SX-5421
The SX-5421 Multi-Purpose Communications Processor (MPCP) combines a state-of-the-art data communications signal conversion and processing capability with a simple user interface to format, re-format, and prepare serial synchronous signals for both uplink command processing and downlink telemetry recovery. An advanced, digital implementation provides for the small form and fit while fully satisfying applications requiring ruggedized packaging, minimum power consumption, and a highly reliable stand-alone non-PC based platform. The design supports a multitude of standard and custom digital formats for Satellite and ARTM Range use.
- General Purpose Communications Signal Processing
- Up to 8 Independent Synchronous Serial Inputs and Outputs
- PCM Code Conversion To and From Common Formats
- Signal Level Conversion, Conditioning, and Clock Regeneration
- Integrated Programmable Multi-Channel BER Test Set
- Product and Flight Payload Integration, Simulation, Testing
The SX-5421 Multi-Purpose Communications Processor (MPCP) combines a state-of-the-art data communications signal conversion and processing capability with a simple user interface to format, re-format, and prepare serial synchronous signals for both uplink command processing and downlink telemetry recovery. An advanced, digital implementation provides for the small form and fit while fully satisfying applications requiring ruggedized packaging, minimum power consumption, and a highly reliable stand-alone non-PC based platform. The design supports a multitude of standard and custom digital formats for Satellite and ARTM Range use.
The SX-5421 MPCP is commonly used in applications requiring format conversion of data streams either before transmission or during reception. Data generation, coding/decoding, scrambling/descrambling and BER testing can be driven from a variety of external digital inputs or via internal pattern generation sources.
The SX-5421 can be used in legacy systems where discrete signal processing elements are common and may require connecting equipment with dissimilar electrical and formatting interfaces.
The SX-5421 continues the field success record of the earlier SX-4221 MPCP and is based around the UCP-4000 engine. This provides programmable capabilities via a pair of high speed Field Programmable Gate Array’s (FPGAs) and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). By installing unique programming the same basic design has been utilized for data encoding, modulation, demodulation/bit-synchronization, data decoding, and other general purpose signal and data processing applications.
The practical design of the SX-5421 MPCP also supports link test and verification applications. A single SX-5421 can replace multiple Bit Error Rate Testers (BERTs) in one small, simple-to-use unit allowing quick and accurate setup and testing without in-depth system knowledge.
Additionally, up to 32 Configuration Profiles can be stored with user-defined link names and recalled with a single command, simplifying fast and accurate configuration changes.
The firmware-intensive implementation of the SX-5421 readily accommodates custom features and signal processing tasks. Using the latest generation digital signal processing techniques often allows upgrades via firmware changes, even for previously fielded systems.
The SX-5421 is not based on a PC platform, avoiding the need for 3rd Party Operating Systems and hard drives and reducing the need for system patches and IT security concerns.
The SX-5421 MPCP is implemented in an industry standard 2U, 19 inch rack mountable chassis and provides full status and control capabilities. Controllable selections are accessible via an optional front-panel display or remotely via an RS-232 serial and 10/100baseT Ethernet. An optional GPIB interface is available for legacy system requirements. Remote control via the Ethernet LAN allows a common Java/Web brower GUI to setup and manage the units.
Applications
- IF Reception of Satellite and Range Telemetry, Telecommand and Most Communications Links
- SatCom, Science, and Military Missions
- SGLS, USB, and STDN Ground Stations
- Link Testing and Monitoring
- Payload Integration, Simulation and Testing
- Supports ARTM PCM/FM and SOQPSK
Key Features
- Demodulation, Bit Synchronization and Decoding of Main and/or Subcarriers
- Multi-mode Analog and Digital FM and PM plus BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK and U/AQPSK
- Near theoretical performance for Data Rates from 50 bps to 25 MHz or 50 Mbps for mission flexibility
- Programmable Dual Bit Synchronizers supporting NRZ L/M/S and Bi-Phase L/M/S input formats
- Optional Pre-D Diversity Combiner
- IF, I/Q, or Analog Outputs for Additional Equipment Support
- Dual Viterbi and PCM Conversion and Descrambling
- Programmable Front Panel Ports for Setup and Monitoring
- Front-Panel Graphic Display with Spectrum, I/Q Plots
- Compact 1U chassis not requiring 3rd party Operating System or hard drive for increased reliability and security
- Also available as PCI PC-Cards for integration options
- Also available as PCI PC-Cards for multi-channel systems and site integration flexibility
Data Inputs
2 TTL Data/Clocks: 50 bps to 50 Mbps
2 Differential Data/Clocks: 50 bps to 50 Mbps
1 Analog Input
2 Internal Digital Pattern Generators
2 Internal Clock Generators (With Outputs)
Internal Analog Waveform Generator
Coding Formats
PCM:
NRZ – Mark (NRZ-M), Space (NRZ-S), Level (NRZ-L)
BIØ – Mark (BIØ-M), Space (BIØ-S), Level (BIØ-L)
Convolutional:
Bypass, Rate 1/2, or Rate 3/4 (Punctured)
Constraint Length 7, Industry Standard Polynomials
G1/G2, G1/-G2, G2/G1, -G2/G1 Symbol Ordering
Dual Encoder Mode for Quad Modulations
Scrambling:
Bypass, Intelsat (V.36), or CCITT (V.35)
Primary RF Output
Frequency:
1400-2600 MHz Continuously Tunable
Frequency Resolution: 10 Hz
Output Level: +10 to -60 dBm
Step Size: 1 dB
Spurious: >-50 dBc (typical)
Phase Noise: <-85 dBHz at 10 KHz offset
Programmable Sweep and Frequency Decay:
Sweep Range: Up to ±50 MHz
Sweep/Decay Rate: 10 Hz to 1 MHz/sec.
Step Size: 10 Hz
Doppler Offset and Simulation: ±500 KHz
Secondary RF Output (Optional)
Frequency:
1400-2400 MHz Continuously Tunable
Characteristics: Identical to Primary RF Output
Modulation Options:
Unmodulated CW
Modulated with Primary Waveform
Output Level: +10 to -60 dBm
Step Size: 1 dB
Spurious: >-74 dBc (typical)
Supported Waveforms
Digital:
Phase Shift Keyed (PSK)
Frequency Shift Keyed (FSK)
Amplitude Shift Keyed (ASK)
Analog:
Phase Modulation (PM)
Frequency Modulation (FM)
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
Complex:
PM/PSK
FM/FSK
Others: Consult Factory
PM or PSK Waveform Specifications
Digital Modes: BPSK, QPSK, AQPSK, UQPSK, OQPSK, DPM
Analog Modes: External In, Digital Modulator In
Shaping: Phase Transition over 0 to 100% of Baud Period
Modulation Rates: 50 sps to 25 Msps or Up to 12 MHz Analog Up to 50 Msps optional
Mod Indices: 0 to 180 degrees for DPM
Adjustable I/Q power ratios for A or UQPSK
FM or FSK Waveform Specifications
Digital Mode: Binary FSK
Analog Modes: External In, Digital Modulator In
Modulation Rates: 100 sps to 12 Mbps or Up to 12 MHz Analog
Deviation: 200 Hz to 12 MHz
AM or ASK Waveform Specifications
Digital Mode: Binary ASK or OOK
Analog Modes: External In, Digital Modulator In
Modulation Rates: 100 sps to 10Msps or Up to 10 MHz Analog
Mod Index: 0.1 to 100% in .1% increments
ARTM Waveform Specifications
Modulation Types:
ARTM Tier 0 (PCM/FM) to 25 M bit/s
ARTM Tier I (SOQPSK) to 50 M bit/s, 25 M baud/s
ARTM Tier II (Multi-H CPM) to 50 M bit/s, 25 M baud/s
Modulation Characteristics:
Premodulation Filtering per IRIG 106
Additional Features
Bit-Error-Rate Testing: Monitors Bit Error Rate for Returned Data of Internally Generated Data Patterns
AWGN Noise Generator: Adds Simulated AWGN to Output Waveform to Establish Accurate Eb/No or SNR Levels
Dual PN Code Generators for Industry Standard Patterns or Ranging Signal Simulation
Bit-Synchronizer: Auto-baud detect to adapt shaped waveform and/or Modulation Indicies
Remote Status/Control Specifications
Serial RS-232, 10/100baseT (GPIB Optional)
Commands: Control Over All Configurable Parameters
Status:
Lock, Self-Test, Detailed Operational Information
Other Specifications
Chassis
19 Inch Rack Mountable
2U Height
20 Inch Depth
Connectors
1 Type N for Primary RF Output
1 Type N for Secondary RF Output (Option)
2 BNCs for Monitor Ports (Front Panel)
8 BNCs For Data/Clock Inputs/Outputs
1 25 PIN D for Differential Data/Clock Inputs/Outputs
2 BNCs for Analog Input/Output
1 BNC for External Reference Input (Option)
1 BNC for Internal Reference Output (Option)
1 9 PIN D for Remote Status/Control
RJ-45 for 10/100baseT
Standard 3 Prong Male Primary Power Input
Primary Power: 120 VAC (+/- 10%) 50-60 Hz
Temperature
-25° TO 60°C Operational
-45° TO +65°C Storage
* All specifications subject to change without notice or obligation to retrofit. Consult factory for custom options and/or alternate specifications.