Spectral Mask

In telecommunications, a spectral mask, also known as achannel mask or transmission mask, is a mathematically-defined set of lines applied to the levels of radio (oroptical) transmissions. The spectral mask is generally intended to reduce adjacent-channel interference by limiting excessive radiation atfrequencies beyond the necessary bandwidth. Attenuation of these spurious emissions is usually done with a band-pass filter, tuned to allow through the correct center frequency of the carrier wave, as well as all necessary sidebands.

The spectral mask is usually one of the things defined in a bandplan for each particularband. It is essential in assuring that a transmission stays within its channel. An FMradio station, for example, must attenuate everything beyond ±75kHz from the center frequency by a few decibels, and anything beyond ±100 kHz (the channel boundary) by much more. Emissions on further adjacent channels must be reduced to almost zero.

FM broadcast subcarriers are normally required to stay under 75 kHz (and up to 100 kHz if reduced) to comply with the mask. The introduction of in-band on-channel (IBOC) digital radio in the United States has been slowed down by issues concerning the subcarriers it uses – and the corresponding increase in the amount of energy in the sidebands – overstepping the bounds of the spectral mask set forth for FM by the NRSC andenforced by the FCC.

Other types of modulation have different spectral masks for the same purpose. Manydigital modulation methods such as COFDM use the electromagnetic spectrum very efficiently, allowing for a very tight spectral mask. This allows placement of broadcast stations or other transmissions on channels right next to each other without interference, allowing for an increase in a band's total capacity. Conversely, it is allowing the U.S. to eliminate TV channels 52 to 69, freeing up 108 MHz (from approximately 700 to 800 MHz) foremergency services and to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, while still retaining (although moving) all existing TV stations.

Bandplan

A bandplan or band plan is a plan for using a particularband of radio frequencies, that are a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum . Each bandplan defines the frequency range to be included, how channels are to be defined, and what will be carried on those channels. Typical definitions set forth in a bandplan are:

• numbering scheme – which channel numbers or letters (if any) will be assigned
• center frequencies – how far apart the carrier wave for each channel will be
• bandwidth and/or deviation – how wide each channel will be
• spectral mask – how extraneous signals will beattenuated by frequency
• modulation – what type will be used or are permissible
• content – what types of information are allowed, such as audio or video, analog or digital
• licensing – what the procedure will be to obtain a broadcast license

The actual authorized frequency bands are defined by the ITU and the local regulating agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the USA. For the authorized frequency bands for amateur radio use see:Authorized frequency bands.