HF Noise Measurements Based on Software Defined Radio Dual Receiver and Two Orthogonal Inverted Vee Antennas

Abstract

Increasing the data transfer rate in the High Frequency (HF) range involves enlarging the bandwidth of the channel from the standard value of 3 kHz to values of 6, 12, 24, 48 and even 96 kHz. Real-time evaluation of the noise power in the channel under such conditions is essential. This paper aims to implement an automated system for real-time measurement of noise in the HF range. It is composed of two Software Defined Radio (SDR) synchronized receivers and two orthogonal Inverted Vee antennas. Testing the system demonstrates its ability to distinguish between noise and signals generated as a result of human activity. Preliminary results of measurements performed in an urban location are comparable to other measurements performed and to ITU-R Recommendations P.372 examples.