Description
The objectives of this activity are twofold: first, to unambiguously define a methodology to implement and adopt essential computer programs and associated electronic numerical data into
ITU-R recommendations for radiowave propagation models in order to simplify the usage by communication system engineers and prevent possible ambiguities in the interpretation of
paper step-by-step recommendations; and second, to implement the relevant propagation models for fixed and mobile Earth-space and terrestrial-satellite interference coordination for adoption into the ITU-R recommendations.
Targeted Improvements:
Increased efficiency and complete removal of ambiguity in the implementation of propagation models for design, performance analysis or optimisation of communication systems.
Availability of ITU-R approved software recommendations for Earth-space propagation predictions.
Background: ITU-R Study Group 3 provides software and data supporting existing recommendations, but they are not considered integral elements of the recommendation and they do not follow the same approval process. In 2012, ITU-R resolution 25 on Computer programs and associated data for radiowave propagation studies (http://www.itu.int/pub/R-RES-R.25-3-2012) was updated stating that "for effective use" of methods for prediction of propagation characteristics, "digital products ... are needed"?; "that it may be uneconomical for individual organizations to develop their own computer programs for these predictions; ... resolves that digital products ... should be considered as an integral part of the Recommendation itself and be approved using the same procedure". Although the resolution is clear, its effective application requires detailed guidelines. Implementing ITU-R propagation prediction models of satellite communications and interference coordination in software and digital data and having them adopted as ITU-R integral part of recommendations is an optimal strategy for ESA and industry.
Starting point: There are different examples of supporting software in different ITU-R recommendations which in some cases are implemented carefully and in other the software is unstable and difficult to maintain. Also many prediction models evolve requiring software updates often implemented by non-experts with the risk to incorporate wrong predictions.
Justification: The ability to adopt ITU-R recommendations as computer programs of propagation models simplify its usage by communication system engineers and prevent ambiguities from diverse interpretations of paper (only) recommendations. For ESA, the interest is mainly related to those recommendations for fixed and mobile earth space propagation and interference coordination.
Work logic: The work logic includes: review of ITU-R approval processes; identification of the recommendations in the areas of fixed and mobile Earth-space and interference coordination where a software implementation is an advantage; definition of the process to prepare, present and review software recommendation including guidelines on software implementation, coding practices and languages, and documentation, testing, licensing, methods for revision and approval, update tracking and version management; implementation of the software for the selected set of recommendations following the proposed process, and preparation of an ITU-R input document and associated software and digital products including the adoption of the proposed process and the updated recommendations.
Procurement Policy: C(3) = Activity restricted to SMEs & R&D Entities. For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and R&D entities in ESA programmes".
Tender Specifics