The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) has established the first Government test facility dedicated to the measurement of performance and the assessment of interoperability of adaptive HF radio systems. This facility is also actively involved in the development process for a family of new Federal Standards pertaining to the advanced features of adaptive HF radio.The core of the ITS assessment capabilities are three ionospheric channel simulators. These simulators, based on the work of ITS researcher Clark Watterson, are modern, light weight, solid state devices which can easily be transported in a suitcase. Combining the small sized channel simulator with other modern, portable test equipment enables ITS test engineers to conduct interoperability assessments "off- site."
In addition to the laboratory simulation capabilities, the ITF has the capability to conduct over-the-air radio system tests, to support the Federal Standards development process or the assessment of interoperability among different manufacturers' equipment. The ITF has also participated in several HF antenna technical evaluation and measurement programs.
The ITF was established as a neutral, unbiased testing facility dedicated to assisting other Government and military agencies in making informed decisions in the procurement of adaptive HF radio systems. The testing and other services provided by the ITF have assisted several smaller system vendors to become competitive in this emerging market.
