RF Explorer Pro Frequency Coordination
Overview
In today's interconnected world, radio frequency (RF) technology serves as the backbone of modern communication systems. From wireless networks to satellite communications, RF frequencies enable seamless data transfer, enabling us to stay connected across vast distances. However, the growing demand for RF spectrum across a multitude of applications has led to a significant challenge: spectrum congestion.
The efficient and harmonious use of RF frequencies has become more critical than ever before. This is where RF frequency coordination emerges as a crucial discipline. RF frequency coordination involves the careful planning, allocation, and management of available RF spectrum to minimize interference and maximize spectral efficiency. It ensures that various wireless systems can coexist without causing disruption, allowing us to harness the full potential of RF technology.
The RF Explorer Pro serves as a powerful tool to understanding and implementing effective RF frequency coordination strategies and is useful whether you are a seasoned RF engineer, a communication network operator, audio engineer or someone new to the field.
Please note that this process guides you through the steps of performing effective frequency coordination analysis.
How to perform frequency coordination analysis
If necessary, set exclusion frequency ranges to avoid coordinating devices within these frequencies. You can also easily exclude TV channel stations, starting from the current known location.
Press the "Back" button and select the "Inventory" option to choose devices available in the project's global inventory.
Press "Back" to access the "Analyze" option. Adjust the threshold amplitude to filter out noise bands, and configure locked frequency devices as required for your system optimal performance.
Frequency Coordination Real Time data
Configuration Options
Freq Coord Display
Threshold
Show/Hide threshold value in graph
IMD 3 order
Show/Hide third-order intermodulation products on the graph
IMD 5 order
Show/Hide fifth-order intermodulation products on the graph
Noise Bands
Show/Hide the frequency range of noise bands on the graph
Exclusions
Show/Hide the defined frequency range of exclusions on the graph
Threshold color
Select threshold color for representation on the graph
Sweep Exclusions
When "Unchecked", exclusion ranges removed directly from the analyzer sweep, significantly improving sweep efficiency and usability.
Note
Intermodulation products are not shown in FC main graph.
Experience significantly faster analyzer sweeps disabling "Sweep Exclusions" option (up to 2x to 5x faster). This optimization not only speeds up your workflow but also provides a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when managing complex exclusion setups.
Device options
Input Stage
Select input stage to enable Direct, Attenuator or LNA.
Reset History
Internally re-initialize the data buffers used for cache data inside the device. Compatible with Spectrum Analyzer, WiFi Analyzer, Waterfall, Power Channel and Frequency Coordination modes.
Notes
The Resolution Bandwidth cannot be modified in frequency coordination mode; the RBW will always be set to 25 KHz for optimal device channel scanning.
The GPS module is not available for frequency coordination mode.
Frequency Coordination Project Details
Name: Project name
Description: Project description or purpose
Customer name: Project customer name
File Path: Directory and file name for current project where it will be saved
Start Frequency (MHz): Initial project frequency where devices will be coordinated, device will begin capture data from this point
Stop Frequency (MHz): End project frequency where devices will be coordinated, device will stop to capture data at this point.
Frequency Range Exclusions
Name: Exclusion name
Start (MHz): Exclusion start frequency in MHz
Stop (MHz): Exclusion stop frequency in MHz
How to remove an Exclusion
Access Configuration:
Open project Settings:
Manage Exclusions:
Select Exclusion:
Remove Exclusion:
Confirmation:
Exclusion Removal:
Note
By following these steps, you can effectively remove an exclusion from the project's configuration.
It's important to exercise caution when making changes to exclusions, as they can impact the coordination and performance of RF communication systems.
Always ensure that exclusions are modified or removed based on well-considered requirements and in compliance with coordination goals.
Important
Any significant alteration in frequency coordination parameters or configurations will render the current analysis invalid.
Frequency coordination analysis relies on specific input parameters and assumptions, and modifying these factors can affect the results
How to add TV Channels as exclusions
Enter TV channels interface by clicking on “TV Channels” menu button.
Finding television channels that may affect the Frequency Coordination area.
To identify television channels that could impact the frequency coordination area being analyzed, there are two methods available:
Guided Method:
Using the interface selection controls, the user must choose the country, state, city, and postal code (the selections must follow the specific order to ensure the postal code is properly identified), based on the available options for each selection.
Select the Country
Begin by choosing the country from the dropdown menu. This is the first step and determines the subsequent options available for the state selection.
Select the State
After selecting the country, proceed to choose the state. The available states will depend on the country selected in the previous step.
Select the City
Once the state is selected, choose the city. The list of cities will be filtered based on the state selected.
Select the Postal Code
Finally, select the postal code. The postal codes shown will correspond to the chosen city. Completing this step ensures accurate identification of the postal code.
Note
Pinpoint by Latitude and Longitude for maximum precision. Define your location using geographic coordinates to tailor de exclusion setup exactly to your needs.
Defined Location Method:
By Postal Code: First, the user should select the country where the TV channel search will be conducted. Then, enter the postal code and click the "Search" button to find the television channels.
By Location Coordinates: The user should enter the location coordinates in Latitude,Longitude format and click the "Search" button to find the television channels.
Global Inventory
Refers to the primary database containing information about the available microphones that a user can choose from when performing frequency coordination analysis.
Available Manufactures
AKG | Audio-Technica | Audix | Beyerdynamic |
Deity Microphones | Electro-Voice | HME | LMR |
Lectrosonics | MIPRO | Radio Active Designs | Sennheiser |
Shure | Sony | Sound Devices | Telex |
Wisycom | Zaxcom |
This inventory includes details about various microphones and manufactures, such as their frequency ranges, step size, technical specifications, and other relevant characteristics.
Users can select microphones from this database to ensure that their frequency coordination analysis takes into account the specific capabilities and parameters of the chosen microphones.
The global inventory serves as a comprehensive and organized repository of microphone data, assisting users in making informed decisions during the frequency coordination process.
How to add custom devices
Project Inventory
Refers to the operational inventory where the devices that will participate in the frequency coordination process are set up.
In this inventory, users define visual device name and establish the specific devices that will be involved in coordinating frequencies for a particular project.
Note
You can add as many devices of the same model/band as needed
To add multiple devices at once, specify the number of devices you want to add in the "Add" indicator in the top-right corner.
Analyze option
This window facilitates the process of frequency coordination based on the configured device settings.
Users can set an amplitude threshold, above which signals surpassing it are designated as noise bands, impacting the coordination analysis.
How to calculate frequency coordination analysis
Define locked frequencies and configure devices as locked or unlocked as needed to optimize the frequency coordination analysis.
Note
The frequency coordination calculation process can be performed as many times as necessary, adjusting the threshold amplitude if required for each analysis.
Additionally, the currently scanned sweep can be updated with the most recent activity data.
How to lock a device frequency
Click the "Frequency" cell for a device and set the desired locked frequency in MHz. Use the "Locked” / ”Unlocked" button to toggle the device frequency between locked and unlocked.
Unlocked Device: The frequency has not been pre-set for the frequency coordination calculation. As a result, the algorithm will determine the optimal frequency for that device.
Locked Device: The frequency has been pre-defined for the frequency coordination calculation. Therefore, the algorithm will perform the coordination calculation without altering the frequencies of locked devices, but it will consider this frequency when calculating intermodulation and other parameters that may affect the analysis. The established frequency must always be within the device's range and respect the designated channel locations. Otherwise, it will be adjusted to the nearest valid frequency.
Note
The default state for device frequency is "Unlocked."
How to get frequency coordination summary
Press [i] button to get frequency coordination status. It displays metrics of the:
- The total count of devices included in the frequency coordination process
- The number of devices for which the algorithm used the optimal path to calculate frequencies. Optimal coordination ensures the most efficient allocation of frequencies, minimizing interference and maximizing performance.
- The number of devices for which the algorithm used a valid, but non-optimal, path to calculate frequencies. While not optimal, these calculations meet the necessary conditions for functionality without critical performance degradation.
- The count of devices where frequencies were locked to a specific value for analysis purposes. Fixed assignments can be used to evaluate particular scenarios or constraints within the coordination process.
Report Option
Freq Coord Report
These options applies to PDF report generated after frequency coordination done
Device List
Enable/Disable the report of device project inventory
Exclusion List
Enable/Disable the report of the excluded frequency ranges, including both defined exclusions and generated noise bands.
Coordination Chart
Enable/Disable the report of frequency coordination chart over the full analysis, including all items involved
Appendix
How to import a scan for Frequency Coordination analysis
To perform frequency coordination analysis using scan data, follow these steps:
Note
Following these steps ensures that you import the relevant scan data and perform the necessary frequency coordination analysis based on the selected sweep.
Access the Frequency Coordination mode:
Select "File" and "Load...":
Navigate to desired sweep file:
Choose the specific sweep:
Update sweep data:
Perform Frequency Coordination analysis:
Note
It's important to use accurate and up-to-date scan data to make informed decisions when coordinating frequencies for RF communication systems.
How to generate a PDF Report for Frequency Coordination results
After completing the frequency coordination analysis, follow these steps to generate a PDF report that includes essential project information and analysis results:
Access the Main Menu:
Save the FC Project as PDF:
Note
Generating a PDF report is a valuable step in documenting and communicating the results of your frequency coordination analysis.
It provides a clear record of the coordination efforts, device assignments, and key project details, making it useful for reference, reporting to stakeholders, and ensuring the proper management of RF resources.
Report Contents
The generated PDF report will include the following components:
Locking Device Frequency
In an RF coordination analysis, the concept of locking a device frequency is essential for optimizing the use of the RF spectrum, particularly in environments where multiple devices are operating simultaneously. Including this concept serves the following purposes:
Locking a frequency ensures that no other devices can use that specific frequency, preventing overlap and minimizing the risk of interference. This is particularly critical for devices that operate in sensitive or mission-critical bands.
Exclusion in RF Frequency Coordination
In the context of RF frequency coordination, "exclusion" refers to the deliberate avoidance or restriction of certain frequency ranges or bands within a specific geographic area to prevent interference with critical communication systems or sensitive devices.
Exclusion zones are established to protect essential services, ensure operational integrity, and maintain the quality of communication in environments where interference could lead to severe consequences.
Exclusion zones play a pivotal role in RF frequency coordination, particularly in scenarios where interference must be minimized to ensure reliable and safe operation of communication systems.
Noise Bands in RF Frequency Coordination
Within the context of RF frequency coordination, "Noise Bands" refer to specific frequency ranges where the level of RF activity surpasses a predetermined threshold, leading to an environment that is potentially disruptive for coordination efforts due to the prevalence of interference.
These noise bands are characterized by higher-than-normal levels of electromagnetic signals, which can emanate from various sources such as electronic devices, machinery, environmental factors, or unintentional RF emissions. The elevated RF activity within these frequency ranges can adversely impact the quality and reliability of communication systems, potentially leading to communication breakdowns, reduced signal-to-noise ratios, and overall compromised performance.
In the process of RF frequency coordination, identifying and documenting noise bands is crucial for strategic frequency allocation. Coordinators analyze the noise bands to ensure that frequencies allocated to different communication systems avoid overlapping with or being too close to these noisy frequency ranges. By doing so, interference is minimized, and the overall integrity of communication systems is preserved, allowing for efficient and reliable data transfer across various wireless applications.
In summary, noise bands are the frequency ranges characterized by excessive RF activity that exceeds defined thresholds, making them challenging and potentially harmful for effective RF frequency coordination due to the potential for interference. Proper identification and management of noise bands are integral to successful frequency planning and coordination efforts.
Definition of "Threshold Amplitude" for Noise Bands calculation
The "threshold amplitude" in the context of noise bands refers to the minimum signal strength or power level that serves as a criterion for identifying and delineating frequency ranges as noise bands. It represents the point at which the amplitude of RF signals becomes significant enough to potentially cause interference with communication systems, rendering those frequency ranges unsuitable for effective RF frequency coordination.
Importance of Threshold Amplitude in Noise Bands Definition
The use of threshold amplitude in defining noise bands is of paramount importance for several reasons:
Establishing a threshold amplitude helps differentiate between harmless background RF noise and potentially disruptive interference. By setting a minimum amplitude level, only those frequency ranges with substantial RF activity that might affect communication systems are considered noise bands. This ensures that coordination efforts are focused on addressing interference-prone areas.
Summary
In summary, the threshold amplitude is a critical parameter in the definition of noise bands. It ensures that only frequency ranges with significant RF activity that could potentially lead to interference are categorized as noise bands. This concept facilitates accurate interference assessment, effective frequency coordination, and the overall protection of communication systems in complex RF environments.
Intermodulation in RF Frequency Coordination
Intermodulation products, often referred to as "intermods," are unintended signals that occur when two or more RF (radio frequency) signals interact within a nonlinear device or system. These products can lead to interference in RF communication systems and are a critical consideration in frequency coordination efforts.
Intermodulation Orders:
Intermodulation products are categorized into different orders based on the number of original signals involved in the nonlinear mixing process. The most commonly considered orders in frequency coordination are as follows:
Note
The order of intermodulation products is significant in frequency coordination because it determines the specific frequencies at which interference may occur. Coordinators must take into account the potential for intermodulation products when allocating frequencies to minimize interference and ensure reliable and efficient RF communication systems.
Understanding and managing intermodulation products, including IM3 and IM5, is essential to maintain the quality and integrity of RF communication systems in complex and crowded RF environments.