INTERFERENCE DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

The interference detection and characterization system of this invention supports modern communication systems which have to contend with a variety of intentional and unintentional interference souces. As an add-on to existing communications equipment, the invention employs novel signal processing techniques to automatically detect the presence of communications channel irregularities in near real-time and alert the attending operator. Information provided to the operator through a user-friendly interface is used to characterize the type of interference and its degree of severity. Once characterized, the information is used by the operator to take corrective actions including the activation of alternative communication plans or, in some instances, mitigation of the interference. Since output from the system of this invention lends itself well to expert system and neural network environments, such systems could be employed to further aid the operator. The unique interference signal measurements provided by the system makes it useful in applications well beyond those for which it was originally intended. Other uses for which the invention has shown great potential include bit error rate estimators, communication channel scanners, and as laboratory test equipment to support receiver development and performance verification.