Test validation of equivalent full load idle channel noise concept

During the efforts to analyze the Technical Evaluation Program data, considerable effort was spent to devise an effective method to prove TEP data accuracy and correlation. During this work, a new concept emerged. This approach permits accurate determination of interrelationships among baseband loading, idle channel noise, and noise power ratio. The application of this concept, named Signal to Noise Noise Power Ratio (SNNPR) permits the cross correlation of TEP data gathered at any fortuitous alignment condition, and also allows the correction of 'poor data' if the bulk of the data is acceptable. The data used as a basis for the new correlation technique was originally gathered empirically but proved to be accurate when tested on measurements from a number of older TEP reports. DCA authorized a short field test program at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, supported by the Army to prove the concept. This report covers the approach, the specific measurements on the radios under several degradation conditions, and the end to end test to prove the concept validity and accuracy. The overall theory of the concept is discussed. A general SNNPR curve is constructed based upon theoretical data only that is universally applicable to all FDM-FM radio links. The accuracy of the approach is examined using a number of TEP link reports.