Development of an Algorithm for Assessment of PSD of HF Radio Interference Including Analysis of Daily and Seasonal Variations and Their Impact on Channel Availability

An algorithm has been developed and studied for experimentally estimating the power spectral density (PSD) of random radio interference at HF frequencies using a broadband SDR receiver. The algorithm includes an analysis of daily and seasonal probability distributions of PSD and a comparison with the availability of radio channels. Background noise and various types of interference are critical factors that must be considered when operating HF systems. Additional challenges arise from the daily and seasonal variability of interference and the influence of solar cycles. Accounting for these effects requires continuous monitoring and evaluation of their characteristics. HF interference is caused by both geophysical phenomena and man-made sources, making the monitoring of their characteristics a significant challenge. This paper discusses methods and algorithms leveraging SDR technology to obtain original experimental data. It is shown that the results are crucial for specific geographical locations. Experimental measurements of radio interference, used to verify the algorithm, were carried out in 2022–2023 in Yoshkar-Ola