Contribute to the development of a modern ATC transceiver with excellent performance data.
The development team had the task of developing an Air Traffic Control transceiver for ground-based use with an output power of 50 W. At the end of the design phase, it was possible to achieve the radio frequency (RF) limits by a couple of dBs higher than defined in the corresponding EN standard.
It was also requested to meet strict limits for MTBF (mean time between failures) in harsh environmental conditions.
System Architecture, Including Simulation of RF Path
We have been involved in this project since the beginning and have accompanied it through all development phases, including concept, design, certification, and production launch.
The complete system architecture, including simulation of the RF path, was created. This includes the design of the signal path from the antenna, RF conditioning, frequency translation, ADC, FPGA cores, signal processing, and development of control applications for embedded Linux software systems.
Size Reduction and Modern Interfaces
The result was a radio frontend with a compact receiver and transmitter modules. These have half the volume of the previous radio family while reaching better radio parameters.
Modern communication interfaces such as Ethernet, E1 / T1, VoIP and USB have also been added. They were trendy at the time of product launch and demanded by the ATC market.
The radio can easily be controlled remotely and fits perfectly into the IT infrastructure of the ATC market segment.
Embedded Software Provides Access to Radio Remote Control and Monitoring
The routines were implemented, debugged, and tested in C++ on embedded Linux in the FPGA-integrated NIOS2 processor for embedded software development. A hardware abstraction layer was designed using object-oriented techniques and UML modeling.
The applications enable various functionalities, such as SNMP management agent, TCP control access, and local USB configuration.
We also developed advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) algorithms to make the audio signal convenient for the pilot and ATC operator, and to support digital communication protocols such as VDL2 and ACARS.
The client is one of the world's leading providers in the Air Traffic Control segment.
The first concept phases were launched in 2004. The first prototypes followed in 2005. The first certifications were passed in 2006 and production began in the following years.
Next Solutions
Since the foundation of Consilia in 2004, we have finished and supported dozens of projects.
Services Used
DSP Design
Digital signal processing (DSP) is often considered math magic, especially for its complexity with various transforms and abstract theory background. For us, it is not that difficult.
FPGA Design
Our team has been making advanced FPGA designs for more than 20 years. We implement designs for the chips produced by the top FPGA manufacturer brands, like Intel, AMD, and Lattice.
PCB Design
This is a crucial activity we do in the complete product creation or as an on-demand service. We can support you with our considerable experience and technical background, including circuit design know-how, manufacturing services, and a professional PCB layout team.
Linux Application Development
Applications are the top layer of the whole software stack running on operating systems. Our output is usually an installation package for the requested Linux distribution and the test reports from the software testing.
Firmware Development
We develop bare metal applications focusing on low-cost BOM, low-power dissipation, and real-time code execution.
Software Testing
Testing is an important and necessary part of software development. We provide software testing as a specific service too.
Driver Development for Windows & Linux
Drivers are a significant part of the software for operating systems running on customized hardware platforms.
Application Areas
Radio Communication
We have been designing products in this market segment for 20 years. We are especially proud of the radios for ATC, base stations for TETRA, a family of products in the IoT, and monitoring receivers up to 50 GHz.
