TELEMETRY RF SIGNAL BANDWIDTH; DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS

Abstract

This paper will present and compare several definitions of telemetry radio frequency (RF) signal bandwidth. Measured spectra for different signals will be presented. The bandwidths of these signals will then be determined and measurement methods will be discussed. This discussion will include the effects of spectrum analyzer resolution bandwidth, video bandwidth and detector type. Finally, a proposed spectral mask will be discussed. This spectral mask can be used to calculate the required attenuation for a given frequency offset from the center frequency. The required attenuation is a function of the the bit rate or maximum frequency of interest and the transmitter power. This spectral mask is proposed to be part of the next edition of the Telemetry Standards, Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) Standard 106.