TETRA Radio Frequencies, Bandwidth, and Modulation

TETRA, short for Terrestrial Trunked Radio, is a digital mobile radio standard designed to meet the needs of professional mobile radio (PMR) and critical communication systems. It provides a standardized framework for secure, efficient, and reliable voice and data communication in various applications, including public safety, transportation, utilities, and industrial sectors.

The TETRA radio system ensures interoperability among different manufacturers’ equipment, allowing users from different organizations or agencies to communicate seamlessly within the same TETRA network.

There are two versions of TETRA: TETRA1 and TETRA2. Both use digital modulation to achieve higher data rates and ensure clear and secure communication. TETRA employs Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology to manage users and their information (voice or data) efficiently. TETRA networks are deployed according to regulatory guidelines and licensing requirements.

TETRA Radio Frequencies

• TETRA-1: Operates in a range of frequency bands, including VHF (Very High Frequency), UHF (Ultra High Frequency), and 800 MHz bands. Common frequency ranges include 380–430 MHz and 450–470 MHz.

• TETRA-2: Extends the frequency range used by TETRA-1, allowing operation in higher frequency bands, including frequencies up to 1.9 GHz.

TETRA Channel Bandwidth

• TETRA-1: Supports 25 KHz.

• TETRA-2: Supports 25 KHz, 50 KHz, 100 KHz, and 150 KHz.

TETRA Modulation

• TETRA-1: Supports $\pi/4$-DQPSK modulation.

• TETRA-2: Supports $\pi/4$-DQPSK and, in addition, also supports $\pi/8$-D8PSK, 4-QAM, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM.

NOTE: ETSI regularly updates and releases new versions of TETRA standards to address emerging technologies and improve the capabilities of TETRA systems.