вторник, 25 мая 2010 г.

QAM: Telemetry of service of high-voltage lines.

Telemetry of service of high-voltage lines. Main channel: QAM-32, Br - 3200. Two add channels: QAM-X, Br - 66.7


Author: SergUA6
Band Width 4000 Hz
Low Range ~560 Hz, in this example
Baud Rate 3200 Main Ch, 66.7 add ch Hz
n-Ary (PSK/MPSK) QAM-32 Main Ch, QAM-? add ch
Count of Carriers 3 One main channel & two additionaly
RX mode Source I/Q record

Sonograms:

pic.1 Generall view


Diagrams:

pic.2 Phase constellation of the main channel


Telemetry of service of high-voltage lines - an example of the signal of Russian equipment AWS1,2,3-CM - in russian abbriviation(transcrition), equaly on english as Digital Modify Special System Service & Communication-1,2,3. This equipment is used to service the high-voltage air-lines, working in range LW/LF. Production of "Neptune" factory. In the resulted example, the main channel works in mode QAM-32 with the maximum technical speed 16000 bps. There are also two relatively low speed technical auxiliary channeles, in which QAM modulation can be used also.

пятница, 21 мая 2010 г.

OFDM analysis module in SA version 6.1.2.5

OFDM analysis module in SA version 6.1.2.5
Extended description.

The main difference of the current version from previous ones, is the presence of the extremely effective clock/symbol synchronization, and as consequence, possibility to view dedicated/selected channel in dynamics.

Let's consider module elements in more details.

The first step in analysis OFDM, is the search of a correlative triangle.

There are only free key parameters for search of a correlative traingle:
These are:

- The Min Br-LS field, search lower bound
- The Max Br-LS field, search higher bound
- The Symbols field, quantity of characters/symbols end result is averaging out

Search is carried on from the higher bound to the lower bound, as the required/assumed result is located in range, and speed of calculations is strongly reduced at increasing of the symbol's length.

The symbol's length is directly linked to clock frequency OFDM, Br = Fd/LS. Where Fd - is sampling rate of creation of a signal or record.

It is better to set boundaries of search as value Br, but keep in mind that only the whole values are admissible. It means, if we want that 56.625 value Hz would be precisely counted, it is necessary to expose value 55 in the lower bound, or put 54 would be even better.

It is desirable to narrow down boundaries of search from above as well. Although the higher bound has no special value, because on short lengths speed of calculations is rather high. Nevertheless, on big sampling rates it is necessary to adjust it.

The quantity of symbols used in calculation at searches of a correlative triangle has the great importance only on short records, in those cases, when the value of Symbols field is essentially lower 40.

By default the program tries to expose this value in 40 symbols. But as, in attention taken only the lower bound (as the most expected/investigated symbol), then frequently on the short records it becomes impossible, then this value is lesser then 40, that indirectly speaks, about possibility to get not fully correct results.

In general, using of fixed quantity of symbols for an averaging-out can't be admitted as the correct solution, because, for the short LS and short CP, more symbols are required than for long LS and long CP. But these are questions of future optimizations.

By default, the program exposes a lower bound proceeding from sampling rate. The higher sampling rate, the higher lower bound. Seldom enough we can meet OFDM signals with clock frequency below 20 Hz.

As it was already spoken many times, analysis is the complex the task, and if there is a possibility to receive preliminary parameters of the researched signal through the classical analysis, it is necessary to do it. Frequently, it sharply reduces time for finding of a correlative triangle, at the expense of reduction of boundaries of search.

For an example, we will take signal MIL-STD-188-110A 16 Channels

After selection by vertical markers of a fragment of the signal in working window SA, we call OFDM module, and leaving default settings, we start the program of triangle searches.

Approximately in 1-2 seconds the triangle will be found, and the program can be stopped. If calculations will not be interrupted, searches of triangle will be continued until the lower bound, this will take much more time, and most likely more candidates on "triangle" will be found. If we would receive preliminary clock frequency, through the classical analysis (on this signal it can be easily defined through ADP function) then we would avoid superfluous loss of time and superfluous results.
It can be considered as advantage of the preliminary classical analysis.

As we can see, the triangle is negative, and it’s polarity should be changed. It can be realized through Shift Frequency. It is possible to make shift in any side, but it is better to do it in that side, at which the amplitude of the negative triangle will decrease, as the necessary positive maximum in this case is closer. It is necessary to mark, that it is not fully correct method, and the result can have no single meaning.
After signal's shift by frequency is done, recalculation of a triangle for the purpose of specification of parameters is necessary. Because the previous results are concerned to another signal, which has been not shifted. In this version, repeated recalculation is spent only for those values LS and LG, which are selected in the text box, it raises efficiency and allows to avoid superfluous expenses of time.

However, at any time complete recalculation "from zero" can be demanded, the reasons can be vary. How to be in this case? It is necessary to select string where LS and LG are not present, such string is always exists and it is the last string. Selection of this string, means that it is required to start searches of a correlative triangle from zero. As in our situation we do not need to start searches from zero, we do fast recalculation.

Fast recalculation leaves one-three results, and deletes all received earlier intermediate results.

Now we only need:
1) to select scale of FFT spectrum for convenient observation
2) to put the yellow marker on "the good" side of triangle,
3) to switch on phase planes
4) to select the channel for observation/studying
5) to start process of mapping by button "Show".

Approximately so everything should look before start "Show", for observation the uppermost channel is selected.

There are some details. The selected channel marked with green or violet marker (if both markers are combined), should be in the window of mapping of a spectrum. As it is possible to move and scale the spectrum, there is also possibility to output the marked channel behind window limits. If such situation arises, then there will not be any constellations. The program ignores channels which are not visible on the screen.

There are still some things, which need to be known.

The field "Current LS" is the field of double assignment. In the mode of search of a correlative triangle, this field mirrors the current length LS, which it is checked. In the signal browse mode, it mirrors number of the current symbol, which it is output on FFT spectrum. Number naturally concerns to the fragment of the signal loaded in the module by its call.

Before we will start automatic process of mapping, I suggest to make some steps in a hand-held mode, it will be well visible how the triangle intensively enough "leaves" aside and sooner or later will leave the marker.
Approximately through 50-60 steps, "the good" side of triangle, in general, will leave from marker, and FFT spectrum will be transformed beyond recognition, it means that the symbol is completely lost. Now, it is possible to return a slider in the beginning, to expose the yellow marker in the necessary position, and to start process of mapping of constellation in dynamics.

As we see, total quantity of the symbols in the fragment is about 540, the triangle has not moved anywhere, and relative constellation more than stable and pure, as clock/symbolical synchronization works.

Dynamic mapping from the symbol (which is displayed before beginning (Current LS floor)) starts. That is, it should not be only the null symbol, it is possible to take any other symbol, sometimes it is useful. The program will not start, if there are less than 10 symbols, such situation is possible, when the positioning of the slider by a fragment is installed in the end, or the record is very short.



There are two ways to solve this problem:

1) if the fragment is long enough, it is necessary to move the positioning slider in earlier position
2) If the fragment is short, and the slider already situated in the beginning of the fragment, then it is necessary to reduce quantity of symbols in the field Symbols.

It is not recommended to reduce quantity of symbols lesser than 6. Because clock synchronization spends an averaging out by this quantity, and though the algorithm is effective, smaller values are fraught with synchronization failures.

Of course an including of clock synchronization is the necessary component for the qualitative OFDM analysis, but it does not solve the main questions of reception of exact parameters of a signal. We still are working in this direction, although we are moving not so fast as it would be desirable we are close enough to the purpose.

Good luck.

вторник, 11 мая 2010 г.

SA update version 6.1.2.4: function of dynamic mapping of constellations in the selected channel

SA Update to version v 6.1.2.4/5
The current update is mainly concerned to OFDM module.

Some old control elements and indications are updated/moved: it is selected by the red frame.


Appearance of FFT spectrum is changed. Channels are separated by colour on both even and odd. The width of spectral lines is also increases with a graphic rescaling. It allows to select the necessary channel more comfortably. The former solution demanding absolutely exact hit in a line with the width in one pixel wasn't comfortable.


Perhaps the most important part of update - is an introduction of function of dynamic mapping of constellations in the selected channel, with the common clock/symbolical synchronisation.

In this mode, the programm carries out OFDM demodulation. At least, on the signals where relative phase manipulation is used, relative constellations can be observed practically irrespective of external factors, such as signal offset by frequency, record digitization etc.

An indication of an output of points of constellation behind the boundaries of mapping window is inserted. That speaks about necessity to reduce scale, as a constellation part, or the whole constellation is not displayed fully.

Basically, an order of standard operations in this module is the following:

- fragment of OFDM signal is selected in the working window.
- OFDM module is called/started.
- If it is necessary search of boundaries of a correlative triangle and customisation of other settings are installed. In most of cases, you may leave default settings.
- Start of search of a correlative triangle is realized by the button "Find CT"
- After a finding convincing Correlation Trianlge (CT), the signal's position should be adjusted by frequency. The triangle should be positive, and have maximum amplitude. It is controlled by the value of Am field in a window of mapping of triangle.
- After any frequency correction, recalculation is started again by the button "Find CT", as the signal is already another. Repeated calculations in this version are passing very fast, all subresults received earlier, are simply ignored.
- The yellow marker is located on the left ("good") side of a triangle.
- The necessary/convenient scale of FFT spectrum is installed, the necessary/needed channel is selected.
- phase planes are switched on by double-clique on the necessary record, in the window of output of the text data.
- The mode of dynamic mapping is started by button "Show".

It is the basic, generall scheme of operations.

Here is the Videoclip where on an example of signal MIL-STD-188-110A 16 Channels all described actions are shown.

The more detailed description of operation with the module as usually, will appear in the near future in the form of separate article.

Good luck~

воскресенье, 25 апреля 2010 г.

APCO-25, is qualitative decoding possible from discriminator's output?

APCO-25, is qualitative decoding possible from discriminator's output?

Author: SergUA6

Appearance of DSD program, which provides decoding of standard APCO-25, has called on ours (and not only) forum active enough discussion. The program processes an audiostream from an output of the discriminator of any FM receiver, and solves demodulation and decoding tasks in real time.

Discussion on our forum is concerned the problem: is it possible to provide qualitative demodulation and decoding of standard APCO-25 from discriminator's output?

We will try to answer this question.

Thanks to high activity of participants of our forum, there is enough of records of standard APCO-25 in I/Q format, IF and the ones which are direct from the discriminator. The quantity of these records is sufficient to be able to give an answer on this question with more or less deep arguments and convincingly.

Modulation C4FM, which is used in APCO-25 standard, is very closely linked with modulation pi/4DQPSK, it allows to demodulate a signal as pi/4 DQPSK.

Example: http://www.radioscanner.ru/info/files/article412/ap_25_1.wav

But in this case, the signal's processing is realized on zero IF and the signal demands representation in the form of I/Q, or, similar results can be received on intermediate frequency (IF).

At the same time, modulation C4FM represents itself four-level FSK, and it can be demodulated as usual FSK (MFSK) modulation with usage of the standard discriminator. It saves compatibility with old analogue standards.

We do not know, how demodulation in concrete models of radio stations APCO-25 is realized, but at least we can estimate, what is possible to take into account with using only discriminator's output.

So now we need:
1) records of APCO-25 signals
2) SA
3) the small program for mapping(displaying) of levels of a signal from the discriminator
4) desire and time.

The small program is written specially for this article. This program imitates the simple demodulator, displaying levels from discriminator's output, with necessary clock frequency.

On the very qualitative signal, after all necessary conversions/procedures in SA, we receive the following results:

An output from the discriminator after the phase detector.


Result of demodulation.

On the upper image the part, which corresponds to exact clock synchronization is selected - it is that what is possible to receive on this signal. Complete synchronization is shown in the lower image.

It is obvious, that errors at demodulation are not avoidable. Although, in general, the result of demodulation is sufficient, but not for the signal of such quality, which is selected for the example.

Of course, considering powerful noise-resistant coding, which is used in standard APCO-25, decoding most likely will be realized qualitatively enough. However, it is obvious, that reception of a bit stream from discriminator's output without any processing is extremely undesirable.

Simple, preliminary, more or less optimal filtering, sharply raises chances for faultless demodulation.

Almost an ideal picture. At well organized clock synchronizations, the signal will be demodulated qualitatively. In the small program-simulator, which results are shown, clock synchronization is very simple.

Under standard APC0-25, after the discriminator, RRC filter is necessary with parameter alpha = 0.2.
However, it is possible to use any optimal filtration instead RRC filter.

It may seem, that the answer is gotten: it is possible to receive qualitative bit stream and qualitative decoding from discriminator's output. But the answer will be not complete if not to consider other aspects and problems which are surely exist.

The matter is that the signal, which we has been taken for an example, is too good, and does not mirror all problems of demodulation.

Here is another signal http://www.radioscanner.ru/info/files/article412/ap_25_2.wav , such meet very often.

After all conversions and optimal filterings, the result is about the such.:

Surely, there will be demodulation errors, but it is possible to minimize or avoid them, having provided:
1) signal's parameters tracking in demodulator ;
2) correction of levels of decision-making.

Because, hard logic, which perfectly works on qualitative signals, will not work in this case.

We can meet such signals very often, with the bigger or smaller distortions. An origin of these distortions is not known to me, but I assume that it can be result of operation of various repeaters, probably not serviceable or not certificated ones, and/or features of signal's transfer. Signals of such quality, naturally have worst parameters of a noise stability and reliability.

The discriminator's output can be certainly used for decoding APCO-25, but qualitative implementation, is not easy task as it can seem at first sight, this task demands the serious approach.

As we have received some letters, concerning the question of conversion of bit stream APCO-25 received in SA from the phase demodulator, I result the map of conversions to bits. Signal APCO-25 demodulated in SA, in relative mode, same as it is represented in the first image in this article. In this case correspondence of the real dibits and positions of angles is the followin:

0 - 10
1 - 00
2 - 01
3 - 11

Do not forget that signal's inversion is possible, then the values will be:

0 - 00
1 - 10
2 - 11
3 - 01

It is possible to define inversion indirectly by series zero bits, which always are present in APCO-25 bit stream, not less than 15-20 bits in a row. In not inverted signal, in the stream from SA demodulator, it corresponds to series 1, in inverted to series 0. The length of these series is not less than 7-10 characters/symbols (15-20 bits).

That is it.

Good luck~

© MSM Group

среда, 21 апреля 2010 г.

PSK: SATCOM Satellite, Telemetry, UHF

SATCOM Satellite, Telemetry, UHF
PSK-2, Br-1200, 15 Channels of data + 1 Synchro


Author: SergUA6
Band Width ~2000-2100 Hz
Low Range ~1452 Hz, only for this record!
Baud Rate General 1200 Hz
n-Ary (PSK/MPSK) 2
Carrier frequency ~2523 Hz, only for this record!
RX mode SSB

Sonograms
pic.1 General view

pic.2 Manipulation speed

Diagrams
pic.3 Phase constellation

Pictures:
pic.4 The bit stream structure in VMW


SATCOM Satellite, Telemetry - Telemetry of sattelites of SATCOM series. The signal has standard parametres. Transmission of 16 channels is organised transparently enough . The structure is well visible on pic.4

Data of all channels is transferred continuously-consistently by ring (circle), without cunnings. That is why, it is enough to build up the bit stream in 16bit "column" after demodulation, to find 0th sinchronization channel on characteristic sequence, and it becomes possible to receive a bit stream of any channel with a binding to its(channel) number. Transmission speed in the channel is 75 Hz.

As it is visible from pic.4, in the signal, in channeles 2, 9, 11-15 only bit=1 are transffered, in other channeles the data is transferred.

The bit stream in channels assumes further processing. Crypto security is not eliminated, and most likely it presents.

понедельник, 5 апреля 2010 г.

SA Update to version v 6.1.2.1


SA Update to version v 6.1.2.1


The problem with mp3 files is corrected. We had messages that sometimes the program opens all mp3 files incorrectly, but we hadn't the detailed description of this situation. Two days ago we have received the deatailed description from one of users, the step-by-step picture of occurrence of the problem.

As it has appeared, after loading wav file, attempts to open any mp3 file cause an error.




Ofcourse, detailed description of a problem, sharply increases chances to find and correct an error fast. That's what we always try to do as fast as possible.



Also the number of minor errors is corrected.

Good luck!

четверг, 25 марта 2010 г.

SA Update: version 6.1.2.0

SA Update version 6.1.2.0


About one or two half months ago, at studying of possibilities of WaveLet conversion, an idea of essential lowering of the common noise level on records has appeared, and recenlty we got an ability to realise this idea in the form of working algorithm.

Conditionally we have named it HRes (HighResolution). Here is comparative screenshots.





Ofcourse, this is relative increasing of resolution quality, but the task of decreasing of the common noise level and selection of spectral lines is rather effectively solved. We see perspective enough application of this algorithm at processing of speech waveforms, signals FSK/MFSK and in automation parameters definition.

We cannot recommend to use this function always, because high detailing of spectra, frequently discourages by an abundance of details more likely, than really helps. But the given method is irreplaceable at the tasks of search of lines of clock frequencies and/or studying of harmonics of a signal, purely these are part of the primary goals of this algorithm and one of the reasons of its development.

The algorithm demands enought resourses, it is recommended to disable HRes at navigation on file , though it is not always notable, but sometimes it can become slow enought. For the same reason, by default this function is switched off.

Good luck!