A priori analysis and classification of digital communication signals is important both in the communication industry for developing new receiver technology and in the intelligence community for deciphering intercepted signals. In both domains, algorithm research focuses on extracting signal characteristics, such as modulation type and symbol rate, even when the received signal is distorted by noise and fading in the transmission channel. The lack of common standards for test files, data recording, and presentation of results make it difficult to compare the performance of algorithms from disparate sources. This work proposes an XML-based framework and an associated XML Schema as a solution to this standards problem. The XML Schema defines base types for communication signal constructs. These base types are then used to define two principal XML document formats: a signal library and an algorithm test record.

The XML signal library provides a standard for cataloging and exchanging test signal files, a need that has been acknowledged for some time. We have implemented modules in Matlab and Simulink that generate signal files in WAV format while recording the signal attributes in the XML signal library format. XSLT scripts provide an easy way to peruse the library using a standard web browser. The results of our work validate many of the XML claims for standard data representation. However, we also discovered that developing a good XML Schema is a non-trivial undertaking that requires proficiency in both XML and the application domain. Those just adopting XML should be prepared for a considerable time investment to master Schemas and XSL.