RF Shorts for Jan. 17, 2014

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FCC Modifies 7 GHz BAS Band Tank Level Probing Radar Rules

The FCC released a Report and Order modifying Part 15 of its rules for level probing radars (LDRs) operating on an unlicensed basis in the 5925-7250 MHz, 24.05-29.00 GHz, and 75-85 GHz bands. The modifications revise the measurement procedures to provide more accurate and repeatable measurement protocols for these devices. These devices can be used outdoors to measure levels of such things as water basins and coal piles. They can also be used in tanks or other enclosures, in which case they are commonly referred to as a tank level probing radar (TLPR).

Under the new rules, for certification purposes emissions are measured in the main beam of the LPR antenna while taking into account the significant attenuation that occurs upon reflection of these emissions. Radiated emissions will still be limited to avoid interference to other services, including Broadcast Auxiliary Service links in the 7 GHz band.

For details on how the measurements are made and attenuation calculated, see Report and Order and Order (FCC 14-2).

Comments and RF related news items are welcome. Email me at dlung@transmitter.com.

Doug Lung
Doug Lung
Contributor

Doug Lung is one of America's foremost authorities on broadcast RF technology. As vice president of Broadcast Technology for NBCUniversal Local, H. Douglas Lung leads NBC and Telemundo-owned stations’ RF and transmission affairs, including microwave, radars, satellite uplinks, and FCC technical filings. Beginning his career in 1976 at KSCI in Los Angeles, Lung has nearly 50 years of experience in broadcast television engineering. Beginning in 1985, he led the engineering department for what was to become the Telemundo network and station group, assisting in the design, construction and installation of the company’s broadcast and cable facilities. Other projects include work on the launch of Hawaii’s first UHF TV station, the rollout and testing of the ATSC mobile-handheld standard, and software development related to the incentive auction TV spectrum repack. A longtime columnist for TV Technology, Doug is also a regular contributor to IEEE Broadcast Technology. He is the recipient of the 2023 NAB Television Engineering Award. He also received a Tech Leadership Award from TV Tech publisher Future plc in 2021 and is a member of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society and the Society of Broadcast Engineers.