Frank H. Sanders, Robert L. Hinkle, and Bradley J. Ramsey

Abstract: The susceptibility of 3700 to 4200 MHz fixed-satellite service earth stations to interference from radar signals, and the mechanisms by which such interference can occur, are examined. It is shown that interference can occur even if all currently applicable NTIA and FCC spectrum engineering requirements for radar emissions and earth station receiver systems are satisfied. It is further shown that while most interference problems can be resolved by installing appropriate radio frequency (RF) filtering on either the radar transmitter RF output or the earth station RF input, determination of the system that requires filtering depends critically upon the interference coupling mechanism. Methods for determining the interference coupling mechanism are presented.

Keywords: electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); radar spurious emissions; audio receive-only (ARO) terminals; digital audio receiver terminals (DART); interference coupling mechanisms; fixed-satellite earth stations; front-end overload; interference mitigation; radar interference; radar stations; television receive-only (TVRO) systems; low noise amplifier (LNA)

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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