiver frequencies can be moved from channels where IM mixes occur.
In some cases an exchange of frequencies is another possibility where and when this is permitted. Ideally,
a segregation of frequency use into sub-bands would offer much more protection as compared to
situations where frequency assignments are interlaced. Receivers may continue to experience IM but the
products may be removed from the desired channels by acceptable amounts. The segregation would also
allow the use of broader band filtering options where energy outside of the sub-band could be reduced
significantly.
6.4.2 Reducing Undesired Signal Strength
One way to reduce interference is to reduce the signal strength effective radiated power (ERP) of
undesired signals. This may be difficult at times as the amount of reduction required may be sufficient as
to prevent reliable communications on those channels. But when possible, this can be effective solution.
In some cases the reduction may be aimed solely at the sideband energy on a given channel or set of
channels. In other cases, a reduction in the radiated power of the main carrier is required.
Adding filters (typically RF cavity filters) between a transmitter and the antenna may by used to reduce
the energy radiated in channels close to the transmit frequency. Cavity filters typically offer little

October 13, 2000
reduction within 150 kHz on either side of the carrier frequency. Cavity filters will typically offer more
protection at greater frequency separations. Ceramic autotune cavity filers and combiners provide higher
Q filters while offering more flexibility to change frequencies when needed. Note that some autotune
cavities may not function with iDEN Quad-QAM modulation.
Lowering transmitter ERP can help control both SBN levels as well as the power in an IM mix. Due to
the nature of IM interference, a 1 dB reduction in ERP on frequencies involved in a 3IM mix can reduce
the IM product level inside a portable receiver front-end by 3 dB. For 5IM, a 1 dB reduction can reduce
the IM level by 5 dB. A 1-2 dB reduction in transmitter ERP may be enough to reduce the IM levels to
acceptable levels. A reduction in transmit ERP may reduce the size of a cell and the traffic carrying
capacity of that cell. A drop in load offered may also allow one or two transmitters to be turned off,
thereby decreasing the interference potential of the cell.
ERP can be simply reduced by reducing the transmitter power. This change affects the entire cell. A more
selective way to change the ERP to a specific location is to change the antenna gain pattern. The area
where a reduction is desired may be a specific spot, or it may be the area within a certain distance of the
site. Methods to reduce the signal strength near a site where there is an abundance of signal strength
include removing antenna gain downtilt, using an antenna with lower lobe reduction, or using a different
gain antenna.
There are several more creative ways to reduce IM interference by reducing the level of the IM mix. A
portable with increased immunity against the IM products is one of the best methods of protecting against
IM interference, no matter the sources. Such a portable generally has better all-around performance and
the added expense is well worth the investment, especially given the growth in wireless and the increased
chances of operating near other wireless devices. A portable with an IM spec of 75 dB or greater is
sufficient protection against almost all IM in studied and expected scenarios. Receiver design
compromises typically require an increase in battery drain to provide enhanced IM performance. That is
why mobile installations tend to have better IM performance than portables.
Oddly enough, using a lower gain antenna on a portable that is experiencing IM interference is one way to
lower the amount of undesired signal reaching a portable receiver’s front-end. This lowers the desired
signal a few dB but knocks the IM products down 3 or 5 times as much. This can be an effective solution
when there is plenty of desired signal strength and the interference is due to front-end overload. Note that
a lower gain antenna may reduce the portables’ effective range in other situations.
Another method of decreasing the impact of an undesired signal to increase the distance between the
source and target. Path loss increases logarithmically with distance. The potential for interference is
greatly reduced when sites are 80’ above ground level (AGL). Raising the center of radiation of transmit
antennas can eliminate interference. Zoning rules and atheistic are forcing antennas to lower levels and
there may be “stealth” sites behind store-front facades and many more sites below 80’ AGL. A more
conventional tower or building installation provides increased protection from RFI. Note that increasing
demands for wireless services is a factor in more sites that are heavily loaded and frequency reuse is
enhanced when these sites are deployed below tree top or building top levels.
Lowering ERP and reducing the number of transmitters on any one site may shrink the coverage area of a
given cell and drive traffic to surround cells. Adding additional cells (otherwise known as cell splitting)
adjacent to the cell is one way to accommodate these reductions while maintaining offered service levels.
Sweeping sites to find transmitted IM, reducing transmitted IM levels, and maintaining low radiated IM
levels is an effective method to reduce the possibility of interference of this type.

October 13, 2000
6.4.3 Increasing ERP or signal strength of desired signal
A number of methods exist for reducing or eliminating interference by increasing the desired signal level.
This method can override many forms of interference including both SBN and receiver IM or overload.
It is fairly common now for users of wireless communications systems to desire or demand coverage
inside buildings. Many two-way radio users conduct business indoors and therefore need inside coverage.
Public Safety users often have to enter buildings to perform their critical life-preserving activities.
Providing in-building coverage will require more sites or equipment but it will also provide protection
against many forms of interference. Many of the interference problem areas can be found near other sites
while on the street. The little extra building loss usually knocks the interference down below troublesome
levels.
This is especially true for the case where IM is occurring in the portable’s receiver. Every dB of
attenuation to the undesired signal produces a 3 times or 5 times reduction in the level of the IM product.
Knocking down sideband noise by 10-20 dB by going into buildings will often drop this interference
much closer to the thermal noise floor of the portable radio. This solution may help in cases where the
sideband noise is below –100 dBm.
Turning up the transmit power on desired frequencies can improve the downlink performance by
overriding the interference. The ERP can also be raised into a particular area by changing the antenna
pattern or by increasing antenna gain. Increasing the antenna height above ground level on the desired
transmitters can also increase the level of the desired signal.
Adding more sites to the desired channels is another option. This has the added benefit of increasing
coverage inside buildings.
The co-location of transmitter sites ensures that the desired signal is stronger on channel than any
interfering signal. This may not always be possible when mixing systems of different types such as high
density cellular on many low sites and a lower density two-way radio system on a few high sites.
Mentioned above, the use of a portable with higher performance specifications is another way to reduce
the probability of interference. The specifications of interest are the selectivity and IM performance of the
radio. Radios with specifications in the area of > 7 0 dB are needed to offer fairly good protection for use
in typical environments where there is plenty of normal RF. Increased protection is offered by improved
specifications.
Increasing the signal strength of the desired signal is a highly effective method for minimizing
interference and these choices should be considered as alternatives in most cases.
6.5 Long Term Avoidance

Longer term strategies for minimizing or eliminating inference may involve an exchange of frequencies
or a segregation of frequencies to move the operations of any given system to its own spectrum allocation.
This will usually require some approval by the FCC and possibly some coordination with one or more
designated coordinating bodies.
Swapping one or more frequencies may provide an opportunity to address an individual case or set of
cases throughout a small area.
Segregating frequencies would separate distinct service types into different sub-bands and offer higher
each service a higher level of protection against interference. There may be some interference if the sub-
bands are located next to each other but the interference in such cases would easier to predict, identify and
resolve when it did occur.

October 13, 2000
6.6 FCC Regulations

FCC specifications require that SBN in the adjacent channel be less than 43 dB + 10*log (Power). At 100
Watts of power, the adjacent channel SBN must be at least -63 dBc.
6.6.1.1 Interference
For specific information on interference, please refer to FCC Regulation section 90.511-Interference.
6.6.1.2 Emission limits
For specific information on emissions limits, please refer to FCC Regulation section 90.669-Emission
limits.
6.6.1.3 Emission masks
For specific information on emissions masks, please refer to FCC Regulation section 90.210-Emission
masks.
6.6.1.4 Interference protection criteria
For specific information on the criteria for interference protection, please refer to FCC Regulation section
101.105-Interference protection criteria.

October 13, 2000
APPENDIX A: MANMADE NOISE/INTERFERENCE
APPENDIX A MANMADE NOISE AND INTERFERENCE
There are two basic reasons for a study of noise. First there is a need to gain an understanding of the
nature of the noise in order to devise methods by which it can be characterized. Knowledge of the sources
of noise may also lead to methods by which it can be suppressed. Second, there is a vital need to be able
to predict the performance of communication systems that have to operate in noisy environments.
Analog and digital radio systems are affected differently by RFI. In an analog system, RFI often produces
an audible defect, such as a noisy or distorted signal where outside RFI overrides the analog carrier. For
example, analog transmitter mixes produce new carrier products resulting in the generation of multiple
analog voices, which are heard simultaneously at the mobile of portable radio receiver. In a digital
system, only external RFI produces effects on the system, and those effects are usually not audible. For
example, RFI can cause total loss of reception (i.e., no sound will be heard), or partial loss of a received
signal (i.e., audio artifact, such as lost syllables). When digital transmitters are closely located, the result
can be transmitter mixing where a number of mathematical combinations of transmitter signals recombine
to produce new output signals. If the such signals fall on other services (including other iDEN channels),
the result can be inability to receive from a portable or mobile when close the site, or partial loss of
reception (audio artifact) when near the site, though no sound from this mixing will be heard.
An analog mobile radio system is beset with noise from various sources and each source may have
different characteristics:
• Receiver noise is Gaussian in nature and arises from the receiving system itself. Receiver noise is
usually expressed in terms of nkT0B, n being the factor by which the total receiver noise exceeds
ambient noise.
• Atmospheric noise may also be present, but it decreases rapidly with frequency and is generally
negligible in the VHF range.
• Galactic noise is also insignificant in the VHF band as it is well below the background noise.
• Man-made noise radiated by electrical equipment of various kinds is by far the most important source
of noise as far as mobile communication is concerned. This noise, commonly termed man-made
noise, is impulsive in nature and therefore has characteristics quite different from Gaussian noise. It
can be detected at frequencies up to 7 GHz. The characterization of Gaussian noise is fairly
straightforward, but impulsive noise is a quite different matter.
There are several potential sources of impulsive noise that could play a role in mobile communication
systems. The radio may be installed in a vehicle that is a source of noise due to its ignition and other
electrical systems and the vehicle commonly operates in urban, suburban and industrial areas where it is
close to other noisy vehicles. These may or may not be significant contributors in any specific situation.
In practice the level of man-made noise varies markedly with location and time, so from a limited series
of observations it is only possible to derive typical values and obtain some estimate of the variability. In
urban areas it is generally conceded that vehicle ignition noise is a major source of interference to VHF
mobile radio systems.
The terms Gaussian and impulsive are used to denote two distinct types of noise. Only the power spectral
density of Gaussian noise is affected by linear filtering; the probability density function remains
Gaussian. The in-phase and quadrature components of narrowband Gaussian noise are independent, as are
the envelope and phase distributions. For any other type of noise, both the power spectral density and the
probability density function are changed by filtering; the in-phase and quadrature components, although
uncorrelated, are not independent. In the general case, the envelope and phase of random noise are
independent, the phase being uniformly distributed in the interval (0,2p).
Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O A-1

October 13, 2000
APPENDIX A: MANMADE NOISE/INTERFERENCE
In general terms we may consider an impulse as a transient that contains an instantaneous uniform
spectrum over the frequency band for which it is defined, a uniform spectrum requiring that all
frequencies are present, of equal strength and in phase over the frequency band. Impulsive noise is the
combination of successive impulses that have random amplitudes and random time-spacings; these factors
may sometimes be such that adequate separation of successive impulse responses by a narrowband
receiver is not possible.
Thermal noise can produce an annoying "hiss" on a voice channel in an analog system, but does not
significantly degrade intelligibility unless its RMS value is relatively high. Impulsive noise causes clicks,
which, although disturbing, may be tolerable. The degradation of the channel is not easily defined and is
usually based on some kind of subjective assessment, although the quasi-peak measurement has been
shown to have some correspondence with the subjective annoyance on a.m. radio and television. In some
ways digital transmissions are easier to deal with since the bit error rate (BER) provides a good
quantitative indication of how well the communication system reproduces the transmitted information.
Automobile-based interference, usually not a factor in radiated RF noise at the 800 MHz. frequency
range, can manifest itself when a product is powered from the D.C. power source of an automobile,
problems such as voltage sags and transients may appear when the engine is started (cranked).
Normal operation of the product may be interrupted when the engine's alternator is running if noise is
present. This is usually an audible whine that varies with engine RPM, appearing on receiver or
transmitter audio systems.
The product may also be affected when the negative lead of a vehicle's battery becomes corroded, causing
the alternator voltage to increase to 80 volts in some cases. While this may cause a catastrophic failure of
the vehicle’s electrical system, this is not a key factor in long-tern RFI.
A-2 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

October 13, 2000
APPENDIX B: PROPAGATION OF RFI
APPENDIX B PROPAGATION OF RFI
Faded or Muted Signal Levels

Signal strength can be a problem in sectors of some sites due to short towers or ERP. The probability of
interference has been noted to occur in sites where signal strength exceeded –32 dBm, or was 50dB
greater than the site’s channel. Such problems could be equipment-related (e.g., towers or microwave
dishes), terrain-related (e.g., trees or holes), or both.
Faded or muted signals result from either shadowing, near-field attenuation, or multipathing of signals. In
the 800+ MHz range, RF behaves much like light, travelling in a straight line, or bending, reflecting,
scattering, or being absorbed accordingly.
Shadowing
Shadowing effects an antenna that is directed toward a building. The signal in the direction of the building
will be reduced significantly such that portables behind the building will not be able to receive even
close-by sites.
Near-Field Attenuation
Near-field attenuation is the effect of objects very close to an antenna system (usually inches, feet, or
wavelengths). These nearby objects can greatly affect the pattern, gain, and directivity of an antenna by
affecting its physical or electrical properties when in close proximity to objects that attenuate (i.e., absorb
RF) or reflect.
Multipath
Multipath is the situation where a signal reflects off of nearby objects or takes several different paths
when travelling through space. When the signal arrives at different times and at different angles, the result
can be destructive or additive to the receiver signal, depending on various factors at the receiver site.
This is not exclusive to mobile environments; it can also affect portable radios. While this concerns
interference in the broadest sense, faded or muted signal levels are more a propagation issue rather than
specifically limited to RFI.
Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O B-1

October 13, 2000
APPENDIX B: PROPAGATION OF RFI
Notes
B-2 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

October 13, 2000
APPENDIX C: ACRONYMS
APPENDIX C ACRONYMS
ACR Adjacent Channel Rejection

AGL Above Ground Level
AGC Automatic Gain Control
ACR Adjacent Channel Rejection
AMPS Advanced Mobile Phone System
BER Bit Error Rate
BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman or British Naval Connector
BR Base Radio
BRC Base Radio Controller
BTS Base Transceiver Station
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
C/N Carrier-to-Noise Ratio
CSDR Customer Support Desk Representative
dB Measurement of power in decibels
dBm Ratio of power, measured in decibels referenced to 1 mW
EAMPS Enhanced Advanced Mobile Phone System
EBTS Enhanced Base Transceiver System
ERP Effective Radiated Power
ESMR Enhanced Special Mobile Radio
FCC Federal Communications Commission
FNE Fixed Network Equipment
GHz Gigahertz
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
iDEN Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network
IF Intermediate Frequency
IM Intermodulation
IMR Intermodulation Rejection
kHz Kilohertz
MHz Megahertz
MIRS Motorola Integrated Radio System
MS Mobile Subscriber
Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O C-1

October 13, 2000
APPENDIX C: ACRONYMS
MSC Mobile Switching Center

MSO Mobile Switching Office
NTSC National Television Standards Committee
PA Power Amplifier
PDF Portable Document Format
PPS Pulses per Second
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
RFDS Radio Frequency Diagnostic Subsystem
RMS Root Mean Square
RSSI Received Signal Strength Indication
Rx Receive
SBN Side Band Noise
SQE Signal Quality Estimate
TIA Telecommunications Industry Association
Tx Transmit
VHF Very High Frequency
C-2 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

October 13, 2000

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Customer Solutions Group – North America

Radio Frequency Interference

System Guide Series

Computer Software Copyrights

Use and Disclosure Restrictions

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

SECTION 1 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW ......................................................................................... 1-1

Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O i

4.2.1 Noise Readings .................................................................................................................... 4-1

APPENDIX B PROPAGATION OF RFI ............................................................................................B-1

ii 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

SECTION 1 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW

1.1 Scope of Manual

1.2 Customer Support Desk Representative

1.3 Version Information

Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O 1-1

1.5 Manuals On-line

1.6 Related Manuals

1.7 Text Conventions

CAUTION Presents information to identify a hazard which can or will cause

WARNING Presents information to warn you of a potentially hazardous

1-2 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

1.8 Software Text Conventions

1.9 Hardware Naming Conventions

1.10 Reporting Manual Errors

1.11 General Safety

1.11.1 Ground the Instrument

Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O 1-3

1.11.2 ESD Procedure

1.11.3 Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere

1.11.4 Keep Away from Live Circuits

Operating personnel must:

1.11.5 Do Not Service or Adjust Alone

1.11.6 Use Caution When Exposing or Handling the CRT

1-4 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

1.11.7 Do Not Substitute Parts or Modify Equipment

Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O 1-5

1-6 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

SECTION 2 UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF RFI

2.2 Nature of RFI

2.2.1 Root Causes of Interference

2.2.2 Effects of Interference

The most common effects of RFI include:

Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O 2-1

2.3 Problems with RFI

2.3.1 Inbound interference at the FNE

2.3.2 Outbound interference at the MS

2.3.3 Rogue co-channel noise

2-2 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

2.3.4 Noise floor rise

2.3.5 Choppy Audio

Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O 2-3

2-4 68P80801B75-O Radio Frequency Interference

SECTION 3 IDENTIFYING THE TYPES OF RFI

3.2 Sources of Interference

3.2.1 Interference Generated by Transmitters

Sources of interference generated by transmitters include:

3.2.2 Interference Generated by External Sources

External sources of interference include:

3.2.3 Interference Generated within Receivers

Sources of interference as a result of receiver design choice include:

Radio Frequency Interference 68P80801B75-O 3-1

3.3 Specific Types of Interference