RF Spectral Survey of Cellular Bands in Manila, Philippines Using Software-Defined Radio

A proper knowledge on the availability of ambient radio frequencies (RF) can be utilized for the design of efficient RF energy harvesters for low-powered devices. This paper presents the use of a software-defined radio (SDR) for measuring ambient cellular bands in Manila, Philippines. GNU radio companion is used to configure and test the SDR, which is designed to receive frequencies between the range of 1 MHz to 2 GHz. It was tested in different locations in Manila, Philippines. The paper describes the relative gain of the frequencies received and their relation to the test location and time of the day. Result shows that TDD-LTE followed by FDD-LTE frequency bands produced the highest relative gain levels that would be best utilized for RF energy harvesting in the selected locations.