Harnessing the electromagnetic spectrum was one of the greatest technological leaps in human history. So many luxuries and necessities, products, services, and systems we take for granted are all in some way linked to electromagnetic technologies that make use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum.
But as anyone who works in the RF industry knows, the first order of business when designing a new product or system is to determine what frequency band of RF spectrum is the best fit for the application.
That’s why we’ve taken the time to put together this guide that explains which applications each RF bandwidth range is best suited for, and which is the best fit for your project.
Understanding the RF Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum is classified into different bandwidth ranges based on signal frequencies. Signals with a frequency between 3 kHz and 300 GHz are considered to be within the RF spectrum.
The RF spectrum is used by governments, military forces, broadcasting companies, and private individuals alike. But when too many people are using the same frequency ranges for different things, it creates interference and poor performance.
In order to prevent these problems, regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began partitioning the RF spectrum, designating certain frequency ranges for specific uses by the public and private sectors. The most widely used frequencies are those that fall somewhere between 500 MHz and 3 GHz because they offer a well-rounded series of advantages in terms of transmission range, antennae size, and ability to support high rates of data.
If you want to know which bandwidth is right for your application, take a look at the RF frequency chart below:
Table info from electronicdesign.com
A Quick Dive into Microwave Bands
The microwave spectrum falls between ultra high frequency (UHF) and extremely high Frequency (EHF) in the chart above. This includes frequencies between 300 MHz to 300 GHz. This frequency spectrum alone includes multiple letter bands. Different applications work best at different letter bands. Here are a few examples:
- Ka and Ku bands are among the most common.
- Ku bands (12-18 GHz) are commonly used for satellite TV and police radar.
- Ka bands (26.5-40GHz) work great for microwave backhaul and 5G cellular applications.
- L bands (1-2GHz) are frequently used for satellites, navigation systems (GPS), and cell phones.
- S bands (2-4 GHz) are used in satellites, satellite radio (SiriusXM), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cell phones.
- X bands (8-12 GHz) are used mostly for radar systems.
Related: Ka-Band & Ku-Band Systems: Basics & RF Design Considerations
Complying with RF Law
Bandwidth allocation has simplified determining which part of the spectrum is ideal for a given application, because the choice isn't just a matter of engineering anymore — now, it's about complying with the law.
Countries that are members of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) have their own regulatory bodies that allocate spectrum bandwidth for different applications. In the United States, the FCC oversees private sector use of the RF spectrum, while a lesser-known body called the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) handles the frequencies reserved for military and government use.
Of course, even with all these agencies, interference can still happen. Every three years, nations send representatives to the World Radiocommunications Conference to resolve disputes over bandwidth allocation and other issues pertaining to the use of the RF spectrum.
Overcoming the Challenges of Interference on a Crowded RF Spectrum
Looking at the RF frequency chart above, it may seem like the decision is simply a matter of following the chart to determine which bandwidth range your design should be operating in. Well, for a long time, it was pretty simple. Today? Not so much…
Back in the day, there was more than enough bandwidth to go around. But with the rapid growth of new technologies and industries, especially mobile phones, the RF spectrum has become more and more crowded. The challenge currently facing RF engineers is that we’re simply running out of available bandwidth, especially with the addition of technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
One solution to crowded bandwidths has been to expand the use of the higher frequencies in the RF spectrum. New developments have allowed companies and governments to make much greater use of the SHF (3-30 GHz) and EHF (30-300 GHz) ranges. In addition to new consumer goods, these advances are also enabling next generation electronic warfare (EW) systems, space-based Wi-Fi, other SATCOM applications, and much more.
Of course, not every application is suited to those frequencies, so what solutions are available for those working on other parts of the RF spectrum? That’s where real-time spectral analysis (RTSA) enters the picture. RTSA represents a major leap forward in RF spectrum analysis. It allows real-time continuous monitoring of dynamic signal interference and agile frequencies by using overlapping fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) to capture frequency events with a 100% probability of intercept.
Using RTSA provides a much more complete and accurate picture of the source and nature of RF spectrum interference. Armed with this information, RF engineers can make better decisions about how to overcome this persistent problem.
Experts in Frequency Control Since 1930
We hope this article has helped you better understand the RF spectrum, the common uses for each bandwidth range, and the best bandwidth to use for your application.
At Bliley, we've been manufacturing frequency control devices for almost a hundred years. We're here to help answer your questions! Contact our team or browse our product lines.
