SPECTRUM USAGE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

DoD flight test ranges need to track telemetry spectrum usage to defend against future sell-offs, as well as operate with high spectral efficiency. The Spectrum Usage Measurement System (SUMS) characterizes spectrum usage and requirements at test ranges, and assesses operational impacts and costs on Test and Evaluation. The system relies on mission planning and scheduling data acquired from test range planning systems, as well as measurements obtained from telemetry receivers and frequency scanning sensors. SUMS key capabilities include: (1) collecting over-the-air evidence of actual assigned frequency usage; (2) combining this data with mission plans to produce an accurate representation of telemetry spectrum usage through the space, time, and frequency dimensions; (3) providing users with a data warehouse of spectrum usage, potentially spanning multiple years, with test ranges across CONUS, and (4) providing data analytics and visualization techniques that combine 3-D terrain-based heat maps with usage metrics charts.