The Command and Control System Dilemma

The only long-range solution to the increasing requirement for spectrum space and the radio frequency interference problem involves: 1) careful equipment engineering to eliminate spurious signal generation and equipment susceptibility to spurious signals, and 2) conservation and efficient use of the RF spectrum as a natural resource. This means system design to require a minimum of spectrum use. With communicating, sensing, and other services competing for spectrum, spurious-signal problems with equipment are receiving much attention, but the requirements for, or contributed value of, the device generating or being affected by the spurious signal are seldom considered. The RFI reduction to be obtained through pursuit of good system design for efficient spectrum use and minimum spectrum requirement is illustrated.