FCC 2.1 Revised as of October 1, 2014
Goto Year:2013 |
2015
§ 2.1 Terms and definitions.
(a) Where a term or definition appears in this part of the Commission's
Rules, it shall be the definitive term or definition and shall prevail
throughout the Commission's Rules.
(b) The source of each definition is indicated as follows:
CS--Annex to the Constitution of the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU)
CV--Annex to the Convention of the ITU
FCC--Federal Communications Commission
RR--ITU Radio Regulations
(c) The following terms and definitions are issued:
Accepted Interference.1 Interference at a higher level than defined as
permissible interference and which has been agreed upon between two or
more administrations without prejudice to other administrations. (RR)
1The terms permissible interference and accepted interference are used
in the coordination of frequency assignments between administrations.
Active Satellite. A satellite carrying a station intended to transmit
or retransmit radiocommunication signals. (RR)
Active Sensor. A measuring instrument in the earth
exploration-satellite service or in the space research service by means
of which information is obtained by transmission and reception of radio
waves. (RR)
Adaptive System. A radiocommunication system which varies its radio
characteristics according to channel quality. (RR)
Administration. Any governmental department or service responsible for
discharging the obligations undertaken in the Constitution of the
International Telecommunication Union, in the Convention of the
International Telecommunication Union and in the Administrative
Regulations. (CS)
Aeronautical Earth Station. An Earth station in the fixed-satellite
service, or, in some cases, in the aeronautical mobile-satellite
service, located at a specified fixed point on land to provide a feeder
link for the aeronautical mobile-satellite service. (RR)
Aeronautical Fixed Service. A radiocommunication service between
specified fixed points provided primarily for the safety of air
navigation and for the regular, efficient and economical operation of
air transport. (RR)
Aeronautical Fixed Station. A station in the aeronautical fixed
service. (RR)
Aeronautical Mobile Off-Route (OR) Service. An aeronautical mobile
service intended for communications, including those relating to flight
coordination, primarily outside national or international civil air
routes. (RR)
Aeronautical Mobile Route (R) Service. An aeronautical mobile service
reserved for communications relating to safety and regularity of
flight, primarily along national or international civil air routes.
(RR)
Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Off-Route (OR) Service. An aeronautical
mobile-satellite service intended for communications, including those
relating to flight coordination, primarily outside national and
international civil air routes. (RR)
Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Route (R) Service. An aeronautical
mobile-satellite service reserved for communications relating to safety
and regularity of flights, primarily along national or international
civil air routes. (RR)
Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Service. A mobile-satellite service in
which mobile earth stations are located on board aircraft; survival
craft stations and emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations
may also participate in this service. (RR)
Aeronautical Mobile Service. A mobile service between aeronautical
stations and aircraft stations, or between aircraft stations, in which
survival craft stations may participate; emergency position-indicating
radiobeacon stations may also participate in this service on designated
distress and emergency frequencies. (RR)
Aeronautical Radionavigation-Satellite Service. A
radionavigation-satellite service in which earth stations are located
on board aircraft. (RR)
Aeronautical Radionavigation Service. A radio-navigation service
intended for the benefit and for the safe operation of aircraft. (RR)
Aeronautical Station. A land station in the aeronautical mobile
service.
Note: In certain instances, an aeronautical station may be located, for
example, on board ship or on a platform at sea. (RR)
Aircraft Earth Station. A mobile earth station in the aeronautical
mobile-satellite service located on board an aircraft. (RR)
Aircraft Station. A mobile station in the aeronautical mobile service,
other than a survival craft station, located on board an aircraft. (RR)
Allocation (of a frequency band). Entry in the Table of Frequency
Allocations of a given frequency band for the purpose of its use by one
or more terrestrial or space radiocommunication services or the radio
astronomy service under specified conditions. This term shall also be
applied to the frequency band concerned. (RR)
Allotment (of a radio frequency or radio frequency channel). Entry of a
designated frequency channel in an agreed plan, adopted by a competent
conference, for use by one or more administrations for a terrestrial or
space radiocommunication service in one or more identified countries or
geographical area and under specified conditions. (RR)
Altitude of the Apogee or Perigee. The altitude of the apogee or
perigee above a specified reference surface serving to represent the
surface of the Earth. (RR)
Amateur-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service using space
stations on earth satellites for the same purposes as those of the
amateur service. (RR)
Amateur Service. A radiocommunication service for the purpose of
self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried
out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in
radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary
interest. (RR)
Amateur Station. A station in the amateur service. (RR)
Assigned Frequency. The centre of the frequency band assigned to a
station. (RR)
Assigned Frequency Band. The frequency band within which the emission
of a station is authorized; the width of the band equals the necessary
bandwidth plus twice the absolute value of the frequency tolerance.
Where space stations are concerned, the assigned frequency band
includes twice the maximum Doppler shift that may occur in relation to
any point of the Earth's surface. (RR)
Assignment (of a radio frequency or radio frequency channel).
Authorization given by an administration for a radio station to use a
radio frequency or radio frequency channel under specified conditions.
(RR)
Base Earth Station. An earth station in the fixed-satellite service or,
in some cases, in the land mobile-satellite service, located at a
specified fixed point or within a specified area on land to provide a
feeder link for the land mobile-satellite service. (RR)
Base Station. A land station in the land mobile service. (RR)
Broadcasting-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service in which
signals transmitted or retransmitted by space stations are intended for
direct reception by the general public.
Note: In the broadcasting-satellite service, the term direct reception
shall encompass both individual reception and community reception. (RR)
Broadcasting Service. A radiocommunication service in which the
transmissions are intended for direct reception by the general public.
This service may include sound transmissions, television transmissions
or other types of transmission. (CS)
Broadcasting Station. A station in the broadcasting service. (RR)
Carrier Power (of a radio transmitter). The average power supplied to
the antenna transmission line by a transmitter during one radio
frequency cycle taken under the condition of no modulation. (RR)
Characteristic Frequency. A frequency which can be easily identified
and measured in a given emission.
Note: A carrier frequency may, for example, be designated as the
characteristic frequency. (RR)
Class of Emission. The set of characteristics of an emission,
designated by standard symbols, e.g., type of modulation, modulating
signal, type of information to be transmitted, and also if appropriate,
any additional signal characteristics. (RR)
Coast Earth Station. An earth station in the fixed-satellite service
or, in some cases, in the maritime mobile-satellite service, located at
a specified fixed point on land to provide a feeder link for the
maritime mobile-satellite service. (RR)
Coast Station. A land station in the maritime mobile service. (RR)
Community Reception (in the broadcasting-satellite service). The
reception of emissions from a space station in the
broadcasting-satellite service by receiving equipment, which in some
cases may be complex and have antennae larger than those for individual
reception, and intended for use: (1) by a group of the general public
at one location; or (2) through a distribution system covering a
limited area. (RR)
Conterminous United States. The contiguous 48 States and the District
of Columbia. (FCC)
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Time scale, based on the second (SI),
as defined in Recommendation ITU-R TF.460-6.
Note: For most practical purposes associated with the ITU Radio
Regulations, UTC is equivalent to mean solar time at the prime meridian
(0DEG longitude), formerly expressed in GMT. (RR)
Coordination Area. When determining the need for coordination, the area
surrounding an earth station sharing the same frequency band with
terrestrial stations, or surrounding a transmitting earth station
sharing the same bidirectionally allocated frequency band with
receiving earth stations, beyond which the level of permissible
interference will not be exceeded and coordination is therefore not
required. (RR)
Coordination Contour. The line enclosing the coordination area. (RR)
Coordination Distance. When determining the need for coordination, the
distance on a given azimuth from an earth station sharing the same
frequency band with terrestrial stations, or from a transmitting earth
station sharing the same bidirectionally allocated frequency band with
receiving earth stations, beyond which the level of permissible
interference will not be exceeded and coordination is therefore not
required. (RR)
Deep Space. Space at distance from the Earth equal to, or greater than,
2 *106 kilometers. (RR)
Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) Station. A differential
RNSS station for specific augmentation of GPS.
Differential Radionavigation Satellite Service (Differential RNSS)
Station. A station used for the transmission of differential correction
data and related information (such as ionospheric data and RNSS
satellite integrity information) as an augmentation to an RNSS system
for the purpose of improved navigation accuracy.
Direct Sequence Systems. A spread spectrum system in which the carrier
has been modulated by a high speed spreading code and an information
data stream. The high speed code sequence dominates the "modulating
function" and is the direct cause of the wide spreading of the
transmitted signal.
Duplex Operation. Operating method in which transmission is possible
simultaneously in both directions of a telecommunication channel.3 (RR)
3In general, duplex operation and semi-duplex operation require two
frequencies in radiocommunication; simplex operation may use either one
or two.
Earth Exploration-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service
between earth stations and one or more space stations, which may
include links between space stations in which:
(1) Information relating to the characteristics of the Earth and its
natural phenomena is obtained from active sensors or passive sensors on
earth satellites;
(2) Similar information is collected from air-borne or earth-based
platforms;
(3) Such information may be distributed to earth stations within the
system concerned;
(4) Platform interrogation may be included.
Note: This service may also include feeder links necessary for its
operation. (RR)
Earth Station. A station located either on the earth's surface or
within the major portion of earth's atmosphere and intended for
communication:
(1) With one or more space stations; or
(2) With one or more stations of the same kind by means of one or more
reflecting satellites or other objects in space. (RR)
Effective Radiated Power (e.r.p) (in a given direction). The product of
the power supplied to the antenna and its gain relative to a half-wave
dipole in a given direction. (RR)
Emergency Position-Indicating Radiobeacon Station. A station in the
mobile service the emissions of which are intended to facilitate search
and rescue operations. (RR)
Emission. Radiation produced, or the production of radiation, by a
radio transmitting station.
Note: For example, the energy radiated by the local oscillator of a
radio receiver would not be an emission but a radiation. (RR)
End Product. A completed electronic device that has received all
requisite FCC approvals and is suitable for marketing.
Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (e.i.r.p.). The product of the
power suppled to the antenna and the antenna gain in a given direction
relative to an isotropic antenna. (RR)
Equivalent Monopole Radiated Power (e.m.r.p.) (in a given direction).
The product of the power supplied to the antenna and its gain relative
to a short vertical antenna in a given direction. (RR)
Equivalent Satellite Link Noise Temperature. The noise temperature
referred to the output of the receiving antenna of the earth station
corresponding to the radio-frequency noise power which produces the
total observed noise at the output of the satellite link excluding the
noise due to interference coming from satellite links using other
satellites and from terrestrial systems. (RR)
Evaluation Kit. An assembly of components, subassemblies, or circuitry,
including software, created by or for a component maker, system
integrator, or product developer for the sole purpose of facilitating:
(i) End product developer evaluation of all or some of such components,
subassemblies, or circuitry, or (ii) the development of software to be
used in an end product.
Experimental Station. A station utilizing radio waves in experiments
with a view to the development of science or technique.
Note: This definition does not include amateur stations. (RR)
Facsimile. A form of telegraphy for the transmission of fixed images,
with or without half-tones, with a view to their reproduction in a
permanent form. (RR)
Feeder Link. A radio link from an earth station at a given location to
a space station, or vice versa, conveying information for a space
radiocommunication service other than for the fixed-satellite service.
The given location may be at a specified fixed point, or at any fixed
point within specified areas. (RR)
Fixed-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service between earth
stations at given positions, when one or more satellites are used; the
given position may be a specified fixed point or any fixed point within
specified areas; in some cases this service includes
satellite-to-satellite links, which may also be operated in the
inter-satellite service; the fixed-satellite service may also include
feeder links for other space radiocommunication services. (RR)
Fixed Service. A radiocommunication service between specified fixed
points. (RR)
Fixed Station. A station in the fixed service. (RR)
Frequency Assignment Subcommittee (FAS). A subcommittee of the
Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) within NTIA that
develops and executes procedures for the assignment and coordination of
Federal radio frequencies. (FCC)
Frequency Hopping Systems. A spread spectrum system in which the
carrier is modulated with the coded information in a conventional
manner causing a conventional spreading of the RF energy about the
frequency carrier. The frequency of the carrier is not fixed but
changes at fixed intervals under the direction of a coded sequence. The
wide RF bandwidth needed by such a system is not required by spreading
of the RF energy about the carrier but rather to accommodate the range
of frequencies to which the carrier frequency can hop. The test of a
frequency hopping system is that the near term distribution of hops
appears random, the long term distribution appears evenly distributed
over the hop set, and sequential hops are randomly distributed in both
direction and magnitude of change in the hop set.
Frequency-Shift Telegraphy. Telegraphy by frequency modulation in which
the telegraph signal shifts the frequency of the carrier between
predetermined values. (RR)
Frequency Tolerance. The maximum permissible departure by the centre
frequency of the frequency band occupied by an emission from the
assigned frequency or, by the characteristic frequency of an emission
from the reference frequency.
Note: The frequency tolerance is expressed in parts in 106 or in hertz.
(RR)
Full Carrier Single-Sideband Emission. A single-sideband emission
without suppression of the carrier. (RR)
Gain of an Antenna. The ratio, usually expressed in decibels, of the
power required at the input of a loss free reference antenna to the
power supplied to the input of the given antenna to produce, in a given
direction, the same field strength or the same power flux-density at
the same distance. When not specified otherwise, the gain refers to the
direction of maximum radiation. The gain may be considered for a
specified polarization.
Note: Depending on the choice of the reference antenna a distinction is
made between:
(1) Absolute or isotropic gain (Gi), when the reference antenna is an
isotropic antenna isolated in space;
(2) Gain relative to a half-wave dipole (Gd), when the reference
antenna is a half-wave dipole isolated in space whose equatorial plane
contains the given direction;
(3) Gain relative to a short vertical antenna (Gv), when the reference
antenna is a linear conductor, much shorter than one quarter of the
wavelength, normal to the surface of a perfectly conducting plane which
contains the given direction. (RR)
General Purpose Mobile Service. A mobile service that includes all
mobile communications uses including those within the Aeronautical
Mobile, Land Mobile, or the Maritime Mobile Services.
Geostationary Satellite. A geosynchronous satellite whose circular and
direct orbit lies in the plane of the Earth's equator and which thus
remains fixed relative to the Earth; by extension, a geosynchronous
satellite which remains approximately fixed relative to the Earth. (RR)
Geostationary Satellite Orbit. The orbit in which a satellite must be
placed to be a geostationary satellite. (RR)
Geosynchronous Satellite. An Earth satellite whose period of revolution
is equal to the period of rotation of the Earth about its axis. (RR)
Government Master File (GMF). NTIA's database of Federal assignments.
It also includes non-Federal authorizations coordinated with NTIA for
the bands allocated for shared Federal and non-Federal use. (FCC)
Harmful Interference. Interference which 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 [the ITU] Radio Regulations. (CS)
High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). A station located on an object
at an altitude of 20 to 50 km and at a specified, nominal, fixed point
relative to the Earth. (RR)
Hybrid Spread Spectrum Systems. Hybrid spread spectrum systems are
those which use combinations of two or more types of direct sequence,
frequency hopping, time hopping and pulsed FM modulation in order to
achieve their wide occupied bandwidths.
Inclination of an Orbit (of an earth satellite). The angle determined
by the plane containing the orbit and the plane of the Earth's equator
measured in degrees between 0DEG and 180DEG and in counter-clockwise
direction from the Earth's equatorial plane at the ascending node of
the orbit. (RR)
Individual Reception (in the broadcasting-satellite service). The
reception of emissions from a space station in the
broadcasting-satellite service by simple domestic installations and in
particular those possessing small antennae. (RR)
Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) (of radio frequency energy)
Applications. Operation of equipment or appliances designed to generate
and use locally radio-frequency energy for industrial, scientific,
medical, domestic or similar purposes, excluding applications in the
field of telecommunications. (RR)
Instrument Landing System (ILS). A radionavigation system which
provides aircraft with horizontal and vertical guidance just before and
during landing and, at certain fixed points, indicates the distance to
the reference point of landing. (RR)
Instrument Landing System Glide Path. A system of vertical guidance
embodied in the instrument landing system which indicates the vertical
deviation of the aircraft from its optimum path of descent. (RR)
Instrument Landing System Localizer. A system of horizontal guidance
embodied in the instrument landing system which indicates the
horizontal deviation of the aircraft from its optimum path of descent
along the axis of the runway. (RR)
Insular area. A jurisdiction that is neither a part of one of the
several States nor a Federal district. The U.S. insular areas are
listed in 47 CFR 2.105(a) at notes 2 and 3. (FCC)
Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). A committee of the
Federal departments, agencies, and administrations that advises NTIA in
assigning frequencies to Federal radio stations and in developing and
executing policies, programs, procedures, and technical criteria
pertaining to the allocation, management, and use of the spectrum. The
IRAC consists of a main committee, subcommittees, and several ad hoc
groups that consider various aspects of spectrum management policy. The
FCC serves as a member of the Frequency Assignment Subcommittee and as
Liaison Representative on the main committee, all other subcommittees
and ad hoc groups. (FCC)
Interference. The effect of unwanted energy due to one or a combination
of emissions, radiations, or inductions upon reception in a
radiocommunication system, manifested by any performance degradation,
misinterpretation, or loss of information which could be extracted in
the absence of such unwanted energy. (RR)
International Telecommunication Union (ITU). An international
organization within the United Nations System where governments and the
private sector coordinate global telecom networks and services. The ITU
is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and its internet address is
www.itu.int. (FCC)
Inter-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service providing links
between artificial satellites. (RR)
Ionospheric Scatter. The propagation of radio waves by scattering as a
result of irregularities or discontinuities in the ionization of the
ionosphere. (RR)
Land Earth Station. An earth station in the fixed-satellite service or,
in some cases, in the mobile-satellite service, located at a specified
fixed point or within a specified area on land to provide a feeder link
for the mobile-satellite service. (RR)
Land Mobile Earth Station. A mobile earth station in the land
mobile-satellite service capable of surface movement within the
geographical limits of a country or continent. (RR)
Land Mobile-Satellite Service. A mobile-satellite service in which
mobile earth stations are located on land. (RR)
Land Mobile Service. A mobile service between base stations and land
mobile stations, or between land mobile stations. (RR)
Land Mobile Station. A mobile station in the land mobile service
capable of surface movement within the geographical limits of a country
or continent.
Land Station. A station in the mobile service not intended to be used
while in motion. (RR)
Left-Hand (or Anti-Clockwise) Polarized Wave. An elliptically or
circularly-polarized wave, in fixed plane, normal to the direction of
propagation, whilst looking in the direction of propagation, rotates
with time in a left hand or anti-clockwise direction. (RR)
Line A. Begins at Aberdeen, Washington running by great circle arc to
the intersection of 48DEG N., 120DEG W., thence along parallel 48DEG
N., to the intersection of 95DEG W., thence by great circle arc through
the southernmost point of Duluth, Minn., thence by great circle arc to
45DEG N., 85DEG W., thence southward along meridian 85DEG W., to its
intersection with parallel 41DEG N., thence along parallel 41DEG N., to
its intersection with meridian 82DEG W., thence by great circle arc
through the southernmost point of Bangor, Maine, thence by great circle
arc through the southernmost point of Searsport, Maine, at which point
it terminates. (FCC)
Line B. Begins at Tofino, B.C., running by great circle arc to the
intersection of 50DEG N., 125DEG W., thence along parallel 50DEG N., to
the intersection of 90DEG W., thence by great circle arc to the
intersection of 45DEG N., 79DEG30' W., thence by great circle arc
through the northernmost point of Drummondville, Quebec (Lat. 45DEG52'
N., Long 72DEG30' W.), thence by great circle arc to 48DEG30' N., 70DEG
W., thence by great circle arc through the northernmost point of
Compbellton, N.B., thence by great circle are through the northernmost
point of Liverpool, N.S., at which point it terminates. (FCC)
Line C. Begins at the intersection of 70DEG N., 144DEG W., thence by
great circle arc to the intersection of 60DEG N., 143DEG W., thence by
great circle arc so as to include all of the Alaskan Panhandle. (FCC)
Line D. Begins at the intersection of 70DEG N., 138DEG W., thence by
great circle arc to the intersection of 61DEG20' N., 139DEG W. (Burwash
Landing), thence by great circle arc to the intersection of 60DEG45'
N., 135DEG W., thence by great circle arc to the intersection of 56DEG
N., 128DEG W., thence south along 128DEG meridian to Lat. 55DEG N.,
thence by great circle arc to the intersection of 54DEG N., 130DEG W.,
thence by great circle arc to Port Clements, thence to the Pacific
Ocean where it ends. (FCC)
Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service. A mobile-satellite service in which
mobile earth stations are located on board ships; survival craft
stations and emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations may
also participate in this service. (RR)
Maritime Mobile Service. A mobile service between coast stations and
ship stations, or between ship stations, or between associated on-board
communication stations; survival craft stations and emergency
position-indicating radiobeacon stations may also participate in this
service. (RR)
Maritime Radionavigation-Satellite Service. A radionavigation-satellite
service in which earth stations are located on board ships. (RR)
Maritime Radionavigation Service. A radionavigation service intended
for the benefit and for the safe operation of ships. (RR)
Marker Beacon. A transmitter in the aeronautical radionavigation
service which radiates vertically a distinctive pattern for providing
position information to aircraft. (RR)
Mean Power (of a radio transmitter). The average power supplied to the
antenna transmission line by a transmitter during an interval of time
sufficiently long compared with the lowest frequency encountered in the
modulation taken under normal operating conditions. (RR)
Meteorological Aids Service. A radiocommunication service used for
meteorological, including hydrological, observation and exploration.
(RR)
Meteorological-Satellite Service. An earth exploration-satellite
service for meteorological purposes. (RR)
Mobile Earth Station. An earth station in the mobile-satellite service
intended to be used while in motion or during halts at unspecified
points. (RR)
Mobile-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service:
(1) Between mobile earth stations and one or more space stations, or
between space stations used by this service; or
(2) Between mobile earth stations by means of one or more space
stations.
Note: This service may also include feeder links necessary for its
operation. (RR)
Mobile Service. A radiocommunication service between mobile and land
stations, or between mobile stations. (CV)
Mobile Station. A station in the mobile service intended to be used
while in motion or during halts at unspecified points. (RR)
Multi-Satellite Link. A radio link between a transmitting earth station
and a receiving earth station through two or more satellites, without
any intermediate earth station.
Note: A multisatellite link comprises one up-link, one or more
satellite-to-satellite links and one down-link. (RR)
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). An
agency of the United States Department of Commerce that serves as the
President's principal advisor on telecommunications and information
policy issues. NTIA manages Federal use of the radio spectrum and
coordinates Federal use with the FCC. NTIA sets forth regulations for
Federal use of the radio spectrum within its Manual of Regulations &
Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management (NTIA Manual). (FCC)
Necessary Bandwidth. For a given class of emission, the width of the
frequency band which is just sufficient to ensure the transmission of
information at the rate and with the quality required under specified
conditions. (RR)
Non-Voice, Non-Geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service. A
mobile-satellite service reserved for use by non-geostationary
satellites in the provision of non-voice communications which may
include satellite links between land earth stations at fixed locations.
Occupied Bandwidth. The width of a frequency band such that, below the
lower and above the upper frequency limits, the mean powers emitted are
each equal to a specified percentage b/2 of the total mean power of a
given emission.
Note: Unless otherwise specified in an ITU-R Recommendation for the
appropriate class of emission, the value of b/2 should be taken as
0.5%. (RR).
On-Board Communication Station. A low-powered mobile station in the
maritime mobile service intended for use for internal communications on
board a ship, or between a ship and its lifeboats and life-rafts during
lifeboat drills or operations, or for communication within a group of
vessels being towed or pushed, as well as for line handling and mooring
instructions. (RR)
Orbit. The path, relative to a specified frame of reference, described
by the centre of mass of a satellite or other object in space subjected
primarily to natural forces, mainly the force of gravity. (RR)
Out-of-band domain (of an emission). The frequency range, immediately
outside the necessary bandwidth but excluding the spurious domain, in
which out-of-band emissions generally predominate. Out-of-band
emissions, defined based on their source, occur in the out-of-band
domain and, to a lesser extent, in the spurious domain. Spurious
emissions likewise may occur in the out-of-band domain as well as in
the spurious domain. (RR)
Out-of-band Emission. Emission on a frequency or frequencies
immediately outside the necessary bandwidth which results from the
modulation process, but excluding spurious emissions. (RR)
Passive Sensor. A measuring instrument in the earth
exploration-satellite service or in the space research service by means
of which information is obtained by reception of radio waves of natural
origin. (RR)
Peak Envelope Power (of a radio transmitter). The average power
supplied to the antenna transmission line by a transmitter during one
radio frequency cycle at the crest of the modulation envelope taken
under normal operating conditions. (RR)
Period (of a satellite). The time elapsing between two consecutive
passages of a satellite through a characteristic point on its orbit.
(RR)
Permissible Interference.3 Observed or predicted interference which
complies with quantitative interference and sharing criteria contained
in these [ITU Radio] Regulations or in ITU-R Recommendations or in
special agreements as provided for in these Regulations. (RR)
3See footnote under Accepted Interference.
Port Operations Service. A maritime mobile service in or near a port,
between coast stations and ship stations, or between ship stations, in
which messages are restricted to those relating to the operational
handling, the movement and the safty of ships and, in emergency, to the
safety of persons.
Note: Messages which are of a public correspondence nature shall be
excluded from this service. (RR)
Port Station. A coast station in the port operations service. (RR)
Power. Whenever the power of a radio transmitter, etc. is referred to
it shall be expressed in one of the following forms, according to the
class of emission, using the arbitrary symbols indicated:
(1) Peak envelope power (PX or pX);
(2) Mean power (PY or pY);
(3) Carrier power (PZ or pZ).
Note 1: For different classes of emission, the relationships between
peak envelope power, mean power and carrier power, under the conditions
of normal operation and of no modulation, are contained in ITU-R
Recommendations which may be used as a guide.
Note 2: For use in formulae, the symbol p denotes power expressed in
watts and the symbol P denotes power expressed in decibels relative to
a reference level. (RR)
Primary Radar. A radiodetermination system based on the comparison of
reference signals with radio signals reflected from the position to be
determined. (RR)
Protection Ratio. The minimum value of the wanted-to-unwanted signal
ratio, usually expressed in decibels, at the receiver input determined
under specified conditions such that a specified reception quality of
the wanted signal is achieved at the receiver output. (RR)
Public Correspondence. Any telecommunication which the offices and
stations must, by reason of their being at the disposal of the public,
accept for transmission. (CS)
Pulsed FM Systems. A pulsed FM system is a spread spectrum system in
which a RF carrier is modulated with a fixed period and fixed duty
cycle sequence. At the beginning of each transmitted pulse, the carrier
frequency is frequency modulated causing an additional spreading of the
carrier. The pattern of the frequency modulation will depend upon the
spreading function which is chosen. In some systems the spreading
function is a linear FM chirp sweep, sweeping either up or down in
frequency.
Radar. A radiodetermination system based on the comparison of reference
signals with radio signals reflected, or retrainsmitted, from the
position to be determined. (RR)
Radar Beacon (RACON). A transmitter-receiver associated with a fixed
navigational mark which, when triggered by a radar, automatically
returns a distinctive signal which can appear on the display of the
triggering radar, providing range, bearing and identification
information. (RR)
Radiation. The outward flow of energy from any source in the form of
radio waves. (RR)
Radio. A general term applied to the use of radio waves. (RR)
Radio Altimeter. Radionavigation equipment, on board an aircraft or
spacecraft or the spacecraft above the Earth's surface or another
surface. (RR)
Radio Astronomy. Astronomy based on the reception of radio waves of
cosmic origin. (RR)
Radio Astronomy Service. A service involving the use of radio
astronomy. (RR)
Radio Astronomy Station. A station in the radio astronomy service. (RR)
Radiobeacon Station. A station in the radionavigation service the
emissions of which are intended to enable a mobile station to determine
its bearing or direction in relation to radiobeacon station. (RR)
Radiocommunication. Telecommunication by means of radio waves. (CS)
(CV)
Radiocommunication Service. A service as defined in this Section
involving the transmission, emission and/or reception of radio waves
for specific telecommunication purposes.
Note: In these [international] Radio Regulations, unless otherwise
stated, any radiocommunication service relates to terrestrial
radiocommunication. (RR)
Radiodetermination. The determination of the position, velocity and/or
other characteristics of an object, or the obtaining of information
relating to these parameters, by means of the propagation properties of
radio waves. (RR)
Radiodetermination-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service for
the purpose of radiodetermination involving the use or one of more
space stations. This service may also include feeder links necessary
for its own operation. (RR)
Radiodetermination Service. A radiocommunication service for the
purpose of radiodetermination. (RR)
Radiodetermination Station. A station in the radiodetermination
serviice. (RR)
Radio Direction-Finding. Radiodetermination using the reception of
radio waves for the purpose of determining the direction of a station
or object. (RR)
Radio Direction-Finding Station. A radiodetermination station using
radio direction-finding. (RR)
Radiolocation. Radiodetermination used for purposes other than those of
radionavigation. (RR)
Radiolocation Land Station. A station in the radiolocation service not
intended to be used while in motion. (RR)
Radiolocation Mobile Station. A station in the radiolocation service
intended to be used while in motion or during halts at unspecified
points. (RR)
Radiolocation Service. A radiodetermination service for the purpose of
radiolocation. (RR)
Radionavigation. Radiodetermination used for the purposes of
navigation, including obstruction warning.
Radionavigation Land Station. A station in the radionavigation service
not intended to be used while in motion. (RR)
Radionavigation Mobile Station. A station in the radionavigation
service intended to be used while in motion or during halts at
unspecified points. (RR)
Radionavigation-Satellite Service. A radiodetermination-satellite
service used for the purpose of radionavigation. This service may also
include feeder links necessary for its operation. (RR)
Radionavigation Service. A radiod-etermination service for the purpose
of radionavigation. (RR)
Radiosonde. An automatic radio transmitter in the meteorological aids
service usually carried on an aircraft, free ballon, kite or parachute,
and which transmits meteorological data. (RR)
Radiotelegram. A telegram, originating in or intended for a mobile
station or a mobile earth station transmitted on all or part of its
route over the radiocommunication channels of the mobile service or of
the mobile-satellite service. (RR)
Radiotelemetry. Telemetry by means of radio waves. (RR)
Radiotelephone Call. A telephone call, originating in or intended for a
mobile station or a mobile earth station, transmitted on all or part of
its route over the radiocommunication channels of the mobile service or
of the mobile-satellite service. (RR)
Radiotelex Call. A telex call, originating in or intended for a mobile
station or a mobile earth station, transmitted on all or part of its
route over the radiocommunication channels of the mobile service or the
mobile-satellite service. (RR)
Radio Waves or Hertzian Waves. Electromagnetic waves of frequencies
arbitrarily lower than 3,000 GHz, propagated in space without
aritificial guide. (RR)
Reduced Carrier Single-Sideband Emission. A single-sideband emission in
which the degree of carrier suppession enables the carrier to be
reconstrituted and to be used for demodulation. (RR)
Reference Frequency. A frequency having a fixed and specified position
with respect to the assigned frequency. The displacement of this
frequency with respect to the assigned frequency has the same absolute
value and sign that the displacement of the characteristic frequency
has with respect to the centre of the frequency band occupied by the
emission. (RR)
Reflecting Satellite. A satellite intended to reflect
radiocommunication signals. (RR)
Right-Hand (or Clockwise) Polarized Wave. An Elliptically or
circularly-polarized wave, in which the electric field vector, observed
in any fixed plane, normal to the direction of propagation, whilst
looking in the direction of propagation, rotates with time in a
right-hand or clockwise direction. (RR)
Safety Service. Any radiocommunication service used permanently or
temporarily for the safeguarding of human life and property. (RR)
Satellite. A body which revolves around another body of preponderant
mass and which has a motion primarily and permanently determined by the
force of attraction of that other body. (RR)
Satellite Link. A radio link between a transmitting earth station and a
receiving earth station through one satellite. A satellite link
comprises one up-link and one down-link. (RR)
Satellite Network. A satellite system or a part of a satellite system,
consisting of only one satellite and the cooperating earth stations.
(RR)
Satellite System. A space system using one or more artificial earth
satellites. (RR)
Secondary Radar. A radiodetermination system based on the comparison of
reference signals with radio signals retransmitted from the position to
be determined. (RR)
Semi-Duplex Operation.4 A method which is simplex operation on one end
of the circuit and duplex operation at the other. (RR)
Simplex Operation.4 Operating method in which transmission is made
possible alternatively in each direction of a telecommunication
channel, for example, by means of manual control.
4See footnote under Duplex Operation.
Ship Earth Station. A mobile earth station in the maritime
mobile-satellite service located on board ship. (RR)
Ship Movement Service. A safety service in the maritime mobile service
other than a port operations service, between coast stations and ship
stations, or between ship stations, in which messages are restricted to
those relating to the movement of ships. Messages which are of a public
correspondence nature shall be excluded from this service. (RR)
Ship's Emergency Transmitter. A ship's transmitter to be used
exclusively on a distress frequency for distress, urgency or safety
purposes. (RR)
Ship Station. A mobile station in the maritime mobile service located
on board a vessel which is not permanently moored, other than a
survival craft station. (RR)
Simplex Operation. Operating method in which transmission is made
possible alternatively in each direction of a telecommunication
channel, for example, by means of manual control.5 (RR)
5(See footnote under Duplex Operations.)
Single-Sideband Emission. An amplitude modulated emission with one
sideband only. (RR)
Software defined radio. A radio that includes a transmitter in which
the operating parameters of frequency range, modulation type or maximum
output power (either radiated or conducted), or the circumstances under
which the transmitter operates in accordance with Commission rules, can
be altered by making a change in software without making any changes to
hardware components that affect the radio frequency emissions. In
accordance with § 2.944 of this part, only radios in which the software
is designed or expected to be modified by a party other than the
manufacturer and would affect the above-listed operating parameters or
circumstances under which the radio transmits must be certified as
software defined radios.
Spacecraft. A man-made vehicle which is intended to go beyond the major
portion of the Earth's atmosphere. (RR)
Space Operation Service. A radiocommunication service concerned
exclusively with the operation of spacecraft, in particular space
tracking, space telemetry, and space telecommand.
Note: These functions will normally be provided within the service in
which the space station is operating. (RR)
Space Radiocommunication. Any radiocommunication involving the use of
one or more space stations or the use of one or more reflecting
satellites or other objects in space. (RR)
Space Research Service. A radiocommunication service in which
spacecraft or other objects in space are used for scientific or
technological research purposes. (RR)
Space Station. A station located on an object which is beyond, is
intended to go beyond, or has been beyond, the major portion of the
Earth's atmosphere. (RR)
Space System. Any group of cooperating Earth stations and/or space
stations employing space radiocommunication for specific purposes. (RR)
Space Telecommand. The use of radiocommunication for the transmission
of signals to a space station to initiate, modify or terminate
functions of equipment on a space object, incuding the space station.
(RR)
Space Telemetry. The use of telemetry for transmission for a space
station of results of measurements made in a spacecraft, including
those relating to the functioning of the spacecraft. (RR)
Space Tracking. Determination of the orbit, velocity or instanteneous
position of an object in space by means of radiodetermination,
excluding primary radar, for the purpose of following the movement of
the object. (RR)
Special Service. A radiocommunication service, not otherwise defined in
this Section, carried on exclusively for specific needs of general
utility, and not open to public correspondence. (RR)
Spread Spectrum Systems. A spread spectrum system is an information
bearing communications system in which: (1) Information is conveyed by
modulation of a carrier by some conventional means, (2) the bandwidth
is deliberately widened by means of a spreading function over that
which would be needed to transmit the information alone. (In some
spread spectrum systems, a portion of the information being conveyed by
the system may be contained in the spreading function.)
Spurious domain (of an emission): The frequency range beyond the
out-of-band domain in which spurious emissions generally predominate.
(RR)
Spurious Emission. Emission on a frequency or frequencies which are
outside the necessary bandwidth and the level of which may be reduced
without affecting the corresponding transmission of information.
Spurious emissions include harmonic emissions, parasitic emissions,
intermodulation products and frequency conversion products, but exclude
out-of-band emissions. (RR)
Standard Frequency and Time Signal-Satellite Service. A
radiocommunication service using space stations on earth satellites for
the same purposes as those of the standard frequency and time signal
service.
Note: This service may also include feeder links necessary for its
operation. (RR)
Standard Frequency and Time Signal Service. A radiocommunication
service for scientific, technical and other purposes, providing the
transmission of specified frequencies, time signals, or both, of stated
high precision, intended for general reception. (RR)
Standard Frequency and Time Signal Station. A station in the standard
frequency and time signal service. (RR)
Station. One or more transmitters or receivers or a combination of
transmitters and receivers, including the accessory equipment,
necessary at one location for carrying on a radiocommunication service,
or the radio astronomy service.
Note: Each station shall be classified by the service in which it
operates permanently or temporarily. (RR)
Suppressed Carrier Single-Sideband Emission. A single-sideband emission
in which the carrier is virtually suppressed and not intended to be
used for demodulation. (RR)
Survival Craft Station. A mobile station in the maritime mobile service
or the aeronautical mobile service intended solely for survival
purposes and located on any lifeboat, life-raft or other survival
equipment. (RR)
Telecommand. The use of telecommunication for the transmission of
signals to initiate, modify or terminate functions of equipment at a
distance. (RR)
Telecommunication. Any transmission, emission or reception of signs,
signals, writings, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature by
wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems. (CS)
Telegram. Written matter intended to be transmitted by telegraphy for
delivery to the addressee. This term also includes radiotelegrams
unless otherwise specified. (CS)
Note: In this definition the term telegraphy has the same general
meaning as defined in the Convention.
Telegraphy.5 A form of telecommunication in which the transmitted
information is intended to be recorded on arrival as a graphic
document; the transmitted information may sometimes be presented in an
alternative form or may be stored for subsequent use. (CS)
5A graphic document records information in a permanent form and is
capable of being filed and consulted; it may take the form of written
or printed matter or of a fixed image.
Telemetry. The use of telecommunication for automatically indicating or
recording measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument.
(RR)
Telephony. A form of telecommunication primarily intended for the
exchange of information in the form of speech. (CS)
Television. A form of telecommunication for the transmission of
transient images of fixed or moving objects. (RR)
Terrestrial Radiocommunication. Any radiocommunication other than space
radiocommunication or radio astronomy. (RR)
Terrestrial Station. A station effecting terrestrial
radiocommunication.
Note: In these [international Radio] Regulations, unless otherwise
stated, any station is a terrestrial station. (RR)
Time Hopping Systems. A time hopping system is a spread spectrum system
in which the period and duty cycle of a pulsed RF carrier are varied in
a pseudorandom manner under the control of a coded sequence. Time
hopping is often used effectively with frequency hopping to form a
hybrid time-division, multiple-access (TDMA) spread spectrum system.
Transponder. A transmitter-receiver facility the function of which is
to transmit signals automatically when the proper interrogation is
received. (FCC)
Tropospheric Scatter. The propagation of radio waves by scattering as a
result of irregularities or discontinuities in the physical properties
of the troposphere. (RR)
Unwanted Emissions. Consist of spurious emissions and out-of-band
emissions. (RR)
[ 49 FR 2368 , Jan. 19, 1984, as amended at 50 FR 25239 , June 18, 1985;
51 FR 37399 , Oct. 22, 1986; 52 FR 7417 , Mar. 11, 1987; 54 FR 49980 ,
Dec. 4, 1990; 55 FR 28761 , July 13, 1990; 56 FR 42703 , Aug. 29, 1991;
58 FR 68058 , Dec. 23, 1993; 62 FR 26242 , May 13, 1997; 65 FR 60109 ,
Oct. 10, 2000; 66 FR 50840 , Oct. 5, 2001; 68 FR 74330 , Dec. 23, 2003;
70 FR 23039 , May 4, 2005; 70 FR 46583 , Aug. 10, 2005; 71 FR 15619 , Mar.
29, 2006; 72 FR 31192 , June 6, 2007; 73 FR 25421 , May 6, 2008; 75 FR 62933 , Oct. 13, 2010; 78 FR 25161 , Apr. 29, 2013]
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Subpart B--Allocation, Assignment, and Use of Radio Frequencies
Source: 49 FR 2373 , Jan. 19, 1984, unless otherwise noted.
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