GRCon19 - Spectrum Monitoring Network: Tradeoffs, Results, and Future Directions by Peter Mathys
0Spectrum Monitoring Network: Tradeoffs, Results, and Future Directions by Peter Mathys, Todd Schumann, Jeff Wepman, Mike Cotton
Due to its high inherent cost, there is limited use of professional grade test equipment in the field to monitor, or even identify, spectrum usage. Therefore, to supplement existing, high-accuracy measurements, there is a large interest in using lower-cost software defined radio (SDRs) receivers as replacements for the high-cost spectrum analyzers in RF measurement systems which are far less expensive to construct. Doing this allows measurements that are (1) continuous or at least much more frequent, (2) more densely located (in frequency and location), and (3) remotely controllable, and even allows additional measurements not practical using current solutions (e.g. simultaneous measurements of the same signal from many locations). However, there is an inherent trade-off in using the less expensive equipment to make these measurements in terms of price versus performance. Additionally, there can be a complex up-front characterization procedure necessary to ensure the accuracy of measurements.
Signal analyzers and SDRs can span several decades in terms of cost, some as low as $10, others over $10,000 or even $100,000. The obvious tradeoff between the different tiers is measurement accuracy/reliability versus the number of deployable sensors within a project budget. However, without a comparison between the tiers of SDRs, no intelligent determination can be made. In this report, we look at several of the key comparators between four representative signal analyzers/SDRs, representing a professional-grade (greater than $100,000), field-grade (greater than $10,000), middle-grade (~$1000), and economic-grade (less than $100). We identify expected performance when used as a spectrum monitor and any additional circuitry considerations required to ensure that the analyzers are accurately measuring the spectrum.
Presentation Outline
Spectrum Monitoring Goals
Signal Analyzer Architectures
Superheterodyne vs Direct Conversion
Examples of Signal Analyzers
Professional Grade: Keysight PxA N9030B
Field Grade: Keysight N6841A
Middle Grade: Ettus B210/B200 mini
Economic Grade: ADALM PLUTO Pluto SDR (Analog Devices)
SDRs on a Chip
Analog Devices 9361, 9363, 9364
Tradeoffs
Price
Performance
Size, Weight
Power Consumption
Sensor Density vs Performance Parameters
Example: Boulder Wireless Testbed (BWTB)
System Architecture
Sensor/RF Calibration
Data Management
User Access Management
Computer Resources
Single Board Computers
Example: Raspberry Pi 4
Data Storage/Transmission
Future Developments
Signal Analyzers for Specific Bands vs Fully Tunable
Using ML to Improve Monitoring