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Section 1: HF modem function
1.1 What software components are included in the TC4?
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The code base that executes on the DSP is the Waveform Package Suite which is a RapidM product encapsulating the following components of the HF House (see Figure 1):
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Rapid Mobile Waveforms: |
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| Clear voice and Traffic
Waveforms: |
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º MIL-STD-188-110B (includes 110A) |
| | Ί STANAG 4285 |
| | Ί STANAG
4529 |
| | Ί STANAG
4539 |
| | Ί STANAG
4415 |
| Second generation Automatic Link Establishment 8-FSK waveform (MIL-STD-188-141A). |
| STANAG 4538 Burst Waveforms for transmission of packet data |
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Rapid
Mobile Protocols: |
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Third generation Automatic Radio Control System communication protocol (STANAG 4538). |
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• Second generation Automatic Link Establishment protocol (MIL-STD-188-141A and 141B (Linking Protection)). |
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Ί STANAG 4529 |
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Ί STANAG
4539 |
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Ί STANAG
4415 |
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Figure 1: RapidM Waveform
Package Suite components compared to the HF House |
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1.2 Does the TC4 support 2-ISB operation?
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Yes 2-ISB operation (MIL-STD-188-110B Appendix F, up to 19200 bps) is supported via two independent audio ports. |
1.3 Is the TC4 compatible with STANAG 5066 ARQ servers?
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Yes the TC4 is fully compatible with the RC66 and RC50 STANAG 5066 ARQ products. |
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Section
2: V/UHF modem function
2.1 Can the TC4 operate in both HF and V/UHF modes?
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No the HF and V/UHF software packs cannot be loaded at the same time. |
2.2 Does the TC4 V1 software pack include an ARQ function?
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No the TC4 V1 offers high speed circuit switched data communications. For error free data transmission an external ARQ function is required. |
2.3 Does the TC4 support full duplex operation in V/UHF mode?
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Yes the modem can transmit and receive simultaneously. Please note that most radios only support half duplex operation. |
2.4 My V/UHF radio only provides a 3 kHz audio bandwidth what is the maximum data rate?
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For 3 kHz audio bandwidth (-3 dB) the maximum data rate is 9600 bps. |
2.5 My V/UHF radio provides a 20 kHz audio bandwidth what is the maximum data rate?
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For a 20 kHz audio bandwidth (-3 dB) the maximum data rate is 64000 bps. |
2.6 My V/UHF radio provides a 25 kHz audio bandwidth what is the maximum data rate?
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For 25 kHz audio bandwidth (-3 dB) the maximum data rate is 96000 bps. |
2.7 My application requires ship to aircraft communication. What is the maxim relative speed that is supported by the waveform?
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The TC4 V/UHF waveform supports relative speeds of up to 600 km/h |
Section
3: TC4 Software
3.1 What control protocol does the TC4 use?
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| The TC4 uses a subset of the
RapidM Application Protocol 1 (RAP1). The RAP1 control
protocol is common across all RapidM modem products. The
RAP1 protocol covers the following: |
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Ί General Hardware commands |
| | Ί DTE commands (when fitted) |
| | Ί Audio commands |
| | Ί Waveform control commands |
| | Ί ALE control commands |
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| RAP1 also enables the user to log key communication parameters: |
| | Ί Signal to noise ratio |
| | Ί Modem data rate |
| | Ί Bit Error rate (good for S 5066 DRC decisions) |
| | Ί Channel parameters (Doppler offset, Doppler spread, multi-path spread, number of paths...etc.)
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3.2 Is the RAP1 control protocol documentation available?
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Yes Please contact RapidM |
3.3 Is there example RAP1 interface code available?
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Yes - Please contact RapidM |
3.4 How do I update the TC4 software?
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The modems application code is stored in Flash memory. The Flash can be programmed with new application code (hex file) with the Programmer GUI (supplied by RapidM) via the Remote Control port. Software updates typically takes about 60 seconds to complete. |
Section
4: TC4 Hardware
4.1 What connector should be used to interface to the TC4?
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The
TC4 Module Connector is a 100-pin fine pitch polarized connector manufactured by Samtec,
Inc www.samtec.com
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The socket is fitted to the
TC4 and the header must be fitted to the Host board for proper mating. The connector part numbers are shown in the table 28 below.
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Part Number |
Type |
Description |
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Samtec YFS-20-03-H-05-SB |
Socket |
Mounted on
TC4 |
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Samtec YFT-20-05-H-05-SB |
Header |
Recommended
for Host (to mate with
TC4
with a
board-to-board spacing of 5.0 mm) |
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Samtec YFW-20-07-H-05-SB |
Header |
Alternative for Host (to mate with
TC4
with a board-to-board spacing of 7.0 mm) |
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Samtec YFW-20-09-H-05-SB |
Header |
Alternative for Host (to mate with
TC4
with a board-to-board spacing of 9.0 mm) |
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Samtec YFW-20-12-H-05-SB |
Header |
Alternative for Host (to mate with
TC4
with a board-to-board spacing of 12.0 mm) |
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Samtec YFW-20-19-H-05-SB |
Header |
Alternative for Host (to mate with
TC4
with a board-to-board spacing of 19.0 mm) |
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Samtec YFW-20-25-H-05-SB |
Header |
Alternative for Host (to mate with
TC4
with a board-to-board spacing of 25.0 mm) |
Please see the
TC4
User Manual (available on request) for more details.
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4.2 Do I need to provide a heat sink for the TC4 DSP
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For heat extraction from the DSP (for operation an ambient temperature of 70°C) and to control EMI, RapidM recommends the use of a heat sink. Please see the TC4 User Manual (available on request) for more details. |
4.3 Is the TC4 RoHS compliant?
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No the TC4s 100-pin connection is not currently RoHS compliant. RapidM is investigating the possibility of producing a fully RoHS-compliant TC4 version. Please contact us for more details. |
4.4 What interfaces do the TC4 offer?
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No the TC4s 100-pin connection is not currently RoHS compliant. RapidM is investigating the possibility of producing a fully RoHS-compliant TC4 version. Please contact us for more details.
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• Control & Data: Synchronous Serial I/F McBSP port |
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Control & Data: Asynchronous Serial I/F UART port |
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Radio Control: Asynchronous Serial I/F UART port |
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Digital Audio: Synchronous Serial I/F McBSP port |
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Analogue Audio: Dual channel, single-ended Codec interface, sample rates up to 192kHz |
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PTT and Keyline: 3.3V TTL levels |
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Clock input (optional) |
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Pulse-Per-Second input (for ALE LP) |
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Reset: 3.3V TTL level |
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Digital Supply: 3.3VDC |
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Analogue Supply: 3.1VDC to 5.5VDC |
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Debug (proprietary) |
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Section
5: Commercial
5.1 Are volume discounts available?
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Yes aggressive volumes discounts are available for large quantity orders Please contact RapidM to discuss your specific |
5.2 Is it possible to buy the TC4 in a bundle package together with a STANAG 5066 e-mail suite?
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Yes the TC4 can be purchased
as a bundle:
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Ί TC4 + RC50
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Ί TC4 + RC66
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5.3 Does RapidM offer integration assistance?
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Yes RapidM provides e-mail and telephonic technical support. Should an on-site visit be required this could be arranged on a travel and subsistence basis. Please contact RapidM to discuss this option. |
Section
6: Radio Interfacing
6.1 Please describe the analogue audio interface
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The Analogue Audio Interface consists of two independent single-ended audio ports, referenced to Analogue Ground |
6.2 Please describe the key line interface
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The Keyline and PTT Interface consists of two Keyline outputs and two PttSense inputs (one pair for each audio channel) for radio keying.
The Keylines are active high digital outputs and are controlled by the TC4. The PttSense lines are active low inputs and are controlled by the Host (e.g. radio).
When the TC4 has valid information it wishes to have transmitted by the radio, it asserts the Keyline of the relevant audio channel (active high). The Keyline is typically connected an N-channel FET, which keys the radio (active low) in turn.
In order to allow the radio transmit frequency to settle, there is a software configurable delay between the assertion of the Keyline and the commencement of presentation of the data to be transmitted on the audio channel.
The PttSense inputs to the TC4 allow for the indication of a PTT (push to talk) event to the modem. This can be used for an "Operator Break-In" capability, for example, where pressing PTT will cause the modem to interrupt or abort an ongoing data transmission and clear the channel for the user (voice). |
6.3 When is radio control required?
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Radio Control is required for 2G and 3G ALE operation. Basic radio control involves the following functions: |
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• Tune to channel |
| | Set receive channel |
| | Set transmit Channel |
| Other radio control functions are available depending on the radio transceiver being used. |
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6.4 Is radio control required for fixed frequency operation?
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No if ALE is not used the radio control is not required. |
6.5 How does the TC4 control the radio for ALE operation?
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The TC4 offers the designer a choice between two radio control schemes: |
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• Internal Radio Control via UART (Radio Control) on TC4 using Radio Manufacturer Specific Protocol |
| | External Radio Control via UART (Remote Control) using RAP1 messages |
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6.6 How does internal radio control work?
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Internal Radio Control is
where the full radio control protocol is implemented on
the TC4 module. The diagram below depicts a typical internal radio control usage scenario. |
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Figure: TC4
internal radio control |
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With internal radio control the TC4 has complete knowledge of the specific transceivers Control Protocol and uses this to communicate with the transceiver via the Radio Control Port to scan control the radio.
Please see the
Radio Types
page for a list of currently supported radio. |
6.7 What is the process for adding internal radio control support to the TC4?
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No if ALE is not used the radio control is not required.
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1. The client provides RapidM with the transceiver control protocol. |
| | 2. RapidM implements the radio control protocol inside the TC4 as part of the Radio Control Manager (RCM) software process. |
| | 3. The RapidM, in co-operation with the client tests the radio control implementation on a test system. |
| 4. RapidM ships the client an updated TC4 software build. |
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| Figure: TC4
external radio control |
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