Art and Science of Interference Hunting

The Art and Science of
Interference Hunting
Paul Denisowski, Applications Engineer
Art and Science of Interference Hunting
Paul Denisowski, Rohde & Schwarz
Topics
Overview
All about interference
Interference hunting tools
Identifying and analyzing signals
Directivity and propagation
Importance of antennas
Fundamentals of direction finding
Q&A / discussion
The changing wireless world
More transmitters spectrum is becoming
more and more crowded.
More mobile devices stationary transmitters
are no longer the norm.
New modulation types analog signals
becoming less common than digital signals.
More complex modulation higher order
modulation requires a better RF environment.
Spectrum refarming moving services to
different frequencies requires spectrum
clearing and involves different propagation
and interference types.
Wireless connectivity from nice to have to
must have.
Effects of interference
Interference affects different signals
in different ways.
Analog audio suffers from noise,
static, superimposed audio, etc.
In cellular systems interference
causes poor voice quality, dropped
calls, low data throughput.
For data services there is often the
inability to initiate, sustain, or use
connections at optimal rates.
Severity of the effects may not
increase linearly with the level of
interference, especially for digital
modulation (the cliff effect).
Pixilation in a digital video signal
Modulated sources
Modulated sources are devices
which are intended to generate
RF signals.
Problems occur when these
devices are faulty or are
operated incorrectly.
Even signals from well-behaving
transmitters may produce
interference due to harmonics,
intermodulation, overload, etc.
Because modulated sources are
meant to carry information,
extracting this information can
help us identify the signal source.
Interference from modulated noise sources
Since modulated noise sources usually have a bandwidth of < several
MHz or kHz, they appear as relatively narrow signals.
These signals create interference either by being superimposed on
another signal or by generating harmonics, intermodulation, etc.
Sometimes these signals will exceed their normal spectral limits due to
malfunctions (e.g. a broken Tx filter) or improper operation
(overamplification, frequency instability, etc.).
A narrowband intermittent
source interfering with TV
channel 48
Harmonics
A harmonic of a signal is a
copy of that signal
appearing at a whole
number multiple of the
original (fundamental)
frequency.
For example, a transmitter
at 155 MHz can produce
harmonics at 310 MHz, 465
MHz, etc.
Always check to see if a
copy of the interfering signal
is a harmonic of another
signal.
The 4
th
harmonic of a signal at 195.25 MHz
appears at 781 MHz (LTE Band 13)
Intermodulation
Intermodulation results
from two or more
signals appearing in a
nonlinear circuit.
Sum and difference
frequencies are
created from the
mixing of
fundamentals and
harmonics.
Because intermod
involves the mixing of
multiple signals, it will
only occur when all
component signals are
present.
Signals at 440 MHz (f1) and 445 MHz (f2)
produce intermod products at 435 MHz (2f1
f2) and 450 MHz (2f2 f1) MHz
External rectification (rusty bolt effect)
The junction between two pieces of metal can create a rectifier (diode),
especially when corrosion is present.
This effect can generate spurious signals that are then radiated by
metallic elements in the joint.
Towers and guy lines are a
good starting point, since
they can rust, have long
metal elements, and are
close to powerful
transmitters.
Utility poles/wires, metal
fences, and gutters are
also prime suspects.
Repeaters / BDAs
Cellular repeaters or bidirectional
amplifiers (BDAs) can be used to
extend cellular coverage in
buildings or in fringe areas.
May also be installed on boats.
The main interference issues are
the retransmission of unwanted
signals at the input of the BDA as
well as malfunctioning BDAs.
Difficult to troubleshoot but a very
common source of interference in
the cellular bands.
Umodulated sources
Unmodulated sources are devices which unintentionally generate
RF signals.
Common sources are electric motors, faulty transformers, vehicle
ignition systems, electrical fences, fluorescent lighting, etc.
Easy to recognize, often shows up as jumps in the noise floor or a
wide, random spectral pattern.
Noise in the aircraft
band (generated by
a nearby electrical
motor)
Deliberate interference
Deliberate interference may be narrow-
band (e.g. talking on a public safety
frequency) or broad-band (jamming).
Pirate or unlicensed (freeband) operations
can also cause issues to licensed users.
Sources may be mobile, possibly to avoid
detection / radiolocation.
Although most businesses and individuals
are very cooperative in resolving
interference, deliberate interferers will
usually deny or conceal their activities.
Mobile GPS jamming
device
Recognizing jammers
J ammers are typically
easy to identify and
locate : strong, broad,
always-on signal.
Tend to increase the
noise floor even outside
of their nominal operating
range.
Interference Hunting Tools
Two primary tools : spectrum analyzer and
the monitoring receiver.
Two major differences between spectrum
analyzers and monitoring receivers :
Internal architecture
Heterodyne principle
FFT (Fast Fourier Analysis)
Operational features
Spectrum analysis functions
Task-oriented features
Direction finding
Offline, remote, and coordinated
operation
Heterodyne principle
The basis for most spectrum analyzers.
Input signal converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) using a
mixer and a local oscillator (LO).
Signal is swept past a fixed-tuned filter to determine resolution
bandwidth.
Signal is then logarithmically amplified and passed to the display.
FFT-based analysis
The basis for most monitoring receivers.
Converts time domain signals into frequency domain signals using
a Fourier transform.
Digitizes a sampled signal and applies the Fast Fourier Transform
(FFT).
Very fast high probability of intercept (POI).
Most spectrum analyzers do NOT use FFT analysis : poor
dynamic range over large frequency ranges.
What does a spectrum analyzer do?
Make high accuracy measurements
of known signals.
User must specify a wide variety of
parameters and settings.
Measure and display modulation
characteristics (e.g. EVM, ACLR).
Verify conformance to a standard
(e.g. SEM).
Heterodyne (swept) principle : very
precise measurements, but
information may be missed/lost
during a sweep.
Usually connected to a cable, not to
an antenna.
Primary use is in a lab / production
environment.
What does a monitoring receiver do?
Makes rapid measurements of
unknown signals.
Designed for speed and high POI.
Signals can be demodulated and
monitored.
Can make measurements at
discrete frequencies (scanning).
Received signals almost always
impaired/distorted, so features like
attenuation, AGC, preselection, etc.
needed.
Can often be integrated into a
direction finding system.
Understanding propagation
A good knowledge of radio propagation is vital in localizing
interference.
The distance at which a signal can be received is a function of both
power and frequency.
Signals also have different characteristics based on frequency.
These include multipath, directivity and penetration.
Spectrum refarming means that services traditionally found in one
portion of the spectrum may now be found in a different portion with
different propagation characteristics (700 MHz LTE, digital TV).
Directivity and penetration
Generally speaking, higher
frequencies (GHz range) tend to be
line-of-sight and more easily reflected.
Penetration of signals into structures
can be poor depending on building
composition.
Lower frequencies (VHF/UHF) may
refract or bend around structures
and these frequencies penetrate well
into buildings.
HF signals can propagate for great
distances depending on ionspheric
conditions. Ground-wave propagation
is also possible.
Naturally, penetration also is very
dependant on transmitter power.
Multipath
Multipath means receiving a
signal from different
directions simultaneously.
The severity of multipath is
also a function of the
frequencies involved.
Caused by reflections, most
commonly in an urban
environment.
Multipath can make direction
finding difficult.
Careful selection of
monitoring / DF sites can
reduce the impact of
multipath.
Antennas
Radio transmitters require antennas.
Antenna design/size is related to frequency and function.
Antenna direction also useful in identification.
Even if an antenna is not in active use, it can act as a reradiator.
Check the antenna site for signage and other clues as to owner/purpose.
Antennas may be hidden or disguised.
Jammer disguised as
a pack of cigarettes
Cell phone repeater antenna
Identifying signals
Some of the more common ways of identifying signals are :
Pattern of interference
Audio demodulation
Spectrum characteristics
Signal analysis and digital demodulation
Online resources
Direction finding
Signal splatter (overmodulation)
Carrier drift
Looking for patterns
Important questions to ask in analyzing
interference :
When does the interference occur?
Is the interference constant or
intermittent?
Does the interference coincide with any
other events?
If possible, attempt to see if interference
can be eliminated by disconnecting or
powering down transmitters or other
electrical devices.
For some types of signals, propagation
will change depending on time of day or
season.
Outdoor sources may change
based on weather conditions
Audio demodulation
Audio demodulation means listening to the
signal
Modulation generally is AM or FM, but
there are variations of these (narrow band
FM, single sideband, etc.)
Recording signals for later analysis /
documentation is useful
What are we listening for?
Station ID / call signs
Language and content (what are they
saying?)
Morse code IDs
Even digital signals can sometimes
identified this way
Spectral analysis
The most fundamental display in interference hunting is a spectral
display (amplitude vs. frequency).
A max hold function is also important in detecting short duration
signals or looking for an elevated noise floor.
Max hold (red)
shows maximum
signal amplitude
for frequency and
also indicates
signals that are
not currently
present
Waterfall analysis
Duration of
jamming signal
exactly 9 seconds
(T1 T2)
Signal width of 870
MHz signal is 1.4
MHz
A waterfall display shows frequency, time, and level information
and is extremely useful in analyzing signals.
Signal analysis / digital decoding
The ratio of digital to analog transmitters is
increasing at an exponential rate
Signal analysis involves modulation type,
bandwidth, baud rate, etc.
Much easier to locate a digital signal if we
know what kind it is.
Online Resources
The Universal Licensing System of the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
provides access to a database of all licensed
transmitters.
Searchable by location, frequency, call sign,
etc.
URL : http://wireless.fcc.gov
Example of ULS Results
Search results contain license
information, contact address
and phone, transmitter
location, power output, etc.
Direction Finding (radiolocation)
If a signal cannot be identified
via demodulation or signal
analysis, locating its source is
often the only way to resolve
interference
DF requires a receiver and a
directional antenna. Mapping
and triangulation software are
also extremely helpful
Understand the strengths and
weaknesses of various DF
techniques and equipment
Triangulation of a transmitter based on
multiple DF bearings
DF equipment
DF can be performed using fixed, mobile
(vehicle) or portable (handheld) units, or a
combination of these.
Fixed / mobile units are most useful during
initial hunting and when covering large
geographical areas
Portable units are used best used for the
last hundred meters, as well as in cases
where vehicle access is not practical
DF antennas
Directional antennas are a critical
component in DF.
Handheld antennas should have
good directionality and wide
bandwidth.
Integrated compass/GPS allows for
greater accuracy when determining
location and bearings.
More advanced DF methodologies
such as Watson-Watt or Correlative
Interferometry usually require more
elaborate antennas, but provide
much higher accuracy.
Typical gain pattern of a
handheld DF antenna
note the directivity
Vehicle mounted
interferometer
Recording bearings
For results to be useful, we need to record both position and bearing
(azimuth) information.
Traditionally, this information was calculated / recorded manually (e.g.
using a magnetic compass and a map/ruler) but this is prone to human
error.
Modern equipment can use GPS and electronic compass data for an
automated determination.
An example of a handheld DF
antenna with an integrated electronic
compass and GPS receiver
Triangulation
The main reason for
recording bearings is to
combine them in order to
locate a transmitter.
This is known as
triangulation.
Bearings are plotted
(manually or
automatically) on a map,
and the transmitter is
near the intersection of
the lines.
Automatic triangulation calculation, including
calculated uncertainty radius
DF best practices
Rotate handheld antennas slowly.
Tripod mounts can also help obtain
stable / reproducible readings.
Binoculars or a telephoto lens are
extremely useful for finding and
identifying antennas.
A good DF location is one away
from obstructions. Higher is
usually better.
Rooftops and top floors of parking
garages are good urban DF sites.
Be aware of the influence of
reflection / multipath.
Q&A / Discussion

Art and Science of Interference Hunting

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Art and Science of Interference Hunting

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

The Art and Science of

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi