Spectrum Interference Testing in L-Band

ICAO is considering the use of L-band (960-1024 MHz) to employ the next generation aeronautical communication system. In order to assess the viability of proposed communication systems in this frequency band, the potential for interference from future radio system (FRS) candidates to systems already utilizing this spectrum must be characterized. One area of work defined for Phase III of the future communications study (FCS) is an Interference Measurements study. With the help of the Ohio University Avionics Engineering Department, ITT is conducting interference measurements against Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) for three FRS candidate technologies: W-CDMA, P34 and LDL. This paper presents the interim results of this study since this study is ongoing. Final results will be available in the May/June 2007 timeframe. This paper is organized into four main sections: background, methodology, interim results, and conclusions.