Improved techniques for monitoring the HF spectrum

A critical review of contemporary papers on modulation recognition, signal separation, and Single Station Location (SSL) is described in the context of High-Frequency (HF) radio-communications. High-frequency communications is undergoing resurgence despite advances in long-range satellite communication systems. Defense agencies are using the HF spectrum for backup communications as well as for spectrum surveillance applications. Spectrum management organizations are monitoring the HF spectrum to control and enforce licensing. This type of activity usually requires a system that is able to determine the location of a source of transmissions, separate valid signals from interferers and noise, and characterize signals-of-interest (SOI). The immediate aim is to show that commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) equipment can be used to locate HF transmission sources, enhance SOIs and reject interference, and recognize signal types. The described work on single-station-location (SSL), signal separation, and modulation recognition is contributing to these goals. This paper describes the overall objectives and some of the disadvantages and benefits of various schemes for single-station-location (SSL), signal separation, and modulation recognition. It also proposes new approaches that may relieve shortcomings of existing methods – including selection of benchmarks or modulations for various transmission scenarios and propagation modes, and use of multiple digital receivers or compression techniques to improve modulation recognition, signal separation, and location of HF emitters.