Assessor Resource

ICTRFN503
Evaluate and analyse radio frequency signal coverage plots

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to combine technical radio communications skills with organisational and administrative skills to generate and evaluate coverage maps in a range of commercial and community contexts for radio and television broadcasting, radio base station coverage, and point-to-point links.

It applies to individuals who are technically proficient and who work for regulatory authorities and private and public organisations. They may be responsible for small projects or parts of larger projects, and for the coordination and direction of small technical groups.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan and prepare for coverage prediction

1.1 Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, work health and safety (WHS), codes, regulations and standards

1.2 Arrange access to site according to required procedure

1.3 Establish type of coverage required

1.4 Determine specifications and minimum acceptable signal level or timing signal delay within coverage area

1.5 Use prediction software specific to enterprise

1.6 Verify mapping coordinate system to be used

1.7 Create custom antenna pattern files representative of expected antenna type for type of coverage required

2. Load data into software program and create coverage plot

2.1 Select and load system parameters

2.2 Select and load antenna elements or antenna pattern files

2.3 Select suitable propagation model settings applicable to study

2.4 Load appropriate clutter properties

2.5 Create coverage plot using appropriate plot options settings

3. Analyse coverage plot outcomes

3.1 Evaluate initial coverage plot against initial specifications

3.2 Adjust system parameters and antenna elements until coverage plot is within specifications

3.3 Compare measured signal strength at various locations with predicted values

3.4 Use measured data to correct and fine tune model

3.5 Evaluate range of possible solutions and make appropriate recommendations to ensure transmission meets operational requirements

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Tabulate results

4.2 Prepare report with final recommendations

Evidence of the ability to:

plan and coordinate activities to produce coverage plots using appropriate software settings

generate:

a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage plot

a path profile for a point-to-point link

evaluate, analyse and make recommendations on antenna installation specifications.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

explain antenna and propagation theory

explain antenna array theory

summarise various mapping coordinate systems and their datums

outline propagation models and their limitations in various environments

outline specific issues related to antenna installations and the creation of particular radiation patterns.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – radio frequency networks field of work and include access to:

a computer facility on which coverage plots and paths may be generated

propagation prediction software

a digital terrain database.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan and prepare for coverage prediction

1.1 Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, work health and safety (WHS), codes, regulations and standards

1.2 Arrange access to site according to required procedure

1.3 Establish type of coverage required

1.4 Determine specifications and minimum acceptable signal level or timing signal delay within coverage area

1.5 Use prediction software specific to enterprise

1.6 Verify mapping coordinate system to be used

1.7 Create custom antenna pattern files representative of expected antenna type for type of coverage required

2. Load data into software program and create coverage plot

2.1 Select and load system parameters

2.2 Select and load antenna elements or antenna pattern files

2.3 Select suitable propagation model settings applicable to study

2.4 Load appropriate clutter properties

2.5 Create coverage plot using appropriate plot options settings

3. Analyse coverage plot outcomes

3.1 Evaluate initial coverage plot against initial specifications

3.2 Adjust system parameters and antenna elements until coverage plot is within specifications

3.3 Compare measured signal strength at various locations with predicted values

3.4 Use measured data to correct and fine tune model

3.5 Evaluate range of possible solutions and make appropriate recommendations to ensure transmission meets operational requirements

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Tabulate results

4.2 Prepare report with final recommendations

Evidence of the ability to:

plan and coordinate activities to produce coverage plots using appropriate software settings

generate:

a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage plot

a path profile for a point-to-point link

evaluate, analyse and make recommendations on antenna installation specifications.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

explain antenna and propagation theory

explain antenna array theory

summarise various mapping coordinate systems and their datums

outline propagation models and their limitations in various environments

outline specific issues related to antenna installations and the creation of particular radiation patterns.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – radio frequency networks field of work and include access to:

a computer facility on which coverage plots and paths may be generated

propagation prediction software

a digital terrain database.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, work health and safety (WHS), codes, regulations and standards 
Arrange access to site according to required procedure 
Establish type of coverage required 
Determine specifications and minimum acceptable signal level or timing signal delay within coverage area 
Use prediction software specific to enterprise 
Verify mapping coordinate system to be used 
Create custom antenna pattern files representative of expected antenna type for type of coverage required 
Select and load system parameters 
Select and load antenna elements or antenna pattern files 
Select suitable propagation model settings applicable to study 
Load appropriate clutter properties 
Create coverage plot using appropriate plot options settings 
Evaluate initial coverage plot against initial specifications 
Adjust system parameters and antenna elements until coverage plot is within specifications 
Compare measured signal strength at various locations with predicted values 
Use measured data to correct and fine tune model 
Evaluate range of possible solutions and make appropriate recommendations to ensure transmission meets operational requirements 
Tabulate results 
Prepare report with final recommendations 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTRFN503 - Evaluate and analyse radio frequency signal coverage plots
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Assessment Record Sheet

ICTRFN503 - Evaluate and analyse radio frequency signal coverage plots

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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