| |
|
|
TV white space devices are unlicensed intentional radiators that operate on available TV channels in the broadcast television frequency bands. Channel availability is determined from geospatial information and a TV bands database.
White space devices in the U.S. are governed by Part 15(H) of the FCC's rules. They operate on available TV channels in the broadcast television frequency bands, the 600 MHz band (including the guard bands and duplex gap), and in 608-614 MHz (channel 37).
TV white spaces has not been a commercial success and very few devices are in operation.
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 54 - 72 MHz | Restricted to mobile/fixed white space devices that communicate with other fixed/mobile white space devices | - | N |
| 76 - 88 MHz | Restricted to mobile/fixed white space devices that communicate with other fixed/mobile white space devices | - | N |
| 174 - 216 MHz | Restricted to mobile/fixed white space devices that communicate with other fixed/mobile white space devices | - | N |
| 470 - 614 MHz | Fixed and personal/portable white space devices | - | N |
| 617 - 652 MHz | Fixed and personal/portable white space devices in areas where 600 MHz licensees are not operating | - | N |
| 657 - 663 MHz | Fixed and personal/portable white space devices in the 600 MHz duplex gap | - | N |
| 663 - 698 MHz | Fixed and personal/portable white space devices in areas where 600 MHz licensees are not operating | - | N |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 869-894 MHz band (base transmit/mobile receive), paired with the 824-849 MHz band (mobile transmit/base receive) is the original band in which first-generation cellular phone service was first widely deployed in the U.S. It is still used for 2G and 3G cellular services.
The paired band is subdivided into two smaller bands of 2x12.5 MHz each, referred to as the A block and the B block. When cell phone service was first authorized, the A block was assigned to the local exchange carrier, and the B block was assigned to a competitive local exchange carrier.
The cellular service in the United States is governed by Part 22 of the FCC's rules.
|
Paired Frequency Bands |
| Paired Bands | Use | Service | Table |
| 824 - 835 MHz | Cellular A block, mobile transmit/base receive | Land Mobile | N |
| 869 - 880 MHz | Cellular A block, base transmit/mobile receive | Land Mobile | N |
| 835 - 845 MHz | Cellular B block, mobile transmit/base receive | Land Mobile | N |
| 880 - 890 MHz | Cellular B block, base transmit/mobile receive | Land Mobile | N |
| 845 - 846.5 MHz | Cellular A' block, mobile transmit/base receive | Land Mobile | N |
| 890 - 891.5 MHz | Cellular A' block, base transmit/mobile receive | Land Mobile | N |
| 846.5 - 849 MHz | Cellular B' block, mobile transmit/base receive | Land Mobile | N |
| 891.5 - 894 MHz | Cellular B' block, base transmit/mobile receive | Land Mobile | N |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Over-the-air television broadcasting in the United States uses the following spectrum. Each TV channel is 6 MHz wide. Digital broadcasting is by the ATSC standard. Some Low Power Television (LPTV), TV translators, and Class A television stations continue to broadcast in analog mode using the NTSC standard, but are mandated to transition to digital by September 1, 2015; however, the FCC has proposed extending this deadline in document FCC 14-151 (available under the related documents section).
| VHF TV |
| 54-72 MHz: | Channels 2-4 |
| 76-88 MHz: | Channels 5-6 |
| 174-216 MHz: | Channels 7-13 |
| UHF TV |
| 470-512 MHz: | Channels 14-20 (may be used for land mobile in major cities; see below) |
| 512-608 MHz: | Channels 21-36 |
| 608-614 MHz: | Channel 37 (not used for TV broadcasting) |
| 614-698 MHz: | Channels 38-51 |
Portions of channels 14-20 (470-512 MHz) are used by the Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS) in the following metropolitan areas:
| Boston MA | channels 14 & 16 |
| Chicago IL | channels 14 & 15 |
| Dallas/Ft. Worth TX | channel 16 |
| Houston TX | channel 17 |
| Los Angeles CA | channels 14, 16 & 20 |
| Miami FL | channel 14 |
| New York NY/NE New Jersey | channels 14-16 |
| Philadelphia PA | channels 19 & 20 |
| Pittsburgh PA | channels 14 & 18 |
| San Francisco-Oakland CA | channels 16 & 17 |
| Washington DC | channels 17 & 18 |
PLMRS service is allowed by the FCC's rules in Cleveland OH (14 & 15) and Detroit MI (15 & 16), but interference issues with Canada prevent PLMRS from being deployed there.
A useful characteristic of digital (ATSC) signals is the addition of a narrowband pilot tone on the RF carrier. The pilot tone is at a nominal frequency of 309.440559441 kHz above the bottom edge of the channel, although the FCC may require small frequency offsets on a station-by-station basis to avoid interference between pilot tones of co-channel TV stations. Ancillary uses of the pilot tones include, for example, monitoring for sudden enhanced propagation events, such as meteor burst or sporadic E.
|
Channelized Bands |
| Band | Channel | Use | Service | Table |
| 54 - 60 MHz | 2 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 60 - 66 MHz | 3 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 66 - 72 MHz | 4 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 76 - 82 MHz | 5 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 82 - 88 MHz | 6 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 174 - 180 MHz | 7 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 180 - 186 MHz | 8 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 186 - 192 MHz | 9 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 192 - 198 MHz | 10 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 198 - 204 MHz | 11 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 204 - 210 MHz | 12 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 210 - 216 MHz | 13 | Broadcast Television (VHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 470 - 476 MHz | 14 | Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas) | Broadcasting | N |
| 476 - 482 MHz | 15 | Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas) | Broadcasting | N |
| 482 - 488 MHz | 16 | Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas) | Broadcasting | N |
| 488 - 494 MHz | 17 | Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas) | Broadcasting | N |
| 494 - 500 MHz | 18 | Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas) | Broadcasting | N |
| 500 - 506 MHz | 19 | Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas) | Broadcasting | N |
| 506 - 512 MHz | 20 | Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas) | Broadcasting | N |
| 512 - 518 MHz | 21 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 518 - 524 MHz | 22 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 524 - 530 MHz | 23 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 530 - 536 MHz | 24 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 536 - 542 MHz | 25 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 542 - 548 MHz | 26 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 548 - 554 MHz | 27 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 554 - 560 MHz | 28 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 560 - 566 MHz | 29 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 566 - 572 MHz | 30 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 572 - 578 MHz | 31 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 578 - 584 MHz | 32 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 584 - 590 MHz | 33 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 590 - 596 MHz | 34 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 596 - 602 MHz | 35 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 602 - 608 MHz | 36 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 614 - 620 MHz | 38 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 620 - 626 MHz | 39 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 626 - 632 MHz | 40 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 632 - 638 MHz | 41 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 638 - 644 MHz | 42 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 644 - 650 MHz | 43 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 650 - 656 MHz | 44 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 656 - 662 MHz | 45 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 662 - 668 MHz | 46 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 668 - 674 MHz | 47 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 674 - 680 MHz | 48 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 680 - 686 MHz | 49 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 686 - 692 MHz | 50 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
| 692 - 698 MHz | 51 | Broadcast Television (UHF) | Broadcasting | N |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3GPP is the global standards organization for 4G LTE and 5G NR radio technologies. It designates multiple bands throughout the radio spectrum for 4G/5G use. Different combinations of bands are used in different countries and regions.
Bands designated with a "B" are standardized for 4G LTE; bands designated with an "N" are 5G. Some bands are designated for both.
Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) uses paired bands, where one band is used for downlink (DL) transmissions from the base station to the user terminal (i.e., handset), and the other band is used for uplink (UL) transmissions from the user terminal to the base station.
Time Division Duplex (TDD) uses the same band for both uplink and downlink, which share the same frequency in time over ~millisecond timescales.
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 703 - 803 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE TDD Band 44 (APAC) | Mobile | - |
| 703 - 748 MHz | 3GPP 5GNR Band 83 Supplemental Uplink | Mobile | - |
| 717 - 728 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE and 5G NR Supplemental Downlink Band 29/N29 (North America) | Mobile | - |
| 738 - 758 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE and 5G NR Supplemental Downlink Band 67/N67 | Mobile | - |
Paired Frequency Bands |
| Paired Bands | Use | Service | Table |
| 410 - 415 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band B87 Uplink (EU PPDR PMR/PMAR) | Mobile | - |
| 420 - 425 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band 87 Downlink (EU PPDR PMR/PMAR) | Mobile | - |
| 412 - 417 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band B88 Uplink (EU PPDR PMR/PMAR) | Mobile | - |
| 422 - 427 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band 88 Downlink (EU PPDR PMR/PMAR) | Mobile | - |
| 450 - 455 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band 73 Uplink (China) | Mobile | - |
| 460 - 465 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band 73 Downlink (China) | Mobile | - |
| 451 - 456 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band 72 Uplink (Europe) | Mobile | - |
| 461 - 466 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band 72 Downlink (Europe) | Mobile | - |
| 452.5 - 457.5 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band 31 Uplink (Brazil) | Mobile | - |
| 462.5 - 467.5 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD band 31 Downlink (Brazil) | Mobile | - |
| 612 - 652 MHz | 3GPP 5GNR FDD band N105 Downlink (APT 600) | Mobile | - |
| 663 - 703 MHz | 3GPP 5GNR FDD band N105 Uplink (APT 600) | Mobile | - |
| 617 - 652 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE & 5GNR FDD band 71/N71 Downlink (North America) | Mobile | - |
| 663 - 698 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE & 5GNR FDD band 71/N71 Uplink (North America) | Mobile | - |
| 698 - 716 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE & 5GNR FDD band 85/N85 Uplink | Mobile | - |
| 728 - 746 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE & 5GNR FDD band 85/N85 Downlink | Mobile | - |
| 698 - 728 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD Band 68 Uplink | Mobile | - |
| 753 - 783 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD Band 68 Downlink | Mobile | - |
| 699 - 716 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE & 5GNR FDD Band 12/N12 Uplink (U.S.) | Mobile | - |
| 729 - 746 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE & 5GNR FDD Band 12/N12 Downlink (U.S.) | Mobile | - |
| 703 - 748 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE & 5GNR FDD Band 28/N28 Uplink (APAC) | Mobile | - |
| 758 - 803 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE & 5GNR FDD Band 28/N28 Downlink (APAC) | Mobile | - |
| 704 - 716 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD Band 17 Uplink (North America; 700 MHz A Block) | Mobile | - |
| 734 - 746 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE FDD Band 17 Downlink (North America; 700 MHz A Block) | Mobile | - |
| 746 - 756 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE and 5GNR FDD Band 13 Downlink (North America; 700 MHz C Block) | Mobile | - |
| 777 - 787 MHz | 3GPP 4G LTE and 5GNR FDD Band 13 Uplink (North America; 700 MHz C Block) | Mobile | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates various weather satellites. Some of the satellites are geostationary (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, or GOES), and others are in polar low Earth orbits (Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites, or POES).
The first of the next-generation polar-orbiting satellites, known as Suomi NPP (National Polar-orbiting Partnership), was launched on October 28th, 2011. An additional next-gen satellite launch is scheduled for 2017.
As a result of the 2012 Middle Class Tax Relief and Jobs Creation Act, POES, GOES, and MetOp satellites use some spectrum that is shared by, or adjacent to, the 1695-1710 MHz portion of the AWS-3 spectrum. This segment is used for uplinks from mobile devices to base stations. To mitigate interference to NOAA operations, the government has issued an RFP for an RF Interference Management System (RFIMS), which will be installed at the 17 official NOAA ground stations, listen for interference, and alert mobile network operators in real time that mitigation measures are needed. The RFIMS concept was first proposed by the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC).
Details of the signals transmitted by the satellites are provided in the linked presentation.
According to NOAA:
NOAA’s most sophisticated Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES), known as the GOES-R Series, provide advanced imagery and atmospheric measurements of Earth’s Western Hemisphere, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and improved monitoring of solar activity and space weather.
GOES satellites orbit 22,236 miles above Earth’s equator, at speeds equal to the Earth's rotation. This allows them to maintain their positions over specific geographic regions so they can provide continuous coverage of that area over time.
The first satellite in the series, GOES-R, now known as GOES-16, was launched in 2016 and is currently operational as NOAA’s GOES East satellite. GOES-S, now known as GOES-17, was launched in 2018 and now serves as an on-orbit backup. GOES-T, now GOES-18, launched in 2022 and now serves as NOAA’s operational GOES West satellite. GOES satellites are designated with a letter prior to launch. Once a GOES satellite has successfully reached geostationary orbit, it is renamed with a number. GOES-U, the final satellite in the series, is scheduled to launch in 2024.
Together, GOES East and GOES West watch over more than half the globe — from the west coast of Africa to New Zealand and from near the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle.
The GOES-R Program is a collaborative effort between NOAA and NASA. NASA builds and launches the satellites for NOAA, which operates them and distributes their data to users worldwide.
The Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) satellite system makes 14 nearly polar orbits per day approximately 520 miles above Earth. The Earth's rotation allows the satellite to see a different view with each orbit, and each satellite provides two complete views of weather around the world each day. NOAA partners with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) to operate two polar-orbiting satellites – one POES and one European polar-orbiting satellite called MetOp.
The POES instruments include the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, the Advanced TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (ATOVS), and the Microwave Humidity Sounder provided by EUMETSAT. These instruments provide visible, infrared, and microwave data which is used for a variety of applications such as to monitor cloud and precipitation, determine surface properties, and profile humidity.
Data from the POES supports a broad range of environmental monitoring applications including weather analysis and forecasting, climate research and prediction, global sea surface temperature measurements, atmospheric soundings of temperature and humidity, ocean dynamics research, volcanic eruption monitoring, forest fire detection, global vegetation analysis, and search and rescue.
|
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 137.1 MHz | 34 kHz | POES Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 137.5 MHz | 34 kHz | POES Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 137.62 MHz | 34 kHz | POES Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 137.9125 MHz | 34 kHz | POES Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1676 MHz | 5.2 MHz | Legacy GOES SDL downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1680 MHz | 475 kHz | GOES-R DCPR downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1681.5 MHz | 400 kHz | Legacy GOES MDL downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1685.7 MHz | 4.22 MHz | Legacy GOES GVAR downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1686.6 MHz | 10.9 MHz | GOES-R GRB downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1691 MHz | 586 kHz | Legacy GOES LRIT downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1692.7 MHz | 27 kHz | Legacy GOES EMWIN-N downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1693 MHz | 80 kHz | GOES-R CDA telemetry downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1694 MHz | 16 kHz | Legacy GOES CDA Telemetry downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1694.1 MHz | 1.205 MHz | GOES-R HRIT downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1694.5 MHz | 475 kHz | Legacy GOES DCPR downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1694.8 MHz | 475 kHz | Legacy GOES DCPR downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1698 MHz | 5.32 MHz | POES Local Area Coverage (LAC) and Global Area Coverage (GAC) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1698 MHz | 2.66 MHz | POES High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1701.3 MHz | 4.5 MHz | MetOp Advanced High Resolution Picture Transmissions (AHRPT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1702.5 MHz | 5.32 MHz | POES Local Area Coverage (LAC) and Global Area Coverage (GAC) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1702.5 MHz | 2.66 MHz | POES High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1707 MHz | 5.32 MHz | POES Local Area Coverage (LAC) and Global Area Coverage (GAC) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1707 MHz | 4.5 MHz | MetOp Advanced High Resolution Picture Transmissions (AHRPT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1707 MHz | 12 MHz | Suomi NPP Low Data Rate (LDR) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 1707 MHz | 2.66 MHz | POES High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
| 7812 MHz | 30 MHz | Suomi NPP High Data Rate (HDR) downlink | Meteorological-satellite | F |
Associated Files:
| | DySpan_presentation_v2
Radio Frequency Interference Monitoring System for Weather Satellite Ground Stations: Challenges and Opportunities, presentation by NOAA at the DySPAN 2017 conf ...
|
| |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SkyBridge LLC filed in 1997 with the FCC to provide fixed-satellite service operations from a network of 80 non-GSO satellites, operating 4 satellites per plane in 20 planes, inclined 53 deg. The satellites would be in circular orbits at an altitude of 1469.3 km. The FCC granted launch and operation authority to SkyBridge in 2005 (DA 05-2037), but SkyBridge was never launched.
In 2014, a company registered/operating under the names L5 and WorldVu, based in the Channel Islands, acquired SkyBridge's Ku-band spectrum rights at the ITU. According to a May 30, 2014, Space News article, WorldVu would consist of 360 small satellites operating at between 800 and 950 km altitude at an inclination of 88.2 deg (near polar orbit). Space News quotes the filing as indicating the satellite system would come into use in 2019 or 2020.
WorldVu is now known as OneWeb.
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 10.7 - 12.7 GHz | SkyBridge downlink | Fixed-satellite | - |
| 12.7 - 12.75 GHz | SkyBridge downlink (outside Western Hemisphere) | Fixed-satellite | - |
| 12.75 - 13.25 GHz | SkyBridge uplink | Fixed-satellite | - |
| 13.75 - 14.5 GHz | SkyBridge uplink | Fixed-satellite | - |
| 17.3 - 18.1 GHz | SkyBridge uplink (outside U.S.; non-harmful interference basis) | Fixed-satellite | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Globalstar mobile-satellite service (MSS) system uses spectrum in the L and S bands for uplink and downlink transmissions, respectively. Globalstar has been granted authority to utilize portions of its bands for Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) transmissions.
Globalstar's downlink spectrum includes the upper half of Wi-Fi channel 14. In the U.S., use of channel 14 is therefore not allowed. Globalstar had petitioned the FCC to allow it access to channel 14 (including the half outside of its licensed spectrum) to provide its own proprietary "Terrestrial Low Power Service" (TLPS), but it settled for providing this service within its own assignment.
|
Paired Frequency Bands |
| Paired Bands | Use | Service | Table |
| 1610 - 1617.775 MHz | Globalstar ATC mobile-to-base | Mobile | N |
| 2483.5 - 2495 MHz | Globalstar ATC base-to-mobile | Mobile | N |
| 1610 - 1618.725 MHz | Globalstar uplink | Mobile-satellite | N |
| 2483.5 - 2500 MHz | Globalstar downlink | Mobile-satellite (space-to-Earth) | N |
| 5096 - 5250 MHz | Globalstar feeder links (uplink) | Fixed-satellite | N |
| 6875 - 7055 MHz | Globalstar feeder links (downlink) | Fixed-satellite (space-to-Earth) | N |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terminal Doppler Weather Radars are located near some major airports and are used to detect wind shear or microburst activity. According to MIT Lincoln Laboratory:
"A microburst is an intense localized downdraft that is sometimes generated by a thunderstorm. If an aircraft inadvertently encounters a microburst while flying at low altitude, it may lose altitude rapidly and not be able to recover in time to avoid a crash. In fact, a series of commercial aviation accidents in the 1970s and 80s led the FAA to commission a sensor capable of remotely detecting low-altitude wind shear phenomena such as the microburst. The resulting product was the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR), which is now deployed at 45 major airports around the country."
Additional information about TDWR is available at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Web site.
The FCC allows Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) devices in the 5150-5350 and 5470-5825 MHz bands, which overlaps the band used for TDWR. To avoid interference to TDWR and other radars, UNII devices operating in the 5250-5350 and 5470-5725 MHz bands must automatically sense and avoid radar signals. There have been several instances of interference to TDWR from UNII devices that were either operating outside their designed bands or had dynamic frequency selection intentionally disabled.
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 5600 - 5650 MHz | Terminal Doppler Weather Radar | Meteorological Aids | F |
Associated Files:
A peak-hold plot (blue line) of the spectrum of the Washington Dulles TDWR at 5605 MHz.
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
According to the Indian Space Research Organisation:
Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1), a new class of remote sensing satellite distinct from the established IRS class, is being developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as its first satellite imaging mission using an active radar sensor system. RISAT-1 carries a multi-mode C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) as the sole payload. The RISAT Mission is envisaged to augment the operational remote sensing programme in the country mainly enhancing agriculture and disaster support related applications.
RISAT-1 was launched on April 26th, 2012, into a polar sun synchronous orbit of 536 km (97.552 deg inclination) with the local time of equatorial crossing at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, as SAR does not need sun illumination for the target. The choice of this orbit gives advantage in terms of maximizing the power generation, with lesser complexities in solar panel tracking arrangements and power system management, besides simplifying the thermal management.
|
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 5350 MHz | 75 MHz | RISAT-1 chirped radar | Earth Exploration-satellite | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wireless LANS utilize various channels in the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands (multiple countries), and (in theory) the 3.6 GHz band (U.S. only). For a list of which channels are available in which regions, refer to the Wikipedia article.
Wi-Fi is a trademark permitted for devices that are based upon a published standard of the IEEE 802.11 committee and that have been certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi is presently incorporated in about three billion devices. Wireless cash registers were one of the earliest applications of what is now Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi devices operate on an unlicensed basis, generally meaning they cannot cause interference to licensed services, and must accept any interference caused to them. Wi-Fi shares bands with other unlicensed or ISM devices, such as cordless phones at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz and microwave ovens at 2.4 GHz.
Some of the key patents related to Wi-Fi are credited (in the courts at least) to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia, which has collected over $400 million in royalties and legal settlements over patent rights.
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 2400 - 2495 MHz | Wireless LANs | - | - |
| 3655 - 3700 MHz | Wireless LANS (U.S. only; standardized but not used) | - | - |
| 4910 - 4990 MHz | Wireless LANs (Japan) (U.S. public safety 4940-4990) | - | - |
| 5030 - 5090 MHz | WLANs (Japan, 2002-2017) | - | - |
| 5150 - 5350 MHz | Wireless LANs (U-NII-1 and U-NII-2A) | - | - |
| 5470 - 5895 MHz | Wireless LANs (U-NII-2C, U-NII-3, U-NII-4) | - | - |
| 5925 - 7125 MHz | Wireless LANs (U-NII-5, U-NII-6, U-NII-7, U-NII-8) | - | - |
| 42.39 - 46.71 GHz | Wireless LANs (WiGig) | - | - |
| 57.24 - 74.52 GHz | Wireless LANs (WiGig) | - | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By virtue of Part 88 of the FCC's rules, created in 2024, the 5030-5091 MHz band is designated for use by UAS systems.
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 5030 - 5091 MHz | UAS systems | Aeronautical Mobile | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PitchCom is a wireless communication system from a baseball catcher to the pitcher that allows the catcher to request different types of pitches. This system is in lieu of using hand gestures, which have been used since the beginning of baseball but can (and have) been stolen by the opposing team.
According to the PitchCom website: "The PitchCom™ communication system uses a proprietary push-button, player-wearable transmitter that allows players on the field to communicate plays to each other without using physical signs or verbal communication. Every player wearing a receiver actually hears the same instructions in their very own chosen language. The PitchCom™ communication system, a patent-pending technology of PitchCom Sports™, can also be adapted to allow coaches to communicate to players in the same covert manner."
The band of frequencies in which PitchCom operates includes many unlicensed devices. PitchCom itself operates as an FCC Part 15 (unlicensed) device.
The FCC ID for the PitchCom device is 2A3O2-PRA. Its max measured field strength is approximately 87.22 dBuV/m at 3 meters (horizontal pol) and 73.3 dBuV/m in vertical pol, according to its certification test report.
|
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 918.23 MHz | 628 kHz | PitchCom catcher-to-pitcher communication device | - | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BeiDou is a Chinese radionavigation satellite system similar in function to GPS. "BeiDou" roughly translates to "compass" in English.
As of early 2024, the constellation consists of 44 satellites:
- 7 GEO (38,300 km)
- 27 MEO (21,500 km; 55 deg inclination)
- 10 inclined GSO (IGSO)
The minimum signal strength on the ground for all four signals is -163 dBW.
According to Penn State:
"The future BeiDou is expected to support two different kind of general services: Radio Determination Satellite Service (RDSS) and Radio Navigation Satellite Service (RNSS). The RDSS will include a short message communication (guaranteeing backward compatibility with BeiDou-1). A satellite-based 2-way short message service in China and the surrounding areas (75 -135 ° E 10 -55° N) with a power of less than 3W and a capacity of more than 10 million messages/hr using 3 GEO satellites. The RDSS Characteristics will include a global message service using inter-satellite crosslinks with 10W of power and a capacity of 200,000 messages/hr using 14 MEO satellites. The Radio Navigation Satellite Service (RNSS) is very similar to that provided by GPS and Galileo and is designed to achieve a similar performance."
|
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 1207.14 MHz | 24 MHz | BeiDou B2 signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
| 1268.52 MHz | 24 MHz | BeiDou B3 signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
| 1561.098 MHz | 4.092 MHz | BeiDou B1 signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
| 1589.742 MHz | 4.092 MHz | BeiDou B1-2 signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Galileo is a European radionavigation satellite system. The Galileo constellation will consist of 30 operational satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO) at an altitude of 23,222 km, at 56 deg inclination. As of 2024, it is not fully deployed.
|
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 1176.45 MHz | 20.46 MHz | Galileo E5a signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
| 1191.795 MHz | 51.15 MHz | Galileo E5 signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
| 1207.14 MHz | 20.46 MHz | Galileo E5b signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
| 1278.75 MHz | 40.92 MHz | Galileo E6 signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
| 1575.42 MHz | 24.552 MHz | Galileo E1 signal | Radionavigation-satellite | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High pulse repetition frequency ultra-wideband (HPR UWB) is one of the physical layers defined for low data rate personal area network (LR-WPAN) communications in the IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
According to the FiRa Consortium:
"In challenging environments, such as parking structures, hospitals, airports and high density venues, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology outperforms other technologies in terms of accuracy, power consumption, robustness in wireless connectivity, and security, by a wide margin.
"UWB securely determines the relative position of peer devices with a very high degree of accuracy and can operate with line of sight at up to 200 meters. In contrast to narrow band wireless technologies, the use of wide bandwidth means UWB provides very stable connectivity, with little to no interference and offers highly precise positioning, even in congested multi-path signal environments.
"By calculating precise location, fine ranging based on UWB is a more secure approach to closing and opening locks, whether those locks are installed on a car door, a warehouse entryway, a conference room, or your front door."
|
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 499.2 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 0 | - | - |
| 3494.4 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 1 | - | - |
| 3993.6 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 2 | - | - |
| 3993.6 MHz | 1.3312 GHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 4 | - | - |
| 4492.8 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 3 | - | - |
| 6489.6 MHz | 1.0816 GHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 7 | - | - |
| 6489.6 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 5 | - | - |
| 6988.8 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 6 | - | - |
| 7488 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 8 | - | - |
| 7987.2 MHz | 1.3312 GHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 11 | - | - |
| 7987.2 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 9 | - | - |
| 8486.4 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 10 | - | - |
| 8985.6 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 12 | - | - |
| 9484.8 MHz | 1.35497 GHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 15 | - | - |
| 9484.8 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 13 | - | - |
| 9984 MHz | 499.2 MHz | 802.15.4 HRP UWB Channel 14 | - | - |
Associated Files:
802.15.4 HRP UWB PHY band allocation
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
According to the U.S. National Weather Service:
In order to understand the dynamic processes that result in the weather we experience, we need to know what is happening through the entire atmosphere. These observations are primarily taken with the aid of radiosondes.
The radiosonde is a small instrument package that is suspended below balloon filled with either hydrogen or helium. As the radiosonde is carried aloft, it measures pressure, temperature, and relative humidity.
These sensors are linked to a battery-powered radio transmitter that sends the information to a ground receiver. By tracking the position of the radiosonde in flight via GPS (Global Positioning System), measurements of wind speed and direction aloft is also obtained.
Worldwide, most radiosonde observations are taken daily at 00Z and 12Z (6 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST). With worldwide coordination of these upper air observations, we can obtain a picture of the various pressure and wind patterns across the globe.
Radiosonde observations technically provide only pressure, temperature, and relative humidity data; the tracked position of a radiosonde is actually called a rawinsonde observation and is used to obtain wind speed and direction. However, meteorologists and other data users frequently refer to them as part of the radiosonde observation.
The radiosonde flight can last in excess of two hours, and during this time the radiosonde can ascend to over 115,000 feet (35,000 m) and drift more than 125 miles (200 km) from the release point. During the flight, the radiosonde is exposed to temperatures as cold as -130°F (-92°C) and air pressures of only a few hundredths of what is found on the Earth's surface.
When the balloon has expanded beyond its elastic limit (20-25 feet in diameter) and bursts, the radiosonde returns to Earth via a small parachute. This slows its descent, minimizing the danger to life and property.
If found, radiosondes are safe to handle, as long as the balloon is deflated. Cut the string to the balloon/parachute and place them in a trash receptacle. You may also dispose of the radiosonde itself or keep it.
Worldwide, there are about 1,300 upper-air stations. Observations are made by the NWS at 92 stations: 69 in the conterminous United States, 13 in Alaska, nine in the Pacific, and one in Puerto Rico.
NWS supports the operation of 10 other stations in the Caribbean. Through international agreements, data are exchanged between countries worldwide.
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 400.15 - 406 MHz | Radiosondes | Meteorological Aids | F |
| 1675 - 1685 MHz | Radiosondes | Meteorological Aids | F |
Associated Files:
A Lockheed Martin Mark IIA Microsonde (radiosonde).
Preparing to launch a radiosonde (Reno, NV area).
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.2 to consider in-band power limits for earth stations operating in the mobile-satellite service, meteorological-satellite service and Earth exploration-satellite service in the frequency bands 401-403 MHz and 399.9-400.05 MHz, in accordance with Resolution 765 [COM6/7] (WRC-15);
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 399.9 - 400.05 MHz | WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.2 | - | - |
| 401 - 403 MHz | WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.2 | - | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilots use various radio aids to help guide them to the runway for landing, particularly in poor weather or other low-visibility conditions. Collectively, these aids are referred to as the Instrument Landing System (ILS). ILS utilizes 75 MHz, 108.1-111.95 MHz, and 329.15-335.0 MHz. According to NTIA, "there is international agreement within the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) establishing the ILS as a standard landing system, and the ILS is used extensively worldwide."
Localizer
The localizer helps establish the proper horizontal path for an approach to the runway. The localizer transmission consists of two signals, one modulated with a 90 Hz tone and transmitted with a beam pointed along the left side of the approach, and another modulated with a 150 Hz tone and transmitted with a beam pointed along the right side of the approach. The plane's ILS receiver compares the strength of the two modulated tones and can determine whether the plane is aligned too far left (too much 90 Hz tone), too far right (too much 150 Hz tone), or along the center of the runway (equal strengths for both tones).
The localizer signal is useful for a distance of approximately 18 nm from the runway.
The localizer and glide slope frequencies are paired, so that the pilot need only select one, and the other is set automatically. The localizer channels are in the 108.1-111.95 MHz band. Note that the localizer channels are interspersed with channels for VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) signals in this band. VORs are used for enroute navigation, as opposed to precision navigation to the runway. See the related links for a full list of the ILS channel plan.
Glide Slope
The glide slope indicator works similarly to the localizer signal, but instead of indicating proper horizontal position, it indicates the proper vertical path to the runway (typically a 3 deg slope down to the runway). The 90 Hz tone is transmitted pointed above the proper path, while the 150 Hz modulated signal is pointed below the proper path. Comparison of the strength of the two tones informs the ILS receiver (and pilot) whether the plane is on the correct vertical path.
The glide slope signal is useful out to a distance of about 10 nm from the runway.
The glide slope and localizer frequencies are paired, so that the pilot need only select one, and the other is set automatically. The glide slope channels are in the 329.15-335.0 MHz band.
See the related links for a full list of the ILS channel plan.
Marker Beacons
The Instrument Landing System (ILS) marker beacons are located at varying distances along the approach to a runway to indicate the approximate distance to the runway. Marker beacons are typically used when an airport does not have Distance Measurement Equipment (DME) capabilities.
Outer markers are located between about 4-7 miles from the end of the runway. The antenna system, typically two yagis in a V configuration with the open part of the V pointing upwards, creates a narrow vertical beam that the pilots receive when they fly over. The outer marker transmits an AM signal at 75 MHz with a 400 Hz modulated tone.
The middle marker is typically about 2000 ft from the end of the runway, and transmits a 1 kHz modulated tone. The middle marker beacon is often a simple three-element yagi pointed straight up.
The inner marker is typically 700-800 ft from the end of the runway and transmits a 3 kHz modulated tone.
|
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 75 MHz | 400 kHz | Instrument Landing System outer, middle, and inner markers | Aeronautical Radionavigation | - |
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 108.1 - 111.95 MHz | Instrument Landing Systemn localizer signal | Aeronautical Radionavigation | - |
| 329.15 - 335 MHz | Instrument Landing System glide slope signal | Aeronautical Radionavigation | - |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
According to the U.S. Navy:
Mobile User Object System (MUOS) is a narrowband Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) system that supports a worldwide, multi-Service population of mobile and fixed-site terminal users in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band, providing increased communications capabilities to smaller terminals while still supporting interoperability to legacy terminals.
MUOS adapts a commercial third generation Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) cellular phone network architecture and combines it with geosynchronous satellites (in place of cell towers) to provide a new and more capable UHF MILSATCOM system. The constellation of four operational satellites and ground network control will provide greater than 10 times the system capacity of the current UHF Follow-On (UFO) constellation.
The first MUOS satellite was launched February 24th, 2012, and began operations in August 2012. The MUOS constellation will eventually be comprised of four GSO satellites and one in-orbit spare. The operational satellites will be located at 177 deg W (Pacific), 100 deg W (CONUS), 15.5 deg W (Atlantic), and 75 deg E (Indian). The spare satellite will be parked at 72 deg E.
The satellites transmit 9.8 W of power into a 14 m dish. The service links are comprised of four 5 MHz-wide SA-WCDMA channels occupying the 20 MHz wide UHF uplink and downlink bands.
|
Frequency Bands |
| Band | Use | Service | Table |
| 300 - 320 MHz | MUOS service uplink | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 360 - 380 MHz | MUOS service downlink | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 20.2 - 21.2 GHz | MUOS feeder downlink | Fixed-satellite | F |
| 30 - 31 GHz | MUOS feeder uplink | Fixed-satellite | F |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
According to the U.S. Space Force:
Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) constellation provides long haul communications to users worldwide through contested environments.
DSCS supports: the defense communications system, the military’s ground mobile forces, airborne terminals, ships at sea, and Department of Defense (DOD).
The first DSCS III satellite was launched in October 1982. The final DSCS III satellite, B6, was launched in August 2003. In all, DSCS III successfully launched 14 satellites, six of which are still operational and continue to be used in various capacities, from operational communications in Southwest Asia to research and development of ground-based support capabilities.
Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., sustains the DSCS Space Segment contract.
DSCS III satellites support globally distributed DOD and national security users. Modifications made to these satellites will provide substantial capacity improvements through higher power amplifiers, more sensitive receivers, and additional antenna connectivity options. The DSCS communications payload includes six independent Super High Frequency (SHF) transponder channels. Three receive and five transmit antennas provide selectable options for Earth coverage, area coverage and/or spot beam coverage. A special purpose single-channel transponder is also on board.
DSCS satellites provide the capabilities needed for effective implementation of worldwide military communications. It can adapt rapidly to dynamic operating conditions and perform under stressed environments. DSCS operates with large or small terminals. DSCS’s independent channels group users by operational needs or geographical location by allocating receiver sensitivity and transmitter power, thus providing maximum efficiency.
|
Paired Frequency Bands |
| Paired Bands | Use | Service | Table |
| 7250 - 7750 MHz | DSCS III downlink | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 7900 - 8400 MHz | DSCS III uplink | Mobile-satellite | F |
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 7600 MHz | - | DSCS III Beacon (A series satellites) | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 7604.705882 MHz | - | DSCS III Beacon (B series satellites) | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 8005.146484 MHz | - | DSCS III Channel 1 command uplink | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 8370.146484 MHz | - | DSCS III Channel 5 command uplink | Mobile-satellite | F |
Display in a New page
Edit
|
|
|
|
|