Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ICTRFN801 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Produce a radio link budget

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICTRFN801 - Produce a radio link budget
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse technical performance of fixed and mobile radio systems, and plan and calculate link budgets.It applies to individuals working as telecommunications engineers who take responsibility for establishing layout of a digital radio system to minimise transmission loss and optimise system performance.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

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 industry and include access to:

a telecommunications operations site

mobile telephony devices and equipment

networked computers and relevant software.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Critically analyse suitability of radio systems
  • Critically analyse spectral efficiency of functional elements of mobile radio systems for determining optimal frequency utilisation
  • Critically analyse features of radio systems to evaluate effectiveness of a particular application
  • Compare features and specifications of antennas used in radio systems to assist with radio link budget
  • Report on suitability of radio systems, including recommendations to improve network performance
       
Element: Calculate a radio link budget
  • Calculate path loss using variables in appropriate propagation models for a power link budget
  • Evaluate power link budget against allowable power margin specifications
  • Evaluate modulation types and spectral efficiency
  • Confirm radio power link budget achieves specified reliability
       
Element: Complete evaluation and planning documentations
  • Complete an evaluation report on performance of radio systems with recommendations on system improvements
  • Document processes used to determine optimal power link budget for a radio system
       


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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1. Critically analyse suitability of radio systems

1.1 Critically analyse spectral efficiency of functional elements of mobile radio systems for determining optimal frequency utilisation

1.2 Critically analyse features of radio systems to evaluate effectiveness of a particular application

1.3 Compare features and specifications of antennas used in radio systems to assist with radio link budget

1.4 Report on suitability of radio systems, including recommendations to improve network performance

2. Calculate a radio link budget

2.1 Calculate path loss using variables in appropriate propagation models for a power link budget

2.2 Evaluate power link budget against allowable power margin specifications

2.3 Evaluate modulation types and spectral efficiency

2.4 Confirm radio power link budget achieves specified reliability

3. Complete evaluation and planning documentations

3.1 Complete an evaluation report on performance of radio systems with recommendations on system improvements

3.2 Document processes used to determine optimal power link budget for a radio system

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse signal degradation characteristics of radio paths and calculate power budgets for various distances and antenna heights versus transmitted power

research constraints imposed by mobile phone frequency allocations and simulate carrier to interference radiation patterns around a cell site

create evaluation report on radio system performance

document processes used to determine power link budget.

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 high frequency (HF), very high frequency ( VHF), ultra high frequency (UHF) and microwave receiving techniques

summarise modulation methods:

AM

FM

digital

outline multiplexing systems

summarise operation of transmitters and receivers

explain organisational policies and procedures

summarise personal safety issues

explain propagation methods

summarise radio communications systems

weigh factors affecting radio frequency (RF) path loss

summarise RF technologies.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1. Critically analyse suitability of radio systems

1.1 Critically analyse spectral efficiency of functional elements of mobile radio systems for determining optimal frequency utilisation

1.2 Critically analyse features of radio systems to evaluate effectiveness of a particular application

1.3 Compare features and specifications of antennas used in radio systems to assist with radio link budget

1.4 Report on suitability of radio systems, including recommendations to improve network performance

2. Calculate a radio link budget

2.1 Calculate path loss using variables in appropriate propagation models for a power link budget

2.2 Evaluate power link budget against allowable power margin specifications

2.3 Evaluate modulation types and spectral efficiency

2.4 Confirm radio power link budget achieves specified reliability

3. Complete evaluation and planning documentations

3.1 Complete an evaluation report on performance of radio systems with recommendations on system improvements

3.2 Document processes used to determine optimal power link budget for a radio system

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
Critically analyse spectral efficiency of functional elements of mobile radio systems for determining optimal frequency utilisation 
Critically analyse features of radio systems to evaluate effectiveness of a particular application 
Compare features and specifications of antennas used in radio systems to assist with radio link budget 
Report on suitability of radio systems, including recommendations to improve network performance 
Calculate path loss using variables in appropriate propagation models for a power link budget 
Evaluate power link budget against allowable power margin specifications 
Evaluate modulation types and spectral efficiency 
Confirm radio power link budget achieves specified reliability 
Complete an evaluation report on performance of radio systems with recommendations on system improvements 
Document processes used to determine optimal power link budget for a radio system 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTRFN801 - Produce a radio link budget
Assessment task 1: [title]

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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

ICTRFN801 - Produce a radio link budget

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

(add lines for each task)

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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