critical comms jul/aug 2014

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Formerly Radio Comms Asia-Pacific

Inside July/August 2014

6 A sustainable future

14 Interoperability - the future looks bright

21 Adelaide scores with DMR

29 SDRification - the RF revolution

32 Industry talking

38 Defence HQ - Exelis's new APAC facility

46 Backhaul

46 Spectrum

ON THE COVER

The R&S SGT100A is an extremely compact,

production-orientated, faceless vector signal

generator with very fast setting times and

an internal baseband generator. This vector

signal generator is suitable for production

applications, especially together with the R&S

FPS spectrum analyser.

The R&S SGT100A is the fastest vector signal

generator up to 6 GHz with frequency and level

switchover times of typically 240 µs, and is the

smallest standalone vector signal generator

with integrated baseband generator with only

one height unit and ½ 19″ rack width. It’s ideal

for production - compact, fast, cost-effective,

easy-to-integrate, full-featured - and supports

all digital WinIQSIM2 standards.

The R&S FPS is an exceptionally fast and

compact signal and spectrum analyser for

performance-orientated users. In production and

in monitoring systems, only 2 HU of rack space

are required - a 50% reduction compared with

traditional instruments. The R&S FPS excels with

its high measurement speed, 160 MHz signal

analysis bandwidth and wide range of analysis

packages for analog modulation methods and

wireless/wideband communications standards.

It is up to five times faster than comparable

signal and spectrum analysers and provides

measurement routines optimised for speed

and high data throughput, which is a crucial

advantage in production applications.

The R&S FPS features a frequency range

up to 4/7/13.6/30 GHz, up to 160 MHz

signal analysis bandwidth and 0.4 dB level

measurement uncertainty up to 7 GHz.

The R&S SGT100A is ideally complemented

by the R&S FPS signal and spectrum analyser.

Together, the two instruments can be used

as a mini system for testing high-frequency

components at maximum speed.

Rohde & Schwarz (Australia) Pty Ltd www.rohde-schwarz.com

www.CriticalComms.com.au/latest_issues

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4 This issue is sponsored by — Rohde & Schwarz — www.rohde-schwarz.com

Most of the major players in the critical

communications industry came together

at the Australian Technology Park in June

for the inaugural Comms Connect Sydney

conference and exhibition. Speaking to

many of the exhibitors, delegates and

speakers, it was clear that the event

was very successful and exceeded many

people’s expectations. Congratulations

to all involved; it’s a fantastic start and will be sure to be a winner

again next year.

On the same day as Comms Connect Sydney began, down in

Melbourne the Minister for Major Projects and Manufacturing, David

Hodgett, was on hand to open Exelis’s new Asia-Pacific headquar-

ters and R&D, testing and systems integration facility. Located at

Exelis C4i’s St Kilda Road premises, the new HQ has the capacity

to double the company’s technical staff as it seeks to boost its

presence in our region. In this issue you’ll find an interview with

C4i’s Peter Harrison, who gives us more detail on the Exelis C4i

story and where developments are headed.

Another very interesting development associated with Comms

Connect was the formation of a Public Safety Advisory Board with

representatives from a wide range of sectors involved in public

safety critical communications. A preliminary meeting was held prior

to the start of the conference, where experts from around Australia

and from overseas got together to discuss issues of concern. The

board is a very welcome initiative, and it will be interesting to see

where it leads. Keep reading Critical Comms online for more details.

As always, if you have any feedback about any of the articles

in this issue, or if you’d like to propose something, please do get

in touch with me.

Jonathan Nally, Editor

[email protected]

Transmit Calendar

All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

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Head OfficeCnr. Fox Valley Road & Kiogle Street, (Locked Bag 1289), Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia Ph +61 2 9487 2700 Fax +61 2 9489 1265

AugustWhat: APCO 2014When: 3-6 August 2014Where: New Orleans, Louisiana, USAWebsite: apco2014.org

What: Interseg 2014When: 17-19 August 2014Where: São Paulo, BrazilWebsite: feirainterseg.com.br/en/

SeptemberWhat: Critical Communications Middle EastWhen: 15-17 September 2014Where: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, DubaiWebsite: criticalcommunications-me.com

What: Comms Connect Melbourne 2014When: 30 September-2 October 2014Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition CentreWebsite: comms-connect.com.au

OctoberWhat: TETRA Congress Americas 2014When: 20-22 October 2014Where: New York, USAWeb site: tetracongressamericas.com

For a full list of dozens of industry events, see criticalcomms.com.au/calendar_events.


http://www.wirelessdata.com.au


A SUSTAINABLE FUTUREGOVERNMENT OPERATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONSThe following is an edited version of the opening keynote address made by Rod Gilmour, chairman of the NSW Telco Authority, at the Comms Connect Sydney conference. Natural disasters such as the floods in Queensland have shown the need for robust public safety communication systems.



Thank you Comms Connect for asking the NSW Telco Authority to open today’s proceedings. It’s pleasing to see such a wide rep-resentation here this morning,

including international guests, to participate in this important conference.

The NSW Telco Authority is all about ‘Building a sustainable future for govern-ment operational telecommunications’. In the current environment, everyone everywhere is expected to do more with less - and government is no exception. Organisations’ budgets and staff are under pressure, yet we are all required to do more. Demand for spectrum is increasing, technology is rapidly changing and government needs to keep up. Overlaying all of this is demand for services that rely on improved technology.

The frequency and impact of natural disasters and other major incidents and

events are on the rise. It seems that we experience so-called once-in-a-lifetime events more and more. A string of natural disasters have affected Australia over the last few years: for example, the October 2013 bushfires, the Queensland floods (December 2010 and January 2011) and Cyclone Yasi (February 2011), all of which have highlighted the need for improved communications technologies.

In our increasingly connected world, peo-ple expect communications to be available and working 24/7. We have all developed an increased dependency on communica-tions to better support the community and emergency services to do their jobs. There is also increased community engagement with available comms to send and receive information in emergencies - the commu-nity now relies more on social media than traditional media.

I know radio communications profession-als are passionate about what they do and strive to deliver quality services to frontline staff. Traditionally, agencies have been pro-vided with separate budgets to meet their own dedicated communications requirements and as a result there is duplication, waste and inefficiencies. Agencies also have their own unique needs - some are quite small and operational telecommunications is not their area of expertise.

The Telco Authority has a unique view across the whole sector that enables us to maximise benefits and identify opportunities to consolidate and coordinate.

The Authority has been set up to har-ness the opportunities to coordinate on behalf of the NSW Government to make sure we’re doing what’s required to meet community expectations and to be sustain-able. Our role is to improve coordination ©

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GOVERNMENT COMMS

Rod Gilmour, chairman, NSW Telco Authority

and provide high-quality, efficient services across the operational telecommunications sector that provide much needed support to frontline workers now and into the future. We are here to advocate for the needs and requirements of NSW Government and the community, now and in the future.

The introduction of new technology comes at a cost - but it also provides a chance to improve service delivery to the community. If the sector wants to remain sustainable, we have to make key strategic decisions now and in the coming years to better enable us to fight crime and terrorism, save lives and defend properties under threat from natural causes. A ‘do nothing’ scenario would see a significant investment to maintain and replace current systems, but without any gain in service improvements.

Like many sectors of government, the provision of mobile radio and data services is undergoing reform. We’re getting on with the reform program, which is consistent with the NSW Government’s 2021 plan. We’re delighted to have active and posi-tive support from our former Minister, the Hon. Andrew Constance, who is now the Treasurer. We also already have support from our newly appointed Minister, the Hon. Dominic Perrottet.

The role of the NSW Telco AuthorityThe Telco Authority supports NSW Government agencies that use operational telecommunica-tions for critical and non-critical purposes.

We recognise the important role emergency service and law enforcement agencies have in the community. We are partnering with agencies to fully understand their require-ments and plan for the future to make sure we provide the right direction and guidance to meet their needs.

We also coordinate responses to telecom-munications outages during major emergencies and natural disasters. We act as a link between carriers and emergency service agencies to protect carrier infrastructure in emergencies because it provides the link between agencies and the community.

The Telco Authority Board has a mix of public and private sector experience. The board provides strategic direction and sets policy for the sector. Our mantra is - if we’re not adding value for our customers, we’re not doing our job.

So what are we doing and what have we done so far? Over the past three years, we’ve learned a lot about what’s out there in terms of infrastructure - and there’s much more work to do. More than 70 NSW Government agen-cies currently own and/or operate independent radio networks to support their operations. Our investigations have shown that there are over 3200 telecommunications sites across NSW.

We are working with agencies to identify how we can make best use of what we have by coordinating our activities to help save agencies time and money.

Through the use of shared networks and infrastructure, we will be better able to man-age increasing demand for spectrum, achieve increasing economies of scale and offer agen-cies affordable radio services.

The 2014/15 Corporate Plan supports this work. It gives our customers, and the sector more generally, a road map on how we intend to drive service improvements and sector capability, while also increasing efficiency and ensuring we get access to the right resources, tools and information.

I am pleased to advise that last week the Telco board approved the new plan, and de-tails will be available on the Telco Authority website shortly. The Telco Authority has made significant gains over the past three years. For the first time we have an accurate picture of what infrastructure is out there, and we have worked hard at creating an environment that promotes collaboration between agencies.

All of this work increases efficiencies - allowing agencies to save money and gain access to the latest technology at more competitive prices.

We have undertaken a significant amount of work in better managing contracts with service providers, as well as providing agencies with the support and intelligence to make their own decisions on the most cost-effective way to have their needs met.

We have developed relationships with a broad group of suppliers through the pro-curement scheme established in 2013. The scheme has allowed organisations to supply equipment, infrastructure and services to the sector, and allows agencies to match the right vendor to the right job. It provides simplified access for NSW Government buyers and industry vendors, and promotes increased competitiveness to enable all agencies to get better value for money.

There are currently over 100 approved private sector suppliers including small and medium businesses participating across NSW.

The futureWe are also looking at the long-term strategic direction for operational telecommunications services. This is to ensure that public safety and essential service agencies have the right tools to allow them to deliver services to the NSW community and so that we can explore how the Authority and industry can better support the sector in providing modern, robust and reliable technology to frontline staff.

It will build on sector-wide planning work undertaken in 2013/14 and outline in-novative ways to transform the sector from one where agencies need to build, own and operate their own dedicated networks to one where they have access to the right service delivery model.

All of the work we are doing will help to ensure government operational telecom-munications remains sustainable and that the people who provide services to the NSW community are able to do their jobs and have the best possible support.

To achieve reform we have had to build our capability - we’ve had real change in our culture and approach. We’ve come a long way and delivered real results in the last three years. These things only happen when you have an effective management team - they understood the task and are getting on with it.

At the same time, we have a board that is focused on setting the overall strategic direction. I am confident that the board and Authority management, with support from the Minister, will continue to deliver results based on the objectives that are set out in our 2014/15 Corporate Plan.


http://www.c4i.com


NewsWIRED INTERFACEZetron has developed a second wired interface to a TETRA infrastructure for its AcomEVO system. The interface was developed for Cassidian’s TETRA system. It supports a range of key features, including individual cal l , group call , priority call, emergency call, call alert, short data and short text. According to Zetron, wired interfaces are more efficient for large networks and support greater voice and data capabil it ies. Zetron previously developed a wired interface connecting AcomEVO and Rohill’s TetraNode system, and wireless TETRA interfaces to Motorola, Sepura and Cassidian radios based on the TETRA PEI standard.Full story: bit.ly/VuR9Zh

TETRA FOR SINGAPOREAxell Wireless has provided equipment to upgrade Singapore’s public safety network to support TETRA. The project covers every major iconic and government building in the country, as well as the entire metro network. Axell supplied a network of digital channel selective off-air systems for in-building coverage and selected outdoor areas of Singapore. The company’s fibre DAS solutions were chosen to provide coverage inside the metro, which currently comprises 180 km of lines; plans are in place to double it by 2030. The entire public safety network is monitored using Axell’s remote monitoring system, AEM.Full story: bit.ly/1zhx48f

INTEGRATION TESTINGZetron and Simoco have completed successful joint testing of Zetron’s MAX Dispatch system utilising the Project 25 (P25) Digital Fixed Station Interface (DFSI) with Simoco’s P25 conventional network. The success of the testing confirms the ability of the MAX Dispatch console and Simoco’s network to integrate and perform seamlessly together. Both companies say the effort illustrates the benefits that result when manufacturers develop solutions that adhere to open standards and underscores their ongoing support of open standards-based solutions. MAX Dispatch is the second Zetron console system to utilise the DFSI with Simoco’s conventional network.Full story: bit.ly/1mX0XRi

Software-defined radiosSignal Hound produces a range of software-

defined radios optimised for spectrum analysis

and RF recording. Using innovative RF tech-

nology, Signal Hound units have the sensitivity,

accuracy and dynamic range expected in far

more expensive equipment up to 12 GHz.

The BB60A operates to 6 GHz, features 1 PPS input for GPS time-stamping of recorded

RF streams and can simultaneously monitor two stations or record the entire FM radio band.

The USB-SA44B can operate to 4.4 GHz. It has an added preamplifier for improved

sensitivity and reduced LO leakage. An in-built thermometer for temperature corrections

allows accurate amplitude measurements over the entire operating temperature range.

It is a compact, simple-to-use tool for general lab use, engineering students, radio

enthusiasts and hobbyists. Software including Windows APIs is included. Third-party

software is also available.

Silvertone Electronics

www.silvertone.com.au

Cellular routerMaestro Wireless Solutions has launched a machine-to-machine (M2M) failover-

capable router, the Maestro E200 Series. With high-speed cellular (3G and beyond),

WAN, LAN and Wi-Fi connectivity, the company says the E200 is a highly versatile,

reliable and rugged router designed for mission-critical enterprise applications re-

quiring faultless connectivity.

The router comes in two models - the cost-effective HSDPA ensures always-on

connectivity for 2G migration or low-latency applications such as energy and sales

and payment, while the HSPA penta-band is suitable for deployment in vertical

markets requiring high speed or global roaming such as security and transportation.

The router can be configured through an easy-to-use web interface; a configura-

tion wizard will help the user set up the router step by step and select primary and

redundancy networks; advanced configuration such as VPN, IPsec, OpenVPN and

Wi-Fi hotspot setting is also directly available through the web interface. Remote

management is also available through an HTTPS connection.

Maestro Pty Ltd

www.maestro.com.au

Handset-based consoleSepura’s HBC2 colour Handset Based Console has been designed to operate

in the harshest working environments while combining the functionality of a

traditional radio console with a telephone handset.

HBC2 has advanced features normally associated with Sepura’s STP9000

hand-portable radios, including the ability to be configured as a handset

or a ‘fist microphone console’ - designed to appeal to users upgrading

from legacy analog-based systems - and new vehicle-orientated features,

such as ‘night mode’. The HBC2 shares a common control layout and

user interface with Sepura’s STP9000 handheld, STP8X Intrinsically Safe

series and SRG3900 radio terminals, enabling users to switch easily

between radios and virtually eliminating the need for retraining. HBC2 is

compact enough to be concealed in a glove compartment for semi-covert

use and robust enough with its IP55 rating, making it resistant to dust and

water ingress, and suitable for use on the exposed rear of a fire engine or

in grime-laden mining vehicles.

Sepura PLC

www.sepura.com


NEW IP Advanced

Radio System

http://www.icom.net.au


TETRA radiosSepura has launched the STP9000 series of hand-portable

radios and the SRG3900 mobile radios in the TETRA 344-

400 MHz and the 800 MHz bands.

The TETRA terminals have been developed in both

frequency variants in order to serve customers in

emerging markets, including China (344-400 MHz)

and North America (800 MHz) as well as to increase

the opportunity for market share growth in other

800 MHz markets: Asia, Australia, South America and

Brazil, specifically.

The IP67-rated STP9000 series radios are designed

to operate in challenging environments. Their attributes

include a new generation of highly sensitive GPS with

‘predictive ephemeris’, plus an evolved, more intuitive

user interface, improved full duplex audio and battery

performance, and a whole new level of robustness.

Its design retains 100% compatibility with existing STP8000

accessories and software.

The 344-400 MHz and 800 MHz bands SRG3900 is

designed to meet the needs of users within the transport,

utility and public safety markets looking for a feature-rich

TETRA mobile, with flexible installation options, making it

suitable for use in cars, trucks, mobile and fixed control

rooms, motorcycles, aircraft and even boats and trains.

The SRG3900, with its dual remote console support for

maximum flexibility in use, a powerful 10 W RF power

rating and full gateway and repeater functionality, keeps

users connected in challenging environments.

Sepura PLC

www.sepura.com

Infrared camerasThe Fluke Ti90 and Ti95 Infrared Cameras with wireless connectivity

are suitable for maintenance, troubleshooting and HVAC/R technicians,

electricians and facility managers who need to collaborate and share

measurements with others on their team.

Both units feature a spatial resolution of 5.6 mRad, enabling technicians

to conduct infrared inspections from a safer distance without compromis-

ing accuracy. The 3.5″ colour LCD screen has adjustable brightness for

easy viewing in most conditions.

The cameras come with an extensive SD memory system, including a

removable 8 Gb SD memory card or 8 Gb wireless SD Card (where avail-

able), letting technicians who share cameras to simply swap SD cards at the

end of their shift instead of needing to download images onto their PC before

turning the camera over to the next technician.

The Ti95 features Fluke IR-Fusion technology with Picture-in-Picture and full

visible on both cameras for easier identification and reporting of problems.

AutoBlend and Picture-in-Picture modes are available in the included Smart-

View reporting software (both models) to easily perform analysis and image

adjustments/enhancements.

Fluke Australia Pty Ltd

www.fluke.com.au

Snap-on automated tool control system toolboxThe Snap-on Level 5 automated tool control system toolbox

helps end foreign object damage (FOD). This is a tool stor-

age and control system used to automatically track individual

tools by user without barcodes, scanners, RFIS tags or other

add-ons.

It offers electronic, keyless entry. Each employee’s ID/keycard

is coded so that ATC can continuously record exactly who

enters the box and when. Simply remove or return any tools.

ATC automatically detects which tools have been returned

or removed and then confirms which tools are being issued

and/or returned. Lastly, the system input is accepted.

With every tool accounted for, accurate asset management

is assured, along with FOD compliance. The system provides

a one-touch listing of all tools out, who they are issued to

and where they are being used. Comprehensive analysis and

reporting can be performed from administrator workstations

located anywhere on the network. ATC works hand in hand

with our TC MAX inventory tracking software so inventory

records can be tracked in real time from any chosen location.

Snap-On Tools Aust Pty Ltd

www.snapontools.com.au/industrial


http://www.motorola.com/au


Disasters do not understand international boundaries. Nor do the public safety and emergency management officials who are tasked with responding to them. Now, more than ever, international cooperation in the field of public safety interoperability is helping to shape

an extremely positive future for information sharing and enhanced community safety.

I’ve worked in the public safety field for close to 40 years and have conducted research in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Caribbean, United States and my home country in Canada, and I believe that responders are poised to make - and in many cases are already making - huge strides towards enhanc-ing their capabilities in this field.

For example, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) now has at its disposal a world-class emergency operations centre that would rival any I have seen. Led by Commissioner Shane Fitzsim-mons, the RFS not only leverages state-of-the-art technology but backs it up with solid emergency planning, training and exercises (where they sometimes shut down all the technology to evaluate how their members will respond).

On a recent speaking and research trip, I visited Amsterdam, Singapore and Sydney. In each place, issues such as information management, privacy, enhanced situational awareness, unmanned aerial systems, body-worn video, alerting, social media, shared environments, good governance (the key to success) and a host of related issues were being discussed by public safety and emergency management leaders.

One of those issues is the need for wireless broadband access for mission-critical public safety voice and data.

Initial effortsThe highest-profile effort to secure both the spectrum and the funding needed to begin the process of developing a public safety broadband network is that of the United States’ First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet. FirstNet was created after Congress passed legislation in 2012 to “establish, operate and maintain an interoperable public safety broadband network”. It also allocated US$7 billion to the effort.

In Canada, the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG) announced in 2010 its intention to seek 20 MHz of the 700 MHz band for public safety use. CITIG made it clear that the Canadian Associations of Fire, Police and Paramedic Chiefs were standing shoulder to shoulder for this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to secure a national wireless broadband ‘system of systems’.

Since then, the Canadian government has set aside 10 MHz of the spectrum for public safety use, with an announcement pend-ing on the second 10 MHz (or what American responders called the D Block). Once this announcement is made, and assuming it is positive, Canadian and American responders and emergency management agencies will have the same 20 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum available for use. As the two nations share thousands of kilometres of mostly unprotected borders, this new capability will be welcomed by all.

Lance Valcour*

Public safety interoperability is experiencing rapid change globally, in fields such as public safety broadband access and NG9-1-1.

INTEROPERABILITYTHE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT



The key to this project, and most others, is that it is really not about the technology. Other important factors are governance, policies, procedures and so on. As you can imagine, getting two nations to agree on a common vision, and then a common path to achieve that vision, is a massive undertaking. Having said that, the level of coordination and cooperation between Canada and the United States is outstanding and both countries are anxious to keep ‘moving the ball down the field’.

The UK and European experienceFollowing the Canadian and US moves with public safety broadband, there has been an unprecedented level of cooperation to support similar capability planning elsewhere in the world.

In the United Kingdom, the Home Office is leading a research effort known as the UK Emergency Service Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP). A number of teleconferences have been held, with participation from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden. During one of those calls, various participants outlined their efforts to develop public safety broadband capabilities. While there were, and are, very different approaches to funding, governance and ownership, the critical issue of creating a powerful new broadband capability for emergency services was not in doubt.

A recent research paper drafted by the Royal United Services Institute provides an excellent analysis of a number of issues ap-plicable to mission-critical voice, spectrum ownership and more. While it focuses on efforts in the United Kingdom, the principles

and vision canvassed are relevant to the overall international effort. In Europe, an already complex situation is exacerbated by the need to get all EU countries, their responders and frequency regulators to agree on a common vision and way forward. Fortunately, a number of EU entities, such as the Radio Communication Expert Group (RCEG) of the Law Enforcement Working Party (a mixed committee of EU and European Free Trade Association members) of the Council of the European Union, have come out strongly in favour of 20 MHz of 700 MHz broadband spectrum. The RCEG has publicly adopted a statement on the requirement for ‘Public Protection and Disaster Relief Organisations’.

While the RCEG represents the EU law enforcement community, a wider range of public safety and disaster relief organisations also support this position. Only time will tell if they will be suc-cessful in their efforts.

Australasian developmentsOn the Australian front, a number of emergency services agencies have been working to develop a public safety broadband capability. According to the latest information available, the federal government is currently conducting research on the ‘value’ of the spectrum be-ing sought. I would argue that value can be defined in many ways. Certainly in these difficult economic times, the monetary value of the spectrum - what commercial entities might pay government to gain access (governments almost always own the spectrum, and only lease it for periods of time) - is significant.

Having said that, the argument in Canada and the United States was that the true worth of the spectrum was not its current mon-etary value but its long-term value to community safety, economic development (by stimulating research, innovation, job creation and safer cities) and enhanced effectiveness and efficiencies for responder and emergency management agencies.

One very positive, but non-binding, statement came from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement in its July 2013 report on ‘Spectrum for public safety mobile broadband’. Its first recommendation reads: “The committee recommends that the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy issue a Ministerial Direction to the Australian Communications and Media Authority to allocate 20 MHz of contiguous spectrum in the 700 MHz band for the purposes of a public safety mobile broadband network.”

Another item of research that is relevant to the issue of how much spectrum is required for public safety (10 MHz vs 20 MHz) can be found by reading the Government of Canada’s report, ‘700MHz Spectrum Requirements for Canadian Public Safety Interoperable Mobile Broadband Data Communications’, which states: “The re-sults show that the amount of bandwidth required to satisfy the needs of public safety is greater than 20 MHz in the near-to-mid term, and likely to also exceed 20 MHz in the long term, despite advances in technology.”

Next Generation 9-1-1 and Triple ZeroWhile the long-term vision for international public safety agen-cies is the implementation of wireless broadband, a shorter-term challenge for these same agencies is the issue of Next Generation 9-1-1 or NG9-1-1. Most countries have a three-digit emergency call

PUBLIC SAFETY

Photo credit: Highways Agency under CC



PUBLIC SAFETY

system with 911, 000, 111, 112 or various other numbering schemes in place. In Australia, the term used is Next Generation Triple Zero or NG000.

Essentially, NG9-1-1 is about improving the traditional emergency call system to include new capabilities such as text-to-9-1-1 (in most jurisdictions beginning with the deaf, deafened, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired community), photos-to-9-1-1, video-to-9-1-1 and, eventually, a wide range of data-to-9-1-1 (eg, medical information).

Once again, while a great deal of discussion has been taking place about the underlying technology questions, from this author’s perspective the issues of governance, coordination and cooperation are far more urgent. It was with this in mind that CITIG joined with the Canadian arms of the Association for Public Safety Communica-tions Officials and National Emergency Number Association to host an NG9-1-1 National Governance and Coordination Workshop in Ot-tawa in June of 2013. To read its recommendations, visit www.citig.ca/Data/Sites/1/newsfiles2013/ng9-1-1-status-report-vfinal-oct.pdf.

Another group that has been researching international best practices and developing recommendations for the future of NG000 is the National Emergency Communications Working Group-Australia and New Zealand (NECWG-A/NZ). It is expected that the results of its efforts will be available later this year.

ConclusionWhen it comes to technology, it is clear that the consumer markets are driving innovation and change - just compare the devices used by most teenagers to those currently in use in most public safety agencies. These new, converged and intelligent technologies (such as sensors, unmanned aerial systems and satellite imagery) are coming faster than the agencies can afford or assimilate them. But even with all this technology, much faster wireless pipelines and

Take part in the discussionComms Connect has announced the introduction of a Public Safety and Emergency Management stream at its Melbourne event to be held at the end of September. A wide range of Australasian and international experts will be on hand to discuss, debate and showcase their efforts.More info: comms-connect.com.au

Further readingFirstNet ntia.doc.gov/category/firstnet

Canada action700.ca

UK Emergency Service Mobile Communications Programme gov.uk/government/publications/the-emergency-services-mobile-communications-programme

RUSI research paper rusi.org/downloads/assets/201405_OP_Emergency_Services_Communications.pdf

Australian Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforce-ment July 2013 report on Spectrum for public safety mobile broadband aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Law_Enforcement/Completed_inquiries/2010-13/spectrum-mobilebroadband/report/b02

Government of Canada report, 700MHz Spectrum Requirements for Canadian Public Safety Interoperable Mobile Broadband Data Communications citig.ca/Data/Sites/1/action700/700mhztechnicalassessmentofpsrequirementsv09final!public.pdf

CITIG NG 9-1-1 National Governance and Coordination Work-shop citig.ca/Data/Sites/1/newsfiles2013/ng9-1-1-status-report-vfinal-oct.pdf

WHILE A GREAT DEAL OF DISCUSSION

HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE ABOUT THE

UNDERLYING TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS,

FROM THIS AUTHOR’S PERSPECTIVE

THE ISSUES OF GOVERNANCE,

COORDINATION AND COOPERATION

ARE FAR MORE URGENT.

*Inspector (Ret.) Lance Valcour O.O.M. retired from the Ottawa Police Service in 2010 after 33 years of service. From 2007 to April 2014, he led the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG). Valcour has extensive communications interoperability, command, leadership, strategic

planning and technology program experience at the national and international levels. He is currently Chair of the Law Enforcement Information Management Section of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

increased access to emergency data via NG9-1-1, the keys to suc-cess will continue to be enhanced levels of governance, policies and procedures. In other words, the people and the processes.

The bad news is that with ever-increasing disasters and emer-gencies, both natural and man-made, we need these advanced capabilities more than ever.

The good news is that public safety and government leaders are not only participating in this effort but, in many cases, are helping to shape its vision and future direction.

Photo credit: Highways Agency under CC


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NewsSPECTRUM REFORMThe federal government has announced that it will review current spectrum policy arrangements to ease the compliance burden on users and improve accessibility for new technologies. The spectrum framework was last formally reviewed by the Productivity Commission in 2002. In a statement, the Minister for Communications, Malcolm Turnbull, said it is time to take a comprehensive look at whether Australia’s spectrum policy and management framework remains fit for the digital age. The government says the review is an important step in boosting innovation and productivity which, in turn, benefits the broader community.Full story: bit.ly/1lKfYpib

PLATFORM VERIFICATIONSepura has announced verification of its next-generation terminal and infrastructure platforms, including mult i-protocol capability conforming to ETSI PMR and 3GPP standards. The company says this is an important milestone in its capacity to deliver future mission-critical voice and data application solutions utilising both narrowband and broadband spectrum. In a statement, Jonathan Hamill, Sepura’s VP of Government and Public Safety, said that Sepura has already demonstrated voice and data interoperability between TETRA and LTE, and is committed to delivering emerging technology solutions to its customers, futureproofing any long-term investment decisions.Full story: bit.ly/VPMKk6

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARDComms Connect has announced the formation of a Public Safety Advisory Board (PSAB), which will help to shape the future of public safety communications in Australia and New Zealand. The PSAB held its first meeting on 17 June in Sydney. The PSAB will comprise volunteer representatives from across public safety, emergency management, government agencies, utilities, academia and associated partners, such as non-government agencies. “In order to ensure we are focusing on the critical issues of importance to this community, we decided to create the PSAB and are extremely excited about the response to date,” said Paul Davis.Full story: bit.ly/1mwORUX

Console system APIZetron has developed a CAD/AVL application program interface (API) for its

DCS-5020 Digital Console system that enables integration between the console

and applications such as Zetron’s automated vehicle location (AVL) software and

third-party CAD and AVL solutions.

When the DCS-5020 API is used with AVL and CAD applications, dispatchers

can initiate call set-up, text messaging or status alerts, or enable the set-up of

patches on the console directly via the API to resources connected to the DCS-5020.

This enables AVL or CAD users to control many of their call operations directly

from the CAD or mapping resource instead of having to do so from the console.

Zetron Australasia

www.zetron.com

OscilloscopesMicsig’s MS-200 and MS-300/500 series oscilloscopes are suitable for field

service or laboratory testing applications.

Features include: multifunctional (oscilloscope, multimeter and recorder);

1GSa/s sampling rate; 2-channel oscilloscope, 1-channel multimeter; 5.7 inch

TFT touch screen; isolated inputs 1000 V CAT II 600 V CAT III on MS-300/

500 series; 190,000 wfms/s refresh rate on MS-500 series; serial data de-

code for UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, LIN, CAN, SPI, I2C, 1553B and 429 on

MS-500 series; three-year warranty

Emona Instruments Pty Ltd

www.emona.com.au

LTE handheldThe Motorola LEX 755 offers government-grade security,

a rugged form factor and the ability to send and receive

data, photos, video and voice over private LTE networks.

Mission-critical data applications and a quick-response

user interface provide an always-on public safety user

experience. Offering virtually unlimited connectivity, the

LEX 755 is designed for private LTE networks that operate

on one or more bands (3, 7 and 20) and with a manual

switch to operate on a public carrier LTE network with a

subscription for coverage extension and backup.

The LEX 755 supports any roaming agreements the

private LTE network may have in place and will fall back

to 3G/2G in the absence of LTE coverage if the network

supports it. Agencies operating in regions where private

LTE network spectrum is not available have the option of

utilising a public carrier network with connectivity to a public safety core and services.

The LEX 755 supports IMS/VoLTE and IMS/SMS services on 4G LTE in addition to

circuit switch voice and SMS. Using the advanced Security Enhanced (SE) version of

the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system, the LEX 755 Mission Critical Handheld

provides agencies with a secure and robust yet flexible platform for multimedia-rich

applications such as: real-time video streaming; CAD; unified PTT; email and web;

identity verification; evidence collection; mapping and navigation.

The unit features long-lasting batteries, an advanced 1.7 GHz dual-core processor,

high-resolution and sun glare-resistant 4″ display, a touch screen made from damage-

resistant glass, and FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Encryption via CRYPTR microSD Card and

Suite B-compliant IPSec VPN.

Motorola Solutions Australia Pty Ltd

www.motorola.com/au


http://www.gme.net.au


Coaxial connectorsCompact, installation-friendly 4.3-10 RF con-

nectors have been developed by a collabo-

ration of a number of high-profile connector

manufacturers, including Telegartner, to meet

the ever-increasing demands in mobile radio

communication applications.

The small size (smaller than 7-16) and the

low weight of these connectors do justice

to the increasing call for miniaturisation of

mobile radio network components. Despite

their size, the connectors provide good return

loss and passive intermodulation performance

(PIM) levels. In addition, the connector series

is variable, since one universal cable jack is

suitable for mating with three different cable

plug designs.

All of the 4.3-10 connectors meet the require-

ments of IP68 and, because of the properties

of materials used, are suitable for temperatures

ranging from -40 up to +85°C. Customised

connector designs for use at higher tempera-

tures are also possible on demand.

CNE Custom Cables Pty Ltd

www.customcables.com.au

LTE/VoLTE troubleshooterFluke Networks has released the

Network Time Machine LTE/VoLTE,

a portable LTE troubleshooting appli-

ance that helps wireless carriers resolve

network performance issues quickly and

cost effectively. The device provides extensive network and application visibility, as well

as the forensic details necessary to solve signalling or data performance problems in

20 Gbps carrier environments. Carriers can measure and prove network performance,

resolve subscriber issues and deliver the best-possible consumer experience to meet

growing voice, video, and data demands.

The solution’s performance bottleneck analysis (PBA) automatically discovers applications

and reports performance trending metrics by server, network, and client site. Network Time

Machine also provides voice and video traffic analysis and playback, enabling carriers

to troubleshoot and monitor the entire triple play from a single appliance. It is available

in both portable and rackmount platforms.

Fluke Networks

www.fluke.com


http://www.techrentals.com.au


ADELAIDE SCORES WITH DMRThe people of Adelaide have a brand new stadium at which to enjoy sporting and concert events, protected and managed using a state-of-the-art Simoco communications network.

In 2009, the Government of South Australia committed $535 million to transform the old Adelaide Oval into a new, world-class venue for the 21st century, with a 2100-square-metre playing ground and seating capacity of around 50,000.

Baulderstone Pty Ltd (now Lend Lease), one of the larg-est building and engineering companies in Australia, was awarded the construction contract to redevelop the venue and began major works in the first quarter of 2012. The project was completed in March 2014 and the redeveloped Adelaide Oval now sits proudly within a revitalised precinct.

But as well as the obvious structural developments, behind the scenes the oval also needed a new, robust and resilient radio communications system to replace its simple analog repeater and ensure the safe and successful management of the venue.

That system would need to accommodate many groups of us-ers, all with specific requirements, and all of whom would need to communicate with each other across thousands of square metres, including in confined spaces, tunnels and concrete structures which, together, presented a number of technical challenges, such as blind spots.

This complexity led the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority (SMA) to seek a solution that would deliver an interop-erable digital system that would meet the needs of all personnel.

Evaluation and deploymentCommunications company Simoco made its pitch by adopting a consultative approach, evaluating the project and doing a full-scale site audit. Whatever system was devised would have to provide reli-able communications to 13 different user groups: catering; corporate

and retail; function and events; food and beverage administration; office and tours; event staff; stadium supervisors; maintenance; ground staff, car park; oval security and secondary security; clean-ing; ticketing; and the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA).

The company pointed out the benefits of using a private com-munications infrastructure and how extra capabilities could be built in to ensure that emergency services had access to venue communications should a critical situation arise during an event, and that the venue could benefit from remote monitoring and alerts.

Following a comprehensive consultation, Simoco’s Xd DMR Tier III end-to-end trunked radio network was chosen as the solution.

Simoco Xd offered increased call capacity over the oval’s previ-ous radio system, all built on an IP backbone, and provides more reliable coverage right to the edge of the signal range - an impor-tant factor for public safety and efficient operational management.

The contract covered system design, installation and a four-year maintenance agreement for five digital base stations, a robust distributed antenna system (DAS) and the use of more than 300 handheld radios.

The trunked radio solution offers a number of benefits for the venue including dynamic allocation of channels to allow simultaneous calls for multiple user groups thus eliminating queuing. The system effectively has extra capacity for all users during busy periods.

It took only six weeks for the system to be fully installed and for the oval’s staff to be trained on it.

Better coverageThe newly refurbished Adelaide Oval opened to the public on 29 March 2014 with a showdown between the Port Adelaide and

CASE STUDY



IT TOOK ONLY SIX WEEKS FOR THE SYSTEM TO BE FULLY

INSTALLED AND FOR THE OVAL’S STAFF TO BE TRAINED ON IT.

CASE STUDY

Adelaide AFL clubs - a milestone event that attracted 50,397 spectators. Since then, the oval has hosted AFL football every weekend as well as a range of private functions.

The Xd DMR system has shown itself to be a highly effective and economical communication solution that delivers the latest in digital radio standards, enabling the SMA to manage and control its critical communications across the oval.

With thousands of people regularly flocking to the facility, staff have to deal with a large number of spectators arriving and leav-ing the venue within a short space of time and often in a noisy and crowded environment. Simoco helped the SMA address these challenges by providing better noise rejection over a greater range compared to analog, particularly at the farthest edges of the network.

Furthermore, Simoco addressed issues around the lack of radio coverage in the basement and car park areas by developing and

successfully deploying a customised distributed antenna solution.The company continues to undertake ongoing maintenance of the communications systems and has also been engaged to provide supplementary radios through its rental division to meet additional demand during high-profile events.

One of those events will be the Rolling Stones concert later this year. More than 50,000 fans are set to see the Stones perform, and Simoco’s equipment will be crucial for effective communication among staff on the night.

Simoco’s Australian division will continue to work closely with the Adelaide Oval SMA to provide a long-term solution that will grow along with the venue.

Simoco Australasia Pty Ltd www.simocogroup.com

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Agilent’s Electronic Measurement Group, including its 9,500 employees and 12,000 products, is becoming Keysight Technologies.

Learn more at www.keysight.com

http://www.keysight.com


NewsHF CONTRACT

Barrett Communications has been awarded a $6 million contract to supply HF equipment to a border security agency in Central Asia as part of a United States Assistance program. The equipment is the PRC-2090 Tactical HF Manpack, the PRC-2091 Tactical HF Mobile and the PRC-2092 Tactical HF Base Station. The PRC-2090 transceiver is the basis of all configurations; its intuitive user interface ensures that operation is very simple, requiring minimal user training. The units provide the user with secure long-range voice and data comms without the need for existing infrastructure.Full story: bit.ly/1j6jjEp

TRAINING SURVEYARCIA is looking into options for the provision of training for apprentices and technicians. At present, there are few options available within the TAFE system, so ARCIA is looking at establishing priorities and then working with private training organisations to offer courses. ARCIA is also contemplating the possibility of offering facilities where a technician’s training can be documented and an ‘Industry Certification’ regime implemented where training and skill levels can be made available through ARCIA to its members. This would require each technician to regularly provide details of training with documentation regarding capabilities.Full story: bit.ly/1jcdoOt

FIRE REPORTRMIT University has released a report that examines the impact on south-west Victoria of the mass telecommunications outage in November 2012. The report identifies the need for government, business and families to prepare telecommunications survival plans to help manage the impact of any future failures in telecommunications systems. The outage, which lasted up to 20 days in some areas and affected at least 100,000 people, was estimated by the state government to have cost the region almost $1 million a day - though the true financial impact may never be known.Full story: bit.ly/VuOlve

Vector signal generatorRohde & Schwarz has expanded the frequency range of its R&S SMW200A high-end

vector signal generator to 20 GHz. The instrument combines a baseband generator,

RF generator and fading simulator in a single box. In addition, it can be equipped

with a second 20 GHz path, making it possible to simultaneously generate up to two

wideband microwave signals with any type of modulation.

The instrument’s ability to combine a 6 GHz and a 20 GHz path in a single box

enables users to quickly and easily perform the receiver and performance tests required

by many telecommunications standards - no matter whether they need only the wanted

signal or, in addition, interferers and perhaps even fading or additive white Gaussian

noise (AWGN). The device accommodates all of these requirements and can generate

signals in an application-compliant way. Using informative block diagrams on a touch

screen, users can quickly configure the relevant signal parameters.

The R&S SMW-B120 microwave option up to 20 GHz supports numerous A&D applica-

tions in the X and Ku bands. The vector signal generator also delivers phase-coherent

signals for testing phased array antennas.

With the integrated test case wizard, users can configure even complex WCDMA or

LTE test scenarios with the required wanted signal along with an interfering signal and

fading or AWGN with the press of a button.

The internal baseband generator already supports a large signal bandwidth up to

160 MHz. Using external I/Q signals, the signal bandwidth can even extend up to

2 GHz. Using the optional fading simulator, MIMO scenarios can be simulated in a

reproducible way, making it possible to quickly configure even higher MIMO modes

such as 2x2, 4x4 or 8x2. All functions of the R&S SMW200A can be easily remotely

controlled via GPIB, LAN or USB.

Rohde & Schwarz (Australia) Pty Ltd

www.rohde-schwarz.com

Inspection probeDamaged or dirty optical connectors can adversely affect network performance.

Scratches, chips and contamination on optical fibre connector end faces reduce

transmission quality and increase errors. This leads to additional installation and

maintenance work and costs.

The G0306A video inspection probe can reduce these issues by verifying the

condition and cleanliness of connector end faces during the installation phase.

The connector image and detailed pass/fail status are displayed as defined by

IEC 61300-3-35, ensuring quality and consistency from connector to connector,

technician to technician.

The 400x G0306A is available for use with Anritsu’s MT9083x2 series access

master, MT9090A network master series µOTDR and for Windows-based PCs, and

features one-button PDF report generation from the OTDR or PC.

Anritsu Pty Ltd

www.anritsu.com


http://www.simocogroup.com


HF radioCodan Radio Communications has announced the launch of its second-generation Digital Voice technology for the Envoy HF

smart radio. Digital Voice provides voice clarity on the HF band, providing an experience that is similar to mobile phones and

ensures continued operation in degraded and fading HF channels.

Codan’s voice coding technology provides greater clarity of voice over a range of rates from 2400 bps to 600 bps, proving

optimum performance in varying conditions. The technology supports STANAG 4591 (MELPe), MIL-STD-188-141B ALE and AES-256

encryption, while including a propriety vocoder mode which is said to provide superior voice performance compared to MELPe.

Additional Envoy enhancements include: GPS navigation, now using waypoints for measuring distances between radios and

set locations; and its user interface, with a new missed-call feature and the ability to group contacts for better management of

communications channels and large networks. The Envoy now also supports the connection of external audio recording devices for

safety, traceability and auditing requirements. Standard features include a colour screen, IP capability and multilanguage support.

Codan Limited

www.codan.com.au

Bluetooth protocol stackNordic Semiconductor has launched the S130 SoftDe-

vice - a Bluetooth Smart protocol stack which allows

the development of Nordic nRF51 Series SoC-based

advanced wearable Bluetooth Smart hub network

topologies that don’t always need a smartphone pre-

sent to operate. The Bluetooth 4.1 compliant protocol

stack includes all Bluetooth Smart protocol layers up

to and including GATT/GAP.

The product supports multilink central, peripheral,

observer and broadcaster roles, GATT server and cli-

ent, and event-driven, asynchronous and thread-safe

GATT/GAP and L2CAP APIs. Other features include

an over-the-air device firmware upgrade (OTA-DFU)

capability that leverages the Nordic nRF51 Series

SoCs’ flash architecture for in-the-field product firmware

updates. It is a suitable choice for Bluetooth Smart

hubs that are not smartphones or tablets.

The product is delivered as a SoftDevice for

Nordic’s nRF51 Series ICs and, as such, it is a pre-

compiled binary with no link time dependencies to

application code.

Braemac Pty Ltd

www.braemac.com.au

Tablet dispatch consoleOmnitronics has released RediTALK Air, a tablet-based console that can support

both analog and digital radios. RediTALK Air is built on the same technology as

the RediTALK IP console but includes the added dimension of mobility, enabling

dispatch operators to be free from their desks or for managers and supervisors

to have a simple means of communicating over their radio network.

The console can connect to digital radios over IP and is compatible with a

range of digital technologies, both conventional and trunked, through the com-

pany’s DRG infrastructure. It supports a single talk group or channel at any one

time. It also includes a range of digital functionality such as individual and group

calling and text messaging as well as the comprehensive integrated contacts list.

The interface can also be used in conjunction with RediTALK and DX-Altus

consoles. It operates on Windows 8 tablets.

Omnitronics Pty Ltd

www.omnitronics.com.au

RFID transpondersThe HARTING Ha-VIS RFID VT 86 (HT) transponder was designed for the aviation industry, meaning it can

be deployed worldwide. Product features include robustness, temperature resistance, high protection class

and performance in difficult environments.

In other applications, eg, MRO scenarios (maintenance, repair, operations) in industrial environments,

transponders are frequently used exclusively on site. The company offers this field of applications RFID

transponders from its Ha-VIS RFID VT series, which are designed and optimised for the respective band in

use. The result is an increase in read ranges with no impact on minimal design size.

Another market trend in the Industry 4.0 field is the demand for RFID transponders that are capable of

recording and storing extra information. An example of this type of application is the documentation of the

maintenance history of a safety-critical object. The company has a variant of the series that is characterised by

high user memory of more than 3 Kb, all while continuing to withstand rugged everyday industrial demands.

HARTING Pty Ltd

www.harting.com.hk



In the late 1980s, engineers began to experiment with the idea of the SDR. Historically, radios relied on complex analog circuitry not only for the transmission and reception of signals at RF and microwave frequencies but also for the encoding and decoding of the message signal.

The idea of the SDR was to use a general-purpose wireless radio for transmission and reception while executing many of the physical layer functions (such as modulation and demodulation) in software.

Some of the first significant incarnations of the SDR were military radiocommunications programs such as the SPEAKeasy program in the early 1990s, according to Software Defined Radio: Origins, Drivers and International Perspectives by Walter HW Tuttlebee. Radios designed as part of this program offered interoperability between various air interfaces by implementing many of the modulation and demodulation functions in software.

However, by the late 1990s, engineers were actively researching the use of SDR technology in commercial systems such as cellular base stations. One of the most influential papers that described the requirements of SDRs for an ever-increasing range of applica-tions was ‘Software Radios: Survey, Critical Evaluation and Future Directions’ by Dr Joseph Mitola III and published in IEEE Spectrum in 1993. As a result of his extensive research, Dr Mitola is widely known as the ‘Father of SDR’.

Modern base stations are perhaps the best embodiment of the benefits of the SDR approach. As wireless standards evolved from GSM through LTE, it became increasingly more difficult to add support for new standards with more hardware. In addition, base stations use sophisticated and evolving software for signal processing and closed-loop control.

For example, power amplifier (PA) linearisation techniques such as digital predistortion (DPD) are not only essential to the base station’s performance but also constantly improving over time. As a result, the SDR approach is ideal for base station design and long-term supportability.

Fundamental changes to instrumentationAt the same time the adoption of the SDR architecture was increas-ing in the wireless industry, RF test and measurement equipment was undergoing a significant evolution. In the early 2000s, the onslaught of new wireless standards required instruments to offer an increasing breadth of measurement capabilities, which led to a more flexible architecture.

Given the variety of RF measurements engineers were required to make, the historical practice of designing an instrument for a relatively narrow range of applications became impractical. As a result, test vendors began to explore the concept of software-defined RF test equipment.

The evolution of the traditional swept-tuned spectrum analyser marks one of the most dramatic examples of an industry-wide transition to software-defined instrumentation. In a traditional spec-trum analyser, functions such as the resolution bandwidth filters and power detection were implemented using analog components. Today, however, the modern RF signal analyser incorporates a general-purpose RF downconverter (a radio) to produce digitised I/Q samples. Internally, the instrument processes I/Q samples in a variety of ways including the computation of a spectrum. As a result, the same signal analyser that engineers might use to perform a spectrum measurement can also be used to decode a radar pulse, demodulate an LTE signal or even record a GPS signal off the air.

Today, test vendors have further refined the architectures of RF instruments to increasingly resemble that of the SDR. The fundamental architecture of the new generation of RF instruments

TEST & MEASUREMENT

The flexibility of the software-defined radio (SDR) is revolutionising not only the wireless industry but also RF test equipment.

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SDRificationTHE RF REVOLUTION



incorporates not only a general-purpose radio but also a wide range of PC and signal processing technologies such as multicore CPUs and FPGAs.

This ‘SDRification’ of today’s RF test equipment provides sub-stantial benefits in traditional RF test applications while helping engineers use applications that were previously impossible to solve with RF instrumentation.

The impact of Moore’s law on RF testThe consistent improvement in instrument signal processing per-formance is one of the most obvious benefits of integrating PC technology into RF instrumentation. Moore’s law predicts constant improvements in CPU processing power, which means similar improvements in instrument processing performance.

Thus, as CPU vendors continue to innovate on processor technol-ogy, PC-based instruments benefit by achieving faster measurement speeds. For example, the same spectrum measurement that took 50 ms a decade ago can now be performed in less than 5 ms.

In addition to the CPU, modern RF instruments increasingly incorporate a core technology of the modern SDR - the FPGA. Although RF instruments have used FPGAs for more than a decade, an evolving approach is to make the instruments’ FPGAs user programmable. User-programmable FPGAs are expanding the role of instrumentation from a single-function device to an infinitely flexible closed-loop control system.

With today’s FPGA-enabled instruments, engineers can marry the real-time control capabilities of the FPGA with the time-critical functions of testing. For example, in test applications that require device control through a digital interface, an FPGA-enabled instru-ment can synchronise digital device control with the execution of the RF measurements.

As a result of the new testing approaches offered by user-programmable FPGAs, engineers can see test time improvements of up to 100X.

The benefits of FPGA-enabled instruments have also driven significant innovation in the FPGA programming experience. Although some engineers have used hardware description languages such as VHDL for years, the complexity of FPGA programming is often a barrier for widespread adoption.

Expanding applications from SDRificationFinally, the SDR-like architectural elements of today’s RF instru-mentation have blurred the line between instrument and embedded platforms. Defining instrument characteristics such as a user-programmable FPGA have led to a rapid rise in the number of RF instruments used in embedded applications.

Twenty years ago, it seemed unimaginable to assemble a million-dollar collection of RF signal generators and RF signal analysers to prototype a radar system. Not only was such a system cost and size prohibitive, but the instrument programming experience prevented engineers from using the instruments like a radio.

Today, however, more compact and powerful PC-based instru-ment platforms such as PXI are ideal prototyping solutions for electronic embedded systems. PC-based instruments not only meet the size and cost requirements of embedded systems, but they also offer a software experience that helps engineers reconfigure an RF instrument for a wide range of uses. Now engineers are designing embedded systems such as radars, channel emulators, GPS recorders and DPD hardware with RF signal generators and analysers.

The ability to fully define and customise the behaviour of RF instrumentation with software is a key element to solving the next generation of test challenges. As a result, the architecture of tomorrow’s RF instruments will look more and more indistin-guishable from that of the SDR.

National Instruments Australia

www.ni.com/oceania

THE ‘SDRIFICATION’ OF TODAY’S RF TEST

EQUIPMENT PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL

BENEFITS IN TRADITIONAL RF TEST

APPLICATIONS.

TEST AND MEASUREMENT


http://www.silvertone.com.au

Untitled-2 2 27/06/2014 11:31:58 AM

http://www.anritsu.com


Bayswater

Industry TalkingThe middle of the year is a very busy time for our industry. During June we saw a very successful Sydney dinner with an attendance of around 150, which was excellent when you consider the competition on the night from State of Origin football. The first Comms Connect conference in Sydney was also a great event - it was particularly wonderful to see the level of support from NSW Government personnel; their support will help to make sure there will be more events in Sydney.

As we look ahead, the ARCIA Regional dinner in Brisbane will be held on 31 July (make a note in your calendar) at the Victoria Park Golf Club. This event will be along the same lines as the Perth events, with seminars in the afternoon followed by the dinner in the evening. Some excellent presenters are being arranged for this event, so watch the websites for details and make sure to support this local initiative.

October will see the Annual Gala Dinner in Melbourne, for which arrangements are now underway. This is always an excel-lent function, so make a note to be in Melbourne on 1 October. It is again being held in conjunction with Comms Connect, and early indications are that there will be another excellent confer-ence program. The standard of presentations and the range of topics are increasing every year, so make sure you are there.

The ARCIA Economic Research project is now well under-way, information is being gathered and we are working towards releasing details in conjunction with Comms Connect. This fulfilment of this project will be an important milestone for the communications industry. We also note that the government is conducting a review of communications governance in Australia; ARCIA will be making submissions on behalf of the radiocom-munications industry.

To cover the costs associated with the many functions of ARCIA, we rely heavily on memberships (have you joined yet for this year?) as well as partnerships. There are still some silver and bronze partnerships available, as well as some award sponsor-ships. These represent an excellent opportunity to promote your organisation to a vibrant and growing industry. For a copy of the prospectus, please contact ARCIA quickly or you may miss out. The benefits of our partnership program are excellent value and you will be supporting our industry in a positive manner.

Recently, our Training & Education committee conducted a survey to identify the priorities for topics that need educational modules developed. Thanks to all those who responded, we now have an overview of the order in which we need to develop training modules and this will aid our training plans. We ar-ranged for a group of school students to visit Comms Connect in Sydney, where they were given an overview of our industry, visited several exhibition stands and were given an outline of communications options. This was a very successful pilot and we hope to be able to do similar things in the future; reaching out to our students is an important exercise.

Ian MillerExecutive Officer(for Hamish Duff who was on leave)Australian Radio Communications Industry Association

RF modulesRadiocrafts TinyMesh enables

the Internet of Things (IoT).

TinyMesh is a powerful multi-

hop mesh protocol with bidirec-

tional wireless communication for control and monitoring of individual

nodes. Easy to use, the modules only require set-up and configuring of

devices; there is no need to develop firmware. TinyMesh RC1140 and the

RC2500(HP) are compact, surface-mounted, high-performance modules

for wireless mesh networking applications. The modules feature fully

embedded mesh/multi-hop protocol with automatic network forming and

self-healing features. Serial application data is entered on the UART port

and transported automatically to the desired destination node without

further interaction from any external processor.

The modules are completely shielded and pre-certified for operation

in worldwide licence-free bands. The RC2500(HP) TinyMesh module is a

high-power version offering higher maximum power output. IoT and M2M

applications for the modules include wireless sensor networks; automatic

meter reading; alarm and security systems; telemetry stations; fleet man-

agement; asset tracking; and street lighting control and monitoring.

M2M Connectivity

www.m2mconnectivity.com.au

400 W convection-cooled power suppliesXP Power has announced the SDH400 series of single- and dual-output

400 W highly efficient convection-cooled power supplies. The compact

1U profile chassis-mount supplies, measuring 203 x 127 x 40.64 mm,

can deliver the full 400 W output without the need for any cooling fans

or forced air flow. The single-output models have a peak power capability

that allows them to deliver 700 W for up to 0.5 s. This feature is suitable

for accommodating applications that have momentary high start-up cur-

rents such as that of a motor, but removes the need for a higher-rated,

larger power supply being specified. The range comprises nine models

providing all the nominal output voltages from 3 to 60 VDC. Three dual-

output models are also available that offer output combinations of 5/12,

5/24 or 12/24 VDC. A trim function allows the user adjustment of output

voltage in the range ± 5% of stated nominal to make up for load losses

or to cater for non-standard voltage requirements.

Amtex Electronics

www.amtex.com.au


http://www.emctech.com.au

http://www.icsindustries.com.au


NewsTETRA FOR METROIn cooperation with local partner SICE Chile, Hytera will provide digital voice and data communications across the Metro de Santiago network in Chile. Hytera will deliver four TETRA switching nodes and 77 TETRA base stations, along with Hytera's ACCESSNET-T IP system, which will cover all lines of Metro Santiago de Chile. To enhance operations further, Hytera will provide 42 dispatcher workstations and voice-recording systems for the metro control room. Along with the network, Hytera will supply more than 2000 TETRA radios, ranging from PT580H handhelds and MT680 mobiles to special onboard train radio solutions.Full story: bit.ly/1xAu9G4

WA POLICE P25Motorola Solutions has completed the rollout of a P25 digital simulcast trunked radio system in Albany, Western Australia, as part of a multiyear project to extend the reach and provide a unified, digital and centrally managed communications network. The extension covers nearly 5000 square kilometres surrounding Albany and other population areas in the Great Southern region. In 2011, Motorola was awarded a five-year, $40 million contract to extend the digital radio network into rural Western Australia. The overall network covers 20,000 square kilometres surrounding Perth’s metropolitan area plus 25,000 square kilometres in regional areas.Full story: bit.ly/1q7UEOP

WORLD CUP P25 TRIALTait implemented a trial P25 system for the 48,000-strong Minas Gerais Military Police force in Minas Gerais, Brazil, for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The company monitored the performance of the system, in the state capital Belo Horizonte, which hosted five World Cup games with a semifinal. Tait’s executive vice president global services, Judd Cain, said Tait was to deliver daily performance reports and take action to enhance performance, if necessary, via one of its global services management centres. Cain says that growing Tait’s managed services portfolio is a key part of the company’s strategy.Full story: bit.ly/1qMKffb

Network analysersEconomy Vector Network Analyser models from Anritsu are based on its patented

ShockLine VNA-on-chip technology, which simplifies the internal VNA architecture at

high frequencies, reduces instrument cost, and enhances accuracy and measurement

repeatability. The combination of lower cost and good performance makes ShockLine

VNAs suitable candidates for testing passive devices in a production environment; or

for that matter, in any cost-conscious testing environment.

The Economy 2-port ShockLine VNA models come in six different frequency ranges

- 1 MHz to 4/8/14/20/30/40 GHz.

The family of VNAs is packaged in a compact and rugged 2U chassis. All models

offer 350 µs per point sweep speed and better than 100 dB dynamic range, making

them suitable for a variety of device test applications. The units support SCPI com-

mand programming, with software driver support for the most common programming

environments. The series utilise standard LAN communications for robust remote control;

a powerful graphical user interface controls the ShockLine VNAs when attached to a

user-supplied monitor, keyboard and mouse.

For testing differential and multiport passive devices there are also two 4-port versions;

the 10 MHz to 4.5 GHz and 7 GHz models are the first in the series release, offering

better than 110 dB dynamic range.

Anritsu Pty Ltd

www.anritsu.com

IP radioThe Icom IP100H is a licence-free radio that works over wireless LAN (local

area networks) and IP networks. The radio offers secure conversation via

WLAN security protocols. It is capable of building-wide communications but

also has an internal antenna for short-range transmission.

The IP100H’s range is restricted only by the user’s IP network cover-

age. If connected over a VPN, Icom’s IP system expands communication

to dispersed sites. Using Icom’s VE-PG3 RoIP gateway, the system can

interconnect with IP phones as well as analog and IDAS digital transceivers

and even smartphones.

The unit is lightweight, easy to handle and IPX7 rated. And when connected

to a headset the IP100H is capable of hands-free, full duplex communication,

which allows users to transmit/receive (talk/hear) concurrently.

The IP100H is suitable for organisations which, due to cost issues and

a need for a relatively small coverage requirement, usually use licence-free

radios. However, typical problems with this include: interference, lack of

privacy, limited calling features and communication instability due to peer-

to-peer communications in the busy shared band.

Because the IP100H uses wireless LAN protocol, issues such as interfer-

ence, lack of privacy, limited calling features and communication instability

due to peer-to-peer communications in the busy shared band are addressed,

providing clear and stable communications as well as privacy.

Icom New Zealand

www.icom.co.nz



Satellite commsInmarsat and Spectra Group UK

have launched L-TAC VHF for

civil government. The service will

significantly extend the range

and capabilities of VHF radios

used by the emergency services

and enable full interoperability

between civilian and defence

forces radios.

Introduced last year, Inmar-

sat’s L-TAC service is already in

use by defence forces around

the world. It provides a low-cost

Tactical UHF Satellite (TACSAT)

capability, which greatly extends

the range of UHF tactical radios

by linking them via Inmarsat’s

satellite constellation.

Utilising the Spectra Slingshot

adapter kit, developed for use

over the Inmarsat satellite net-

work, defence departments and

civil government customers can

rapidly convert existing radios

to access the L-TAC network

through the addition of a small

converter and antenna.

Previously, the benefits of

military-grade communications

technology, such as L-TAC, have

not been available to civilian

customers. To support civil

government agencies, Inmarsat

has introduced a VHF Simplex

version of Slingshot, with two

variants available: 58 to 88 MHz

(military band) and a civil ver-

sion at 144 to 174 MHz.

For regular VHF users,

L-TAC offers a fast-to-deploy

and cost-effective capability

for extending terrestrial cover-

age, either in remote terrains

where there is no local VHF

repeater or where natural or

criminal action has destroyed

the repeater. Both UHF and

VHF variants of Slingshot are

available in vehicular, maritime

and manpack versions and all

can be combined into a single

L-TAC network.

Inmarsat Services Ltd

www.inmarsat.com

Waveform generatorThe Siglent SDG800 waveform generator inherits

main features from SDG1000, inserting EasyPulse

tech from SDG5000, and can be widely applied

in electronic function test, environmental signal

analog, researching and education.

The series can output TTL signal with the same frequency when outputting a waveform. By the

means of an input external triggering signal, the generator can control the output of waveform. Also,

the generator can support output of AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, FSK, ASK, PWM, pulse string, linear

output/logarithmic frequency sweep.

It is equipped with a powerful Easywave editing software, with a variety of draw modes, synchronous

wave editing function, variable wave processing functions, and waves of ASCII .CSV files identifica-

tion. Easywave software can recur waves captured from a Siglent oscilloscope and send to the signal

source for outputting, realising the data sharing between oscilloscope and signal generator.

Nesco Electrical Products

www.nesco.com.au


http://www.emona.com.au


The NI vector signal transceiver

combines a vector signal analyzer

user-programmable FPGA for inline

processing and control. The VST offers

both out-of-the-box functionality and

ultimate user customizability.

Accelerate your productivity atni.com/vst

©2013 National Instruments. All rights reserved. National Instruments, NI, and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments. Other product and company names listed are

trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. 09420

Redefining RF with the

World’s First Vector Signal Transceiver

Australia: 1800 300 800New Zealand: 0800 553 322

Ethernet testerThe VeEX VePAL FX300 is an optical and ethernet test solution for technicians installing,

testing, troubleshooting and restoring FTTx/PON, mobile backhaul and related converged

network infrastructures. The solution integrates the right combination of optical tools and

ethernet test features so that a fibre link and its services can be qualified in a single

platform, eliminating additional truck rolls. The multimode/singlemode OTDR solution

helps locate and characterise fibre link, splice and connector losses. It features: fibre

fault finder - quickly find breaks and bends; power meter and light source - perform

power and loss measurements; visual fault locator - check patch cords and enclosures

for light leakage; fibrescope - check dirty and/or damaged connectors; ethernet analyser

- perform service activation and SLA validation per ITU-T Y.1564 standards.

The optical tools offer: FTTx/PON-optimised parameters for dead zones for 1xN splitters

and normal reflective events; multimode and singlemode wavelength test options - 850,

1300, 1310, 1490, 1550 and 1625 nm; filtered 1625 nm OTDR port for in-service meas-

urements and live fibre detection with embedded power meter. The solution offers high

dynamic range up to 45 dB for long haul fibres and testing through high-port-count PON

splitters, Telcordia GR-196 and SR-4731.sor file formats, link characterisation (multipulse

widths) and full event table. Other features include: sampling points up to 128,000;

event dead zone <1 m, attenuation dead zone <4 m; built-in visual fault locator, fibre

inspection probe, PON power meter and stable laser source options.

Key ethernet test features include: single 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 port; single

100Base-X/1000Base-X SFP port; MPLS and VLAN stacking (Q-Q); IPv4 and IPv6 traf-

fic generation; V-SAM test suite compliant with ITU-T Y.1564 standard; RFC2544 tests

(throughput, latency, frame loss, back-to-back).

The solution features a flexible software architecture that supports dual test applica-

tions running simultaneously. The ReVeal PC software helps maintain instrument software,

manage test configurations, process measurement results and generate customer test

reports. Other software highlights include: Fiberizer Desktop PC software for fibre trace

analysis; Fiberizer Cloud-based trace data analysis and management and R-server sup-

port for centralised work force management and test results repository.

Hardware features include: high resolution, 7″ full-colour TFT touch screen, viewable

in any lighting condition; connectivity via 10/100Base-T management interface, Wi-Fi,

Bluetooth or 3G Card for back office applications; built-in microphone and speaker for

VoIP and VF applications; intelligent fan operation with built-in temperature sensor; in-

terchangeable Li-ion battery pack for extended test time; USB-A host interface for USB

flash drives and fibre inspection probe connection; universal 2.5 mm optical interfaces

with interchangeable optical adaptors (SC/FC/ST/LC).

TelecomTest Solutions

www.telecomtest.com.au

Communication system analyserGeneral Dynamics’ R8000 Communication

System Analyser is a portable test instrument

designed for on-site use, to monitor and

service radio communications equipment.

The device generates and receives signals,

measures modulation and frequency, and

performs a variety of tests across multiple

radio formats. It is available to rent.

Features include: frequency range 250 kHz to

3 GHz; P25, DMR, NXDN and TETRA radio transceiver testing; enhanced spectrum analyser,

oscilloscope, tracking generator and cable fault locator functionality; less than 6.4 kg.

TechRentals

www.techrentals.com.au


http://www.ni.com/oceania


OscilloscopesThe Tektronix MDO3000 series oscilloscopes

are packed with timesaving tools to help users

discover, capture, search and analyse problems

in their design.

The device features six integrated instruments,

including a spectrum analyser, logic analyser,

protocol analyser, arbitrary waveform generator

and digital voltmeter. It provides users with the

ability to capture analog, digital and RF signals

with one scope.

Features include: wave inspector navigation;

serial and parallel bus triggering and analysis;

integrated digital voltmeter and frequency counter;

and a small form factor.

element14

au.element14.com

DMR site linkingThe MiMOMax Tornado IP-based radios with Power over

Ethernet (PoE) implementation provide an economical

and quickly implemented low-latency, high-performance

linked DMR radio solution.

The PoE implementation significantly reduces the installa-

tion time and costs that are usually associated with tower,

site RF and power cabling.

Using the highly integrated Tornado radio with built-in Micro Pass Band Du-

plexers, combined with the PoE outdoor mounting capability, most of the cabling

costs for the RF and power can be eliminated, resulting in a much tidier, lower

cost and more reliable installation.

This mounting method also improves system performance by minimising cable

RF losses. By housing all of the radio and network electronics in one outdoor

weatherproof enclosure, the only connection required for an Ethernet Tornado

DMR linking solution is one 50 VDC PoE Ethernet cable.

The MiMOMax DMR linking solution uses high orders of modulation, advanced

DMR traffic management schemes and narrowband MiMO technologies to provide

low-latency, ultra-high spectral efficiency linking of up to 13+1 Trunked channels

of DMR (or other Digital PMR) while still having significant uncommitted Ethernet

bandwidth available (depending on options) for other applications.

MiMOMax Wireless Ltd

www.mimomax.com


http://www.erntec.net


Exelis’s new Melbourne headquarters and R&D facility will boost its local division’s share of the international defence comms market.

Following the acquisition of local business C4i by Exelis at the beginning of last year, the company recently an-nounced the opening of its new Asia-Pacific headquarters at its St Kilda Road site in Melbourne. The HQ also houses an upgraded and expanded R&D, testing and

systems integration facility with capacity for 120 staff.US-based Exelis has a 50-year history of providing solutions

to the defence, aerospace and ICT industries. Its traditional focus has been in communications and information systems, air traffic management solutions, sensors, positioning and navigation, and image processing and distribution. The company sees growth in the areas of critical networks, ISR and analytics, and electronic warfare.

“The decision to establish our Asia-Pacific headquarters in Mel-bourne was heavily influenced by the region’s robust engineering talent, growing market opportunities and the unwavering support from the Victorian Government,” said Exelis CEO and President David Melcher in a press release. “Paired with our more than 40 years of history serving the Australian market, this expansion represents our company’s continued commitment to growing our presence in the Asia-Pacific region and our focus on international expansion.”

“Exelis’s decision to establish its headquarters here is yet another example of Victoria’s attractiveness as a destination of choice for North American companies seeking an Australian base to grow their businesses in the Asia-Pacific region,” said David Hodgett, the Victorian Government’s Minister for Major Projects and the Minister for Manufacturing.

To learn more about the new facility and the direction in which Exelis is moving locally and regionally, we spoke with Peter Har-rison, Managing Director of Exelis C4i.

Tell us about the history of C4i.

C4i is an Australian company; it’s 25 years old. It has focused on building communications solutions for mission-critical environ-ments. It started with a domestic base and then grew to include international, to the point where 50% of our revenues are derived from export.

Traditionally we’ve worked in the defence environment, but have transitioned into supporting both defence and more commercial applications - taking that mission-critical, hardened technology and moving it into other mission-critical environments. That initially

DEFENCE & SECURITY

Jonathan Nally

DEFENCE HQEXELIS'S NEW APAC FACILITY



lent itself to public safety and then airports, and more recently, resources, LNG plants and so on.

What is the company called now?

So that we’re able to accurately represent the broader Exelis divi-sions without confusing the market, we’re branding ourselves as Exelis, and our division is C4i.

Does C4i manufacture its own equipment or does it consolidate off-the-shelf gear?

We design and manufacture all of our technology here in Melbourne. We have a large engineering team here comprising software, systems and electronics engineers. We design our mission-critical communications product, which comprises predominantly software nowadays - probably 90% of the product is software. We still de-sign proprietary circuit board hardware which forms part of our solutions, which we manufacture locally here in Melbourne. We really provide an interoperable solution for that mission-critical communications environment, with a lot of intelligent edge devices that convert to open standards IP and then allow us to build different types of solutions.

Software has really changed everything, hasn’t it?

T h e b e n e f i t fo r u s - b e c a u s e we’ve been in th is business for 25 years, when there was a much greater hardware component - is taking the lessons learned from that hardware environment and the discipline from those solutions [and translating them] into software solutions. There are lots of different software solutions out there, but [we see our strength] in being cognisant of the mission-critical environment and the characteristics that are expected in that environment - which used to be delivered by hardware and are now predominantly software.

What does the concept of interoperability mean to you?

We don’t make RF products, we interface to them. So interoperability for us is the ability for any communications asset to seamlessly operate in a single environment with any other communications assets. This could be a VHF/UHF radio device, a phone, a landline, analog or GSM or 3G, 4G, a satellite communications link, and obviously TETRA, P25 and the myriad manufacturers of that equipment.

We provide the ‘smarts’ that converts whatever the native format is into that IP world, and then we provide the transport mechanism to allow you to do whatever you need to do in your mission-critical environment, whether it be situation management from a control room or local management and response in a deployed environment.

Was the defence world way ahead of everybody else on this?

Defence traditionally has integrated telephony and radio assets - that was just the expectation [the sector had]. So air defence operators have had that capability for a long period of time. In other environments they tended to have two systems instead of one integrated solution, but nowadays the latter is very common - both the commercial and the defence world have similar integrated

solutions, which is ideal for a business like ours with a technology designed specifically to address both.

Tell us about the acquisition of C4i by Exelis

Exelis acquired C4i in January 2013. They had a very strong in-terest in our technology and where it could be applied. We were working with Exelis on a number of programs in different markets, and Exelis corporately is very interested in diversifying out of its traditional defence market, which is predominantly the US defence market. So they saw an opportunity and still do - this is an active strategy [for Exelis to move] beyond just us and into more inter-national markets and to diversify some of their business beyond just department of defence work.

With Exelis being onboard, do you expect your export work will grow?

There are two things we see out of the new Exelis relationship. One is that we will have the opportunity to pursue some of the larger programs that we perhaps didn’t have the credentials or even

the capacity to pursue, through reach-back into either our parent company or ability to grow through our new facility here. We also have access to a larger international engineering footprint through Exelis with their operations in different parts of the world, and obviously a very large footprint in the United States.

And then the second angle to our business, which is not so much in the export side, is providing the Asia-Pacific region support and execution in this part of the world for other Exelis technolo-gies. We’re looking at how we can assist their other portfolio of technologies in this region.

How did the Melbourne expansion come about?

There were two reasons. One part is to strengthen our footprint in the region and show real commitment to the customer base in this part of the world - Exelis is serious about establishing itself here with an Asia-Pacific headquarters, which means having the capacity and capabilities to do that justice. This ranges from good business developments skills, to project management, engineering

DEFENCE & SECURITY



talent, and then through-life support - dealing with all of the facets of type of programs that we would traditionally execute, and that Exelis would execute, and being able to manage and operate them from this facility.

We also have an active R&D centre here in Melbourne; we always have remained active in product development. Exelis from the United States had an opportunity to see some of that technology, which is why they bought us. They’re excited about it. They see further growth potential for some of the R&D initiatives we had underway, and really encouraged us to look at how we could accelerate that. So not only is there the new facility, there’s also funding to ac-celerate some of the R&D work that’s already in progress, which is predominantly software-based engineering.

Will your new facility be based at your present site, or will it be located elsewhere?

It’s here [in St Kilda Road]. We’ve actually signed a lease on a new facility, completed fit-out and we’ve just moved in in the last two weeks. The facility will support doubling our current head count; we’re currently just shy of 60 staff. And that’s certainly what the Victorian Government’s expectation is, that we would be looking at doubling our head count here.

David Hodgett, Victorian M i n i s t e r f o r Ma j o r Projects, Manufacturing a n d P o r t s ; P e t e r Harr i son , Manag ing Director, Exelis Australia; and Chris Tucker, VP International Business Development, Exelis.

EXELIS IS SERIOUS ABOUT ESTABLISHING

ITSELF HERE WITH AN ASIA-PACIFIC

HEADQUARTERS, WHICH MEANS HAVING

THE CAPACITY AND CAPABILITIES TO DO

THAT JUSTICE.

Finally, what support has the Victorian Government provided?

It is financial support tied to us meeting a number of criteria. Their real focus is on employment in the state, and we’re a professional business that attracts intellectual property generation and export sales. So there are a number of areas of interest to the Victorian Government.

EXELIS C4i Pty Ltd www.c4i.com

Fibre-optic inspectorThe Focis Wi-Fi fibre-optic connector inspection system combines the fibre

connector inspection and analysis capabilities of the Focis and Focis Pro

systems with the capabilities of a smartphone or tablet.

Focis Mobile is a free companion application that users download from

Google Play or the App Store to a smartphone or tablet. This application

enables users to connect to and control the Wi-Fi system, to define system

settings and user preferences, and to use the smartphone or tablet to

view, store and share images and test results as permitted by the system

purchased.

Features include: automatic analysis of fibre connector integrity; IEC 61300-

3-35, AT&T TP-76461 and user-defined pass/fail inspection; comprehensive

reporting, saving and sharing capabilities via mobile device email, text and

web browser; free smartphone/tablet apps via Google play and the App

Store; provides (USB) backup power for mobile devices.

Applications include: data centre patch panels, trunks, patch cords and

equipment terminations; central office and head-end connections; campus

and enterprise network connections; long-haul and metro core network

nodes and pops; metro-e and mobile backhaul nodes; access network

cabinets, pedestals and drops.

Australian Tel-Tec Pty Ltd

www.teltec.com.au

Metal enclosuresThe AW series extruded aluminium enclosures

from Erntec feature RFI screening and a protec-

tion rating to IP67.

Available in five different body cross-sections ranging

from 60 x 60 to 150 x 75 mm and standard or custom

lengths, the enclosures are suitable for rugged data

logging or mobile telemetry applications.

The aluminium body extrusions incorporate integrated

slots for direct mount of PCs or carrier plates and the

die-cast aluminium end caps include integrated right-

angle mounting flanges. Accessories include carrier

plates, cable glands, waterproof connectors and IP67-

rated light pipes.

ERNTEC Pty Ltd

www.erntec.net



When a promise is made,

Polar Delivers.

TEL: (03) 9555 2500 • FAX: (03) 9555 1515 • TOLL FREE 1800 33 56339-15 Friars Rd, Moorabbin, VIC, 3189 AUSTRALIA • Web: www.polarelec.com.au

30475

POLAR ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES Pty Ltd

Australian manufacturers of

Communication equipmentin the 2-2900 MHz range.

� Base antennas� Multicouplers� Diplexers� Cavity filters� Mobile antennas� Marine antennas� Power dividers/Accessories

Australian distributors forKabelwerk Eupen AG

QualityEndorsedCompany

� Corrugated coaxial cables� Braided coaxial cables� Radiating cables� Connectors & Accessories

ISO 9001 : 1994

Lic : QEC 1789

Emona Instruments PAC3760 DL test and tag print kitThe PAC3760 DL tester stores test results that download to any PC spreadsheet or

database program. No special software is required to generate an electronic logbook

to replace the handwritten logbooks. The PAC3760DL appliance test and tag print kit

also connects to the battery-powered PAC-OPT printer to print test tags. The printer’s

‘Plug N Print’ operation simply requires connection to the PAC3760 DL via serial cable.

No time-consuming set-up is required as the printer prints a generic test tag.

The tester is based on the PAC3760 series of portable appliance testers used in

testing and tagging Australia-wide for over 12 years. The DL’s data logging and tag

printing version builds on the range’s popular features.

The tester conducts earth bond, insulation and polarity tests, as well as leakage cur-

rent tests for Class I and Class II appliances and leads, and carries out trip time tests

of 10 mA and 30 mA portable and fixed RCDs with the in-built isolation transformer.

When used in conjunction with the optional PAC-TPL three-phase adaptor, the tester

can also carry out three-phase leakage testing of 10 A, 16 A, 20 A and 32 A three-

phase appliances. It operates under mains or battery power.

The unit is designed with simple 9-button operation: Class I, Class II, Leakage,

10 mA RCD, 30 mA RCD and three-phase test buttons; as well as a button to save

results, recall/download results and print test tag. Results are displayed as a pass

or fail as well as actual readings. Once the user selects the required test, the tester

conducts an automatic sequence of tests, eliminating the need for complicated on-

screen menus. Other features include automatic sensing of IEC or extension leads

which adds a polarity test to the sequence and automatic detection of whether the

appliance is switched ‘on’.

Emona Instruments Pty Ltd

www.emona.com.au

Oscilloscope and logic analyserPart of the InfiniiVision 3000 X-Series, the

MSOX3024A mixed signal oscilloscope fea-

tures four analog and 16 digital channels. The

200 MHz oscilloscope comes with an integrated

logic timing analyser.

The product also offers search and naviga-

tion capabilities in addition to 33 automated

measurements, nine parametric triggers, six

serial protocol triggers and seven waveform

math functions, including FFT.

Features include: 1 million wfm/s update

rate; 4 GSa/s sample rate; 2 Mpts memory;

LAN operability; USB storage.

The product is available to rent from

TechRentals.

TechRentals

www.techrentals.com.au


http://www.polarelec.com.au


Satellite communications will soon make train travel safer by improving how the networks are controlled in remote areas where ground equipment is too costly.

For the first time in Europe, a project co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) has shown how navigation and telecom satellites can be used together with existing rail signalling systems.

Railways rely on dedicated terrestrial networks that work as part of the European Railway Traffic Management System, ERTMS, used around Europe to control trains and provide instructions to drivers.

Trains pinpoint their location by means of electronic beacons positioned along the track every 500-1500 metres, transmitting the information via a dedicated terrestrial cell network to control centres.

The centres then transmit route data, recommended speeds and other information back to drivers over the same network.

A satellite solutionSatellites will increase the viability of ERTMS for low-traffic lines by avoiding the need for expensive track equipment and dedicated telecom networks.

Virtual beacons are used instead - digital points in a railway da-tabase - and the train’s position is fixed by satnav.

The Train Integrated Safety Satellite System project, or 3InSat for short, co-funded by ESA’s Integrated Applications Promotion program, has developed an integrated terrestrial and satcom system that delivers the vital link between train drivers and their control centres.

In April, this approach was demonstrated on a passenger train on the Italian island of Sardinia.

In the coming months, the 3InSat team led by Ansaldo STS and partners will verify the telecom system, which calls on Inmarsat’s satellite-based broadband global area network and Vodafone’s 3G/4G machine-to-machine data services.

In September, a second series of tests will verify the satellite-based location services that together with the telecom network will

eventually be integrated into the ERTMS testbed in Sardinia. At the end of the year, the satcom system will go live in Australia with a train command and signalling system. And in the near future, it could be adopted by regional lines in Europe.

“The new telecom service we have been testing in Sardinia as part of 3InSat is unprecedented for train control systems,” said Francesco Rispoli of Ansaldo STS. “It paves the way for realising cost-efficient and rapidly deployable signalling systems using, for the first time, non-dedicated telecom networks.”

The Train Integrated Safety Satellite System project, or 3InSat for short, has developed an integrated terrestrial and satcom system that guarantees the vital link between train drivers and their control centres. In April 2014, this approach was demonstrated on a pas-senger train on the Italian island of Sardinia. Credit: Ansaldo STS.

TRANSPORT COMMS

SATCOMS ON TRACK

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Ethernet test softwareRohde & Schwarz has expanded the application field of the R&S RTO oscillo-

scopes to include the testing of automotive Ethernet interfaces. In line with the

OPEN Alliance test specification, the R&S RTO-K24 compliance test software

enables users to perform automated tests on BroadR-Reach Ethernet interfaces.

BroadR-Reach technology makes it possible to combine multiple applications

such as video streaming from rear-view cameras and signal transmission from

automotive radar systems to create a single, open and scalable Ethernet network

inside the vehicle.

The R&S RTO features a dynamic range of more than seven effective bits

(ENOB) and delivers reliable results even during standard-specified interference

tests. Users can reliably test their products during type testing and in production.

The signal quality of the BroadR-Reach Ethernet interfaces can be verified using

output drop tests, for example, enabling users to test the signal characteristics

of the BroadR-Reach telegram.

The R&S RTO-K24 compliance test software includes image-based instructions,

which provide step-by-step support during measurements. Configurations are

created automatically, and results are documented in a straightforward test report.

Rohde & Schwarz (Australia) Pty Ltd

www.rohde-schwarz.com

75Ω vector network analyserCopper Mountain Technologies’ S7530, a 75Ω

compact vector network analyser, is suitable for

cable and satellite TV industries, including equip-

ment development and manufacturing.

The portable, lightweight VNA has a frequency

range of 20 kHz - 3 GHz, measures parameters

S11, S12, S21 and S22 and has a 75Ω imped-

ance (N-type, female). The dynamic range of

transmission measurement magnitude is 125 dB

(1 Hz IF bandwidth), measurement time per point

is 200 µs and the output power adjustment range

is -55 to +5 dBm (-6 to +53 dBmV).

It also measures up to 200,001 measurement

points per sweep, with frequency offset mode

for mixer/converter measurements; up to 16 logi-

cal channels with 16 traces each; and is COM/

DCON compatible for LabView and automation

programming. Fixture simulation and gating are

standard features.

Clarke & Severn Electronics

www.clarke.com.au


http://www.rfi.com.au


LICENSED TO READA RAND Corporation report has revealed that around 70% of US police forces are now using licence-plate reader technology.

Systems that automatically read automobile licence plates have the potential to save police investigative time and increase safety, but law enforcement officials must address issues related to staffing, compatibility and privacy before the technology can reach its full potential, according to

a new RAND Corporation report.As part of efforts to promote innovation in law enforcement, many

of the first-generation licence-plate-reader systems were purchased with federal and state grants. As these funding streams can be incon-sistent, law enforcement agencies are - or will be - forced to make tough decisions about how to maintain the systems.

Making those decisions will require a clear understanding of the current and potential value of the systems to criminal justice agencies, according to RAND researchers.

“Licence-plate readers are a relatively new technology that can be used to help investigate almost any type of crime,” said Keith Gierlack, the study’s lead author and a researcher at RAND, a non-profit research organisation. “But there are important issues, particularly about privacy, that must be addressed before this tool can reach its full potential.”

Because the systems retain information about every licence plate read, privacy advocates say law enforcement agencies could use licence-plate information to track movement of individuals, even if they are not suspects in a crime. Key privacy issues facing local departments also include establishing standards about how long to keep information collected by licence-plate scanners, who in a department has access to the information and the types of investigations where the scanner information should be used, Gierlack said.

Some jurisdictions have adopted policies to retain data for set periods, such as six or 12 months. Legislation was introduced in Cali-fornia to regulate use of the licence-plate readers and legal decisions in New Hampshire, Maine and Virginia have restricted the technology.

But no broadly accepted privacy guidelines have emerged to help guide police agencies that adopt the technology.

Work to be doneLicence-plate readers are fixed or mobile cameras that capture an image of a passing vehicle, compare its licence plate against official ‘hot lists’ and alert authorities whether it may be of interest. Surveys have found that as many as 70% of local police agencies may be using the technology.

Promoted initially as a tool to assist in fighting auto thefts, the technology can be used in many additional ways that law enforcement agencies have only begun to discover.

Researchers say information collected by the scanners can be used to help track down many kinds of offenders (helping collect infraction fees), and could be used to help identify both crime hotspots and crime trends. In addition, the technology could help test the alibis of criminal suspects and support efforts to combat drug cartels and terrorist groups.

RAND researchers conducted their study by reviewing past re-search on the technology and conducting in-depth reviews of seven police departments that have adopted the technology. They examined budgeting, manpower and maintenance issues, as well as how the technology is being used to aid police work. Both large and small law-enforcement agencies were studied, as well as agencies located along international borders.

RAND researchers found that licence-plate readers provide the most utility to police if they have access to multiple hot lists and other databases of licence plates of interest, including DMV data. The lack of access to some of these hot lists reduces the types of investigations licence-plate readers can aid. Additionally, mechanisms for sharing licence-plate reader data between jurisdictions are not always available.

Funding for the study was provided by the Office of Justice Pro-grams at the National Institute of Justice.

The project was conducted within the RAND Safety and Justice Program, which conducts public policy research on corrections, polic-ing, public safety and occupational safety.

POLICING

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Satellite moduleThe STx3 module is the latest Simplex

Transmitter Unit (STX) from Globalstar. The

ultracompact device, measuring 28.70 x

20.57 x 4.13 mm, is designed to help us-

ers design and build compact and efficient

communications devices where space is at

a premium.

The module allows information to be

transmitted from areas beyond the reach of

cellular coverage. The one-way data mes-

sages are sent via the Globalstar Simplex

Network when integrated into a tracking or

monitoring device.

Global coverage, low-power consumption,

surface-mount design and small size make

the satellite transmitter an efficient device

ready for integration. The versatile module

can be used in a wide variety of applications

including liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tanks,

water tanks, pipelines, electricity, meters,

cars, trucks, boats and sea or land containers.

M2M Connectivity

www.m2mconnectivity.com.au

Real-time spectrum analyserAaronia’s V5 real-time spectrum analyser has a frequency

range up to 18 GHz, ultrafast LO sweeps, real-time data

streaming, high-resolution TFT display, a tracking genera-

tor and GPS.

The Spectran V5 has up to 200 MHz real-time band-

width, can analyse weak signals due to low noise signal

processing (down to -170 dBN/HZ) and the polyphase filter

technology can capture small signal detail. It can be fitted

with a frequency extension down to 1 Hz.

The real-time analyser can stream data continuously and

save it gap free on a PC via a high-speed USB interface.

It comes in a small, compact design and can be controlled

either by the unit’s touch screen, a multifunctional jog dial,

motion control, hot keys or a real-time remote control (GSM,

WLAN or USB).

The front end of the product is interchangeable, allowing an upgrade to the

company’s latest technology. Directional tracking and EMC antenna; an aluminium

carrying case; battery charger and power supply, including international adapter

set; and analyser software for MAC OS, Linus and Windows are all included.

Clarke & Severn Electronics

www.clarke.com.au


http://www.arcia.org.au


SpectrumBackhaulA new era of mobile intelligenceEmergency response agencies today face increased challenges as they strive to create safer environments for their communities. In a time where resources are limited and departments are being asked to do more with less, criminal elements are getting more technology savvy, taking advantage of the latest innovations to try to gain an edge.

New types of crimes are popping up, and agencies are becoming increasingly en-gaged in responses that require complex regional or multijurisdictional coordination.

Typically, public safety agencies have relied on LMR networks, and these have performed very well as they are specifically designed for disaster management.

Over the next decade, P25 will remain as one of the best tools for mission-critical voice communications, and agencies are continuing to leverage investments in the technology by adding data and application capability.

But while P25 data applications will continue to serve the industry well, the value of having access to broadband is clear as responders start to rely on multimedia, database access and video to do their jobs.

LTE is gaining traction worldwide as the public safety mobile broadband standard, but while it is starting to roll out, it is not yet ready to meet all mission-critical user requirements.

Motorola Solutions’ view is that LMR and broadband will complement each other for years to come. Because they are optimised for different purposes, they are not mutually exclusive, but are rather complementary technologies.

When converging LMR and LTE in public safety communications there are many deployment models available today - agencies can have any combination of mission-critical radios on public safety networks, specialised broadband devices on dedicated broadband networks and/or consumer-grade devices on carrier networks - and it is clear that various models will be used.

But the bigger question is, how do we create optimised end-user experiences across a multitude of different devices, networks and systems so that users are able to access and share information regardless of network or device?

A converged LMR and broadband network will unlock access to information and enable better collaboration, but decisions will ultimately be driven by desired user experiences and applications.

The amount of information available today is staggering and the right tools and systems are required to integrate, filter, sort and correlate this data to derive value.

To keep up with the pace, agencies are looking for flexibility and choice to quickly and easily adopt advances - without compromising security and coverage.

Where information has typically been used post-incident to determine who committed a crime, predictive response strategies are now being contemplated. Agencies want to not only manage and integrate their services to enable desired user experiences, but also deploy real-time command centres to help do the heavy lifting of correlating and analysing data to enable a common operating view.

Over the next few years, broadband will help deliver the high-speed data that LMR dreams about and it’s easy to see that with their individual strengths, LMR and broadband will complement each other and agencies will benefit from both.

With more information flowing between citizens, responders and agencies, it is ultimately intelligence that will help build a safer community.

Backhaul takes you on a trip down memory lane as we look at developments in the critical communications industry 25 and 10 years ago.

25 YEARS AGO. The August/September 1989 issue of What’s New in Radio Communications featured the Sigtec F l e e t M a n a g e r co m p u t e r- a i d e d despatch system on its cover. No fancy screen graphics back then; it was all text based, although at least the text came in different colours.

The issue had a bit of a microwave focus, with an article from Murdoch University (WA) on building a microwave industry in Australia, along with news that MEL, part of the Philips group, was proposing microwave manufacturing as a spin-off of the ANZAC frigate project.

Elsewhere in the magazine, Maurice Burnett, Inspector, Communications Engineering for the NSW Police, presented a profile of the force’s radio communications network and the equipment it used … including state-of-the-art Fluke touch screens on operator consoles.

And this issue presented a preview of the Professional & Commercial Radio Communications Product show - the forerunner to today’s Comms Connect conference and exhibition.

10 YEARS AGO. Coaxial cable from Andrew Australia graced the cover of the August/Sep tember 2002 issue of Radio Comms Asia-Paci f ic . Lots of satellite and GPS news and articles in this issue, including remote monitoring in Antarctica using GPS positioning. There was

also an article from the then ACA (now ACMA) on 802.11b and the implications of its growing use. HF was covered too, with an article from Rod McDuff (Q-Max Electronics) on HF antennas for fixed and mobile installations. In a related piece, the magazine had an article on an HF system used by the US Air Force to send emails to aircraft in flight.

This issue also had a marine emphasis, with articles on changes to regulations and the issuance of operator certificates to small boat users, and products with a marine focus - such as an Icom transceiver (IC-M802) and antennas from Pacific Aerials.

Bruce Brda is Motorola Solutions’ Senior Vice President for Government Solutions. He is responsible for the creation, sale and delivery of solutions and services and leads the company’s learning and customer advocacy teams.


30 Sept-2 Oct 214Melbourne Convention and Exhibition

Centre, Melbourne, Australia

Utilities | Government | Enterprise | Transportation | Resources | Public Safety

Prize Draw Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Digital Partner

Supporting associations & media organisations

Magazine Partner

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

In association with

Register online at www.comms-connect.com.au

In conjunction with the ARCIA Industry Gala Dinner — 1 October 2014 - MCECVisit www.arcia.org.au to book your tickets

Shane Fitzsimmons — AFSM, Commissioner NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)The value of communication networks in a public safety environment

Deputy Chief Eddie Reyes — Alexandria, VA Police DepartmentNext Generation 9-1-1 (0-0-0): Are public safety agencies ready?

Keynotes

• Next Generation Triple Zero (NG000): challenges and opportunities

• Security of radio and IT systems in the converged communications environment

• Advanced radio over IP

2014 Training workshops include:

Now in its 8th year, Comms Connect has become the leading conference and exhibition for combined communications users and industry.

With keynotes, workshops and panel sessions, this year will see the launch of a new, dedicated stream focussing on all that is important in the public safety communications sphere.

COMMS CONNECT RETURNS TO MELBOURNE

Visit www.comms-connect.com.au for more information on speakers, topics and half-day training workshops.

http://www.comms-connect.com.au

http://www.crsaccessories.com.au

critical comms jul/aug 2014

Documents

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compact signal

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rs fps spectrum analyser

signal analysis bandwidth

production compact

production applications