Interference Hunting Training Course

Quick overview
This course will provide theoretical and practical fundamentals needed to effectively identify and locate radio frequency interference issues.
It begins with an overview of basic RF principles, signal types, propagation and spectrum allocation. The application of various interference
hunting tools, including monitoring receivers, spectrum analyzers and drive test tools will also be discussed using real-live examples from the field.
Methods of radiolocation (direction finding) and signal analysis will be demonstrated using live signal sources and hands-on exercises.

Who should attend?

How will you benefit?

Engineers involved in interference hunting and spectrum clearing

Civilian and military spectrum managers
Regulatory agency field engineers
Wireless industry RF engineers
Cable industry RF engineers
Law enforcement / intelligence officers

Day One

General RF principles related to interference hunting

Application of different interference hunting tools
Spectral and signal analysis
Direction finding principles and applications
Best practices for identifying and resolving interference issues

(General principles and basic introduction))

9:0010:00 General RF principles

11:3012:00 Antennas

Frequency / wavelength (relationship between)

Power / attenuation (how to measure, etc.)
Measurement units (dBm, dBV, conversions, etc.)
Modulation vs. unmodulated signals
Noise (including noise floor)

10:0010:30 Signal characteristics

Overview of antenna types (omni, directional, etc.)

Relationship between antenna characteristics and
frequency/modulation
Unintentional radiators

12:001:00 Lunch

1:002:00 Basic principles of direction finding

Bandwidth
Analog modulation types (CW, AM, FM, etc.)
Digital modulation types (FSK, QPSK, QAM, etc.)

10:30-11:00 Propagation
Propagation characteristics by frequency range (HF, VHF, UHF, etc.)
Factors affecting propagation
(ionospheric conditions, intervening objects, rain fade, etc.)
Non-OTA propagation (conducted emissions, etc.)
Reflections / multipath

11:0011:30 Spectrum overview

General overview of spectral allocations (what is where)
Band-specific overviews (HF, VHF, UHF, etc.)
Technology specific overviews (US cellular bands, military, etc.)
Baselining
Spectrum clearning/refarming
Researching spectral allocations / licensing

What is direction finding?

Uses of direction finding
Overview / comparison of direction-finding methodologies
Mapping / triangulation

2:003:00 Overview of interference hunting tools

Spectrum analyzers
Monitoring receivers
Drive test systems
Antennas
Other tools

3:005:00 Basic spectral analysis

Understanding and interpreting spectrum displays
Understanding and interpreting waterfall diagrams (spectrograms)
Other spectral analysis modes (persistence display, e.g.)
Numerical measurements (use of makers/lines)

Day Two

(Advanced topics and practical exercises))

9:009:30 Interference types

11:3012:00 Resolving interference issues

Modulated vs. unmodulated sources

Uncorrelated interference / noise floor issues
Patterns in interference (time of day, reactive)

9:30-10:00 Recognizing interference issues

12:001:00 Lunch

Typical signs of interference

Interpreting spectral issues
Diagnosing interference using instruments

1:005:00 Practical exercises

10:0011:00 Analyzing specific interference issues

Harmonics / intermodulation
Narrowband vs. wideband interference
Use of demodulation / signal analysis
Device-specific interference (e.g. jammers, BDAs, etc.)
Long-term monitoring / recording

Determining type / location of interfering device

Communication with owners of interfering devices
Understanding legal / regulatory issues and remedies

Diagnosing and locating indoor interference

Diagnosing and locating outdoor interference
Drive testing / vehicle-based interference hunting (last mile)
Handheld, on-foot interference hunting (last 100 meters)
Source analysis (last inch)
Interference hunting challenges

11:0011:30 Location of interfering signals

Common transmitter and antenna types
Interference-prone locations
Use of drive-test / vehicle tools
Use of handheld / portable tools
Antennas and direction finding systems

For the current Rohde & Schwarz training schedule, visit:

www.rohde-schwarz-training.com
Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc
8661A Robert Fulton Drive
Columbia, MD 21046-2265
888-837-8772