A major trend in the wireless industry today is the dramatic rise in the number of active transmitters. Many of which, utilize ever-higher frequencies (e.g. WiFi and 5G NR), at shorter, more focused, ranges. The increased number of monitoring stations must keep pace with the increasing number and capabilities of wireless transmitters

The consequence is the need for a larger number of intelligent monitoring receivers or smart RF sensors in closer proximity to the transmitters for greater resolution and efficiency at identifying and locating signals.

In today’s crowded spectrum, just about every frequency is being shared by some other device. Even if you might not think you have interference, chances are it’s because you haven’t bothered to look. Hunting down sources of interference, such as short duration intermodulation products, can be extremely challenging and nearly impossible in some cases without the right tools and knowledge about such factors as antenna types and signal characteristics.

Radio noise is everywhere, and the problem is only getting worse with the explosion of electronic and wireless-enabled devices. For spectrum managers and anyone charged with tracking down sources of interference, all the noise means that traditional interference hunting tools are no longer adequate.

Electromagnetic Environment Effects (E3) Testing tests the ability of a system to operate in its intended electromagnetic environment. Today’s complex military operational environment is characterized by an increasingly congested electromagnetic spectrum coupled with a reduction of spectrum allocated for exclusive military use. The mix of DoD-developed and Commercial off-the-Shelf (COTS) electronic equipment increases the importance of effectively managing E3 and spectrum usage in the battle space.