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4.2 Technical standards and operating parameters
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The discussion paper explored international variances in equipment specifications and operating parameters including; power levels, antenna gains, and maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power (e.i.r.p.).
An explanation of the different power levels mandated in the USA, Europe, UK and Australia was provided, and the following question asked.
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3. What is the appropriate transmitter power limitation to be applied in New Zealand – either:
- a. that adopted in Australia and Europe, being a maximum power of 1 watt; or
- b. that adopted in USA, being a power spectral density of 150 mW/100 MHz coupled with maximum power of 3 watts?
One respondent expressed a preference for the European and Australian power specification, and two respondents expressed a preference for the US power specification.
The difference between the US (3 watts) and the UK/Australian (1 watt) limits is small. Using the US transmitter power standard of 3 watts with a maximum spectral density of 150 mW/100 MHz ensures slightly better equipment performance and allows the introduction of a wider range of equipment, whilst also managing the potential for co-channel or overlapping frequency interference between services.
- Recommendation 3: To adopt the US transmitter power standard of 3 watts with a maximum spectral density of 150mW/100 MHz.
Specification of antenna gain implies a limitation on antenna beamwidth and ensures that the ability for spectrum re-use is maximised. The following question was posed in the discussion paper.
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4. Should a Minimum Antenna Gain of 43 dBi as used in Europe, the US and Australia be applied in New Zealand?
The respondents unanimously supported the adoption of a minimum antenna gain of 43 dBi.
- Recommendation 4: To specify a minimum antenna gain of 43 dBi for licences.
Specification of a maximum radiated power, in conjunction with antenna gain also ensures that spectrum re-use objectives can be maintained. Hence the following question was asked in the discussion paper.
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5. What is the most appropriate maximum radiated power for emissions to be applied in New Zealand – either:
a. +55 dBw e.i.r.p. as used in the US and UK; or
b. +45 dBw e.i.r.p. as used in Europe and Australia?
Two respondents provided comment to the question and both supported the use of the +55 dBw e.i.r.p. figure. It is noted that adopting a higher maximum radiated power allows the introduction of a wider range of equipment. Whilst the higher power may reduce the ability for frequency re-use, this is mitigated through the specification for the antenna gain (and hence 3 dB beamwidth) and power spectral density.
The overall effect of Recommendations 1-5 is to enable the widest range of equipment to be used in New Zealand, without curtailing future spectrum planning options in adjacent spectrum and ensuring maximum utility within the 70-90 GHz band.
To ensure that Recommendations 1-5 are appropriately implemented the equipment standards corresponding to the parameter specifications above should be mandated in a revised Radiocommunications (Radio Standards) Notice 2007. The relevant standards are:
- ETSI TS 102 524 “Fixed Radio Systems; Point-to-Point equipment; Radio equipment and antennas for use in Point-to-Point Millimetre wave applications in the Fixed Services (mmwFS) frequency bands 71 GHz to 76 GHz and 81 GHz to 86 GHz” for Europe; and
- CFR Title 47 Part 101 subpart Q “Service and Technical Rules for the 70/80/90 GHz Bands” for USA.
At the time of writing no equipment specifications had been mandated for equipment in use in the 70-90 GHz band by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
- Recommendation 6: Revise the Radiocommunications (Radio Standards) Notice 2007 to include appropriate reference to ETSI TS102 524, and CFR Title 47 Part 101 subpart Q.
Footnote
2 To achieve the maximum allowable e.i.r.p. of 55 dBw, together with the 3 watts transmitter power, implies that an antenna gain greater than the minimum of 43dBi will be necessary.
