Initial Evaluation of the Performance of Prototype TV- Band White Space Devices

INITIAL EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF PROTOTYPE TV-BAND WHITE SPACE DEVICES
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission 7/31; AUTHOR: Steven Jones & Thomas Phillips]
The Federal Communications Commission’s Laboratory has conducted a measurement study of the spectrum sensing and transmitting functions of prototype unlicensed low power radio transmitting devices that would operate on frequencies in the broadcast television bands that are unused in each local area. These locally unused frequencies are known as “white spaces.” This research is part of the FCC’s ongoing proceeding to consider rules for permitting such devices to operate on TV white spaces. As established previously by the Commission, fixed “white space devices” (WSDs) will be allowed into the TV spectrum simultaneous with the completion of the transition from analog to digital television broadcasts on February 17, 2009. The Commission is also considering whether to allow unlicensed “personal/portable” WSDs
to operate in the TV spectrum. This report determined that the sample prototype White Space Devices submitted to the Commission for initial evaluation do not consistently sense or detect TV broadcast or wireless microphone signals. Our tests also found that the transmitter in the prototype device is capable of causing interference to TV broadcasting and wireless microphones. However, several features that are contemplated as possible options to minimize the interference potential of WSDs, such as dynamic power control and adjustment of power levels based on signal levels in adjacent bands, are not implemented in the prototype devices that were provided. Given these results, further testing of these devices was not deemed appropriate at this time.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-275666A1.pdf

* FCC: Devices Interfere With DTV
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6465633.html