SRSP-314.5 — Technical Requirements for Fixed Line-of-Sight Radio Systems Operating in the Band 14.5-15.35 GHz

Issue 3
December 2010

Spectrum Management and Telecommunications
Standard Radio System Plan

January 2013 - Envelope B in Table 2 has been corrected by adding an entry for 20 degrees so that it corresponds with Figure 2.

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Intent
2. General
3. Related Documents
4. Overview of the Use of the Band 14.5–15.35 GHz
5. Radio Frequency (RF) Channel Arrangement Description
   • 5.1 RF Channel Arrangements for LC, MC and HC Radio Systems
   • 5.2 RF Channel Arrangements for Temporary Radio Links
6. Transmitter Characteristics
   • 6.1 Transmitter Characteristics for LC, MC and HC Radio Systems
   • 6.2 Transmitter Characteristics for Temporary Radio Links
7. International Coordination
8. Antenna Characteristics
   • 8.1 Antenna Characteristics for LC, MC and HC Radio Systems
   • 8.2 Antenna Characteristics for Temporary Radio Links
9. Maximum Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (e.i.r.p.)
10. Avoidance of the Geostationary Satellite Orbit

Preface

Issue 3 of SRSP-314.5 has been released to reflect changes to Industry Canada's policy on the usage of the band 14.5–15.35 GHz, as described in SP 14.5 GHz. This SRSP replaces SRSP-314.5, Provisional, Issue 2.

The following are the main changes:

1. The band usage section has been revised to reflect the Department's decision to allocate certain parts of the band for exclusive use by the Government of Canada of the aeronautical mobile service.
2. The permitted types of radio systems to be used in the band have been updated to allow low capacity (LC), medium capacity (MC) and high capacity (HC) systems throughout the remaining spectrum.
3. The channel plan section has been revised to reflect the Department's decision to allow the use of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 MHz channels in all remaining sub-bands allocated to fixed radio systems.
4. Numerous other editorial updates and improvements have been made.

Issued under the authority of the Minister of Industry

Marc Dupuis
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

1. Intent

1.1 This Standard Radio System Plan (SRSP) states the minimum technical requirements for the efficient use of the frequency band 14.5–15.35 GHz by line-of-sight radio systems in the fixed service, namely:

• low capacity (LC), medium capacity (MC) and high capacity (HC) radio systems that use digital modulation; and
• temporary one-way radio links that carry video signals for program feed to broadcasting or CATV studios, for vehicular traffic and security surveillance, and for other applications where a temporary radio link is required. Video signals include television and radar video information. Portable television cameras that transmit to mobile radio or tape relay units may operate in the band.

1.2 This SRSP is intended to be employed in the design and specification of radio systems and equipment, as well as in the technical evaluation of applications for new radio facilities or modification to radio systems submitted in accordance with the current issue of Radio Standards Procedure RSP-113, Application Procedures for Planned Radio Stations Above 960 MHz in the Fixed Service.

1.3 This SRSP specifies equipment characteristics related to efficient spectrum usage only, and is not to be regarded as a comprehensive specification for equipment design and/or selection.

2. General

2.1 This standard replaces SRSP-314.5, Provisional, Issue 2. Further revision of this SRSP will be made as required.

2.2 Existing radio systems operating in the paired bands 14.500–14.660/14.975–15.135 GHz and 14.820–14.875/15.295–15.350 GHz that were licensed as standard prior to the issuance of this SRSP may continue to operate as standard. Extension or expansion of these systems will be considered by Industry Canada on a case-by-case basis. New systems deployed in the paired bands 14.500–14.660/14.975–15.135 GHz and 14.820–14.875/15.295–15.350 GHz must conform to the requirements of this standard.

2.3 As described in SP 14.5 GHz, the use of the bands 14.660–14.820 GHz and 15.135–15.295 GHz is designated for government-exclusive aeronautical mobile applications in the mobile service. Accordingly, new standard or non-standard fixed radio system license applications in the bands 14.660–14.820 GHz and 15.135–15.295 GHz will not be considered. Existing point-to-point radio systems operating in the band 14.660–14.820 GHz and 15.135–15.295 GHz are grandfathered until October 1, 2013. Beginning on October 1, 2013, fixed service systems may continue to operate, but shall not claim protection from Government of Canada systems operating in the aeronautical mobile service. Beginning on October 1, 2017, fixed service systems may continue to operate in these bands, but shall not cause harmful interference to Government of Canada systems operating in the aeronautical mobile service.

2.4 Radio systems conforming to these technical requirements will be given priority in licensing over non-standard radio systems operating in this band.

2.5 The arrangements for non-standard systems are outlined in SP GEN, General Information Related to Spectrum Utilization and Radio Systems Policies.

2.6 The Geographical Differences Policy (GDP) guideline applies in this frequency band. More information on the GDP can be found in SP 1-20 GHz.¹

2.7 Even though a radio system complies with the requirements of this SRSP, modifications may be required to the system whenever harmful interference² is caused.

2.8 When potential conflict between radio systems cannot be resolved by the parties concerned, Industry Canada should be advised, and after consultation with the parties concerned, will determine the necessary modifications and schedule of modifications to resolve the conflict.

2.9 Industry Canada may require licensees and/or applicants to use receiver selectivity characteristics that provide rejection of harmful interference.

2.10 The use of a two-frequency plan is required. Where reasonable economic or technical justification is provided (e.g. where siting prevents adequate antenna discrimination), extra frequencies may be used to resolve the problem, subject to the provisions of the GDP as referenced in Section 2.6.

2.11 It should be noted that the fixed terrestrial service shares this band with other services in accordance with the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations 9 kHz to 275 GHz.

¹ SP 1-20 GHz, Revisions to Microwave Spectrum Utilization Policies in the Range of 1–20 GHz, January 1995, contains new spectrum utilization principles, including the Geographical Differences Policy guideline. This information will be incorporated into a revision of SP GEN. (Return to reference 1)

² For the purposes of this SRSP, “harmful interference” means interference that endangers the functioning of a radionavigation service or of other safety services or seriously degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a radiocommunication service operating in accordance with regulations and technical requirements laid down by Industry Canada under the Radiocommunication Act. (Return to reference 2)

3. Related Documents

3.1   The current issues of the following documents are applicable and available on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website at http://www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum.

SP – Spectrum Utilization Policy
RSP – Radio Standards Procedure
TRC – Telecommunications Regulation Circular
CTFA – Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations
CPC – Client Procedures Circular

4. Overview of the Use of the Band 14.5–15.35 GHz

4.1  The band 14.5–15.35 GHz is divided into seven contiguous sub-bands as follows:

4.2  The basic plan of the band 14.5–15.35 GHz is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 – Utilization of Band 14.5–15.35 GHz

5. Radio Frequency (RF) Channel Arrangement Description

5.1 RF Channel Arrangements for LC, MC and HC Radio Systems

5.1.1 RF Channel Arrangements

The channel plans defined in this standard provide for six different RF channel bandwidths. Channel pairs are provided with a common transmit/receive separation of 475 MHz.

The allowable channel bandwidths are:

• less than or equal to 5 MHz
• greater than 5 MHz and less than or equal to 10 MHz
• greater than 10 MHz and less than or equal to 20 MHz
• greater than 20 MHz and less than or equal to 30 MHz
• greater than 30 MHz and less than or equal to 40 MHz
• greater than 40 MHz and less than or equal to 50 MHz

5.1.2 RF Channel Centre Frequencies

1. The centre frequencies of the 43 paired channels which allow RF channel bandwidths of 5 MHz and less are expressed by the following relationships:

   Lower half of the band

   A_n = 14877.5 – 5n

   for n = 1 to 11
    

   A_n = 14717.5 – 5n

   for n = 12 to 43
   Upper half of the band

   A'_n = 15352.5 – 5n

   for n = 1 to 11
    

   A'_n = 15192.5 – 5n

   for n = 12 to 43

   where n is the channel number and A_n and A'_n are the centre frequencies in MHz of the paired channels.

2. The centre frequencies of the 21 paired channels which allow RF channel bandwidths of greater than 5 MHz and less than or equal to 10 MHz are expressed by the following relationships:

   Lower half of the band

   B_n = 14875 – 10n

   for n = 1 to 5
    

   B_n = 14715 – 10n

   for n = 6 to 21
   Upper half of the band

   B'_n = 15350 – 10n

   for n = 1 to 5
    

   B'_n = 15190 – 10n

   for n = 6 to 21

   where n is the channel number and B_n and B'_n are the centre frequencies in MHz of the paired channels.

3. The centre frequencies of the 10 paired channels which allow RF channel bandwidths of greater than 10 MHz and less than or equal to 20 MHz are expressed by the following relationships:

   Lower half of the band

   C_n = 14490 + 20n

   for n = 1 to 8
    

   C_n = 14650 + 20n

   for n = 9 to 10
   Upper half of the band

   C'_n = 14965 + 20n

   for n = 1 to 8
    

   C'_n = 15125 + 20n

   for n = 9 to 10

   where n is the channel number and C_n and C'_n are the centre frequencies in MHz of the paired channels.

4. The centre frequencies of the six paired channels which allow RF channels bandwidths of greater than 20 MHz and less than or equal to 30 MHz are expressed by the following relationships:

   Lower half of the band

   D_n = 14485 + 30n

   for n = 1 to 5
    

   D_n = 14655 + 30n

   for n = 6
   Upper half of the band

   D'_n = 14960 + 30n

   for n = 1 to 5
    

   D'_n = 15130 + 30n

   for n = 6

   where n is the channel number and D_n and D'_n are the centre frequencies in MHz of the paired channels.

5. The centre frequencies of the five paired channels which allow RF channels bandwidths of greater than 30 MHz and less than or equal to 40 MHz are expressed by the following relationships:

   Lower half of the band

   E_n = 14480 + 40n

   for n = 1 to 4
    

   E_n = 14640 + 40n

   for n = 5
   Upper half of the band

   E'_n = 14955 + 40n

   for n = 1 to 4
    

   E'_n = 15115 + 40n

   for n = 5

   where n is the channel number and E_n and E'_n are the centre frequencies in MHz of the paired channels.

6. The centre frequencies of the four paired channels which allow RF channels bandwidths of greater than 40 MHz and less than or equal to 50 MHz are expressed by the following relationships:

   Lower half of the band

   F_n = 14475 + 50n

   for n = 1 to 3
    

   F_n = 14645 + 50n

   for n = 4
   Upper half of the band

   F'_n = 14950 + 50n

   for n = 1 to 3
    

   F'_n = 15120 + 50n

   for n = 4

   where n is the channel number and F_n and F'_n are the centre frequencies in MHz of the paired channels.

5.1.3 Branching or Spur Route Channels

The frequencies assigned to a main route system should be reused on the branching or spur routes where possible. The siting of repeater stations should be planned with this requirement in mind in order that sufficient antenna discrimination be obtained at the branch-off angle.

5.1.4 Closed Loops

Systems must be designed so that any closed loop will consist of an even number of hops.

5.1.5 Assignment of Frequencies

In general, new systems using the 20 MHz, 30 MHz, 40 MHz, or 50 MHz channel plans will be assigned the lowest available frequency pair that can be successfully coordinated. New systems using the 5 MHz or 10 MHz channel plans will be assigned the highest available frequency pair that can be successfully coordinated.

However, due to varying conditions and circumstances across Canada, regional offices may assign frequencies using a procedure different from the one described above, at their own discretion.

5.1.6 Spectral Efficiency

Digital systems submitted for licensing shall have a minimum spectral efficiency of 1.0 bits/s/Hz of the RF channel bandwidth on a single polarization.

5.1.7 Protection Channels

1. One protection channel will normally be permitted for systems with more than one working channel.
2. Quad-path diversity applications will be considered on a hop-by-hop basis to solve special propagation problems.

5.2  RF Channel Arrangements for Temporary Radio Links

5.2.1 Channel choice should be based on the selection available from Table 1.

5.2.2 Temporary radio links may be operated on any of the channels in Table 1, which will be shared by other temporary radio links in any one locality. Licensees of these links must coordinate the use of these channels on an event basis.

Licensees operating on channels E2 to E7 may use an RF channel bandwidth larger than 12.5 MHz, up to a maximum of 16 MHz, based on operational need and subject to successful coordination on an event basis.

Independent licensees may pool their facilities and licensed channels for joint operations.

6. Transmitter Characteristics

6.1  Transmitter Characteristics for LC, MC and HC Radio Systems

6.1.1 The transmitter power delivered to the antenna input per RF channel shall not exceed the following limit for each bandwidth:

6.1.2 The centre frequency of the emission shall be maintained with ± 0.003% of the assigned frequency.

6.1.3 Emission Limits

1. The transmitter emissions in any 1 MHz band, the centre frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50% up to and including 250% of the authorized bandwidth, shall be as specified by the following equation.

   $A=11+0.4\left(P-50\right)+10{\log }_{10}B$

   where

   • A = attenuation (in dB) below the mean output power level
   • P = percent removed from the centre frequency of the assigned RF channel
   • B = authorized bandwidth (in MHz)

   Note:

   1. In no case shall the attenuation be less than 11 dB.
   2. Attenuation greater than 56 dB or to an absolute power of less than -13 dBm/MHz is not necessary.
2. The transmitter emissions in any 4 kHz band, the centre frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250% of the authorized bandwidth shall be attenuated by 43 + 10 log₁₀ (mean output power in watts) or 80 dB, whichever is the lesser attenuation.

6.2 Transmitter Characteristics for Temporary Radio Links

6.2.1 The transmitter power delivered to the antenna input per RF channel shall not exceed 2.0 watts (3.0 dBW).

6.2.2 The centre frequency of the emission shall be maintained within ± 0.005% of the assigned frequency.

6.2.3 Frequency or amplitude modulated emissions may be used. The maximum RF channel bandwidths are shown in Table 1. Note that the bandwidth for channels E1 and E8 is restricted to 12.5 MHz. When used, a bandwidth of 16 MHz for channels E2 to E7 permits up to three sub-carriers to be transmitted along with a video signal in temporary links used for television pickup. However, radio equipment should have adequate filtering such that RF emission and reception bandwidth characteristics allow operation of separate systems on adjacent channels using orthogonal polarization, when the undesired and the desired signal are of the same magnitude at the input of the receive antenna.

6.2.4 Upon special application to the responsible regional office of Industry Canada, a licensee may be permitted to operate a temporary radio link carrying radar video where the channel bandwidth is more than 16 MHz but does not exceed 25 MHz. In such a case, an adjacent pair of channels between E2 and E7 inclusive may be used subject to frequency coordination through the regional office.

7. International Coordination

Canada does not currently have a formal arrangement with the U.S. government for the sharing of the 14.5–15.35 GHz frequency band along the border regions. Licensees will be subject to any future agreements between Canada and the United States regarding use of these systems in the border regions, which may include obtaining departmental approval before allowing certain stations to operate.

8. Antenna Characteristics

8.1  Antenna Characteristics for LC, MC and HC Radio Systems

8.1.1 The co-polarized radiation pattern envelope in the horizontal plane of the antenna must remain within envelope A shown in Figure 2 and Table 2 for both vertical and horizontal polarization.

8.1.2 In moderately or highly congested areas (as defined in the GDP referenced in Section 2.6), the co-polarized radiation pattern envelope in the horizontal plane of the antenna must remain within envelope C shown in Figure 2 and Table 2 for both vertical and horizontal polarization.

8.2  Antenna Characteristics for Temporary Radio Links

Use of antennas which have co-polarized radiation pattern envelopes within envelope B shown in Figure 2 and Table 2 for both vertical and horizontal polarizations is encouraged. Such antennas should also have the capability to change polarization.

9. Maximum Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (e.i.r.p.)

9.1   The e.i.r.p. from the antenna must not in any case exceed +55 dBW per RF channel.

10. Avoidance of the Geostationary Satellite Orbit

10.1  As far as practicable, sites for transmitting terrestrial stations operating in the fixed service and employing a maximum e.i.r.p. value exceeding +45 dBW in the frequency band 14.5–14.8 GHz, should be selected so that the direction of maximum radiation of the antenna will be pointed at least 1.5° away from the geostationary satellite orbit, taking into account the effect of atmospheric refraction.

Figure 2: Minimum Antenna Characteristics for the 14.5–15.35 GHz Frequency Band