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GPS provides 3-minute tsunami alerts

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

The use of GPS to measure ground deformation could provide accurate warning of tsunamis just a few minutes after an earthquake strikes.

Researchers have shown that, by using global positioning systems (GPS) to measure ground deformation caused by a large underwater earthquake, they can provide accurate warning of the resulting tsunami in just a few minutes after the earthquake onset. For the devastating Japan 2011 event, the team reveals that the analysis of the GPS data and issue of a detailed tsunami alert would have taken no more than three minutes. The results were published on 17 May in Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, an open access journal of the European Geosciences Union (EGU).

Most tsunamis, including those in offshore Sumatra, Indonesia in 2004 and Japan in 2011, occur following underwater ground motion in subduction zones, locations where a tectonic plate slips under another causing a large earthquake. To a lesser extent, the resulting uplift of the sea floor also affects coastal regions. There, researchers can measure the small ground deformation along the coast with GPS and use this to determine tsunami information.

“High-precision real-time processing and inversion of these data enable reconstruction of the earthquake source, described as slip at the subduction interface. This can be used to calculate the uplift of the sea floor, which in turn is used as initial condition for a tsunami model to predict arrival times and maximum wave heights at the coast,” says lead author Andreas Hoechner from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).

Japan could have had earlier warning

In the paper, the researchers use the Japan 2011 tsunami, which hit the country’s northeast coast in less than half an hour and caused significant damage, as a case study. They show that their method could have provided a detailed tsunami alert as soon as three minutes after the beginning of the earthquake that generated it.

Boat dragged inland in Akahama, Japan by the 2011 tsunami. Photo: Stephen Vaughan

“Japan has a very dense network of GPS stations, but these were not being used for tsunami early warning as of 2011. Certainly this is going to change soon,” states Hoechner.

The scientists used raw data from the Japanese GPS Earth Observation Network (GEONET) recorded from a day before to a day after the 2011 earthquake. To shorten the time needed to provide a tsunami alert, they only used data from 50 GPS stations on the northeast coast of Japan, out of about 1200 GEONET stations available in the country.

Traditional techniques fall short

At present, tsunami warnings are based on seismological methods. However, within the time limit of 5 to 10 minutes, these traditional techniques tend to underestimate the earthquake magnitude of large events. Furthermore, they provide only limited information on the geometry of the tsunami source.

Both factors can lead to underprediction of wave heights and tsunami coastal impact. Hoechner and his team say their method does not suffer from the same problems and can provide fast, detailed and accurate tsunami alerts.

The next step is to see how the GPS solution works in practice in Japan or other areas prone to devastating tsunamis. As part of the GFZ-led German Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System project, several GPS stations were installed in Indonesia after the 2004 earthquake and tsunami near Sumatra and are already providing valuable information for the warning system.

“The station density is not yet high enough for an independent tsunami early warning in Indonesia, since it is a requirement for this method that the stations be placed densely close to the area of possible earthquake sources, but more stations are being added,” says Hoechner.

This research is presented in the paper ‘Instant tsunami early warning based on real time GPS - Tohoku 2011 case study’, available online, free of charge, at: http://www.nat-hazards-earth-syst-sci.net/13/1285/2013/nhess-13-1285-2013.html.

Telstra’s 1500th 4G base station

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

Telstra has switched on its 1500th 4G base station as part of a billion-dollar nationwide program to extend 4G mobile coverage to 66% of the Australian population by the end of June 2013.

A Telstra spokesperson said the milestone meant superfast download and upload speeds would be available for millions of Australians on Telstra’s 4G network.

The telco says the 4G network roll out program has extended coverage from 40% of the Australian population at the beginning of this calendar year. This coverage is in all capital cities and over 100 regional and suburban locations. Over 2.1 million services are connected to the 4G network.

Aeroflex TEDS option for 3920 radio test set

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

Aeroflex has released the TETRA Enhanced Data Service (TEDS) option for the 3920 Digital and Analog Radio Test Set, enabling the technician or engineer to use the set for verifying the operation of TEDS mobile stations and base stations.

Included is the capability to test the RF performance of the transmitter and receiver of TEDS-capable TETRA radios. This option implements the testing of TEDS using the TETRA T4 test mode of operation.

Using the T4 test signal, the 3920 measures the transmitter peak and RMS error vector magnitude, as well as the IQ imbalance. The set can also measure the RF power and frequency error of the TEDS radio. For mobile testing, the product measures the timing alignment of the bursts.

Using the TETRA T4 mode of operation also enables the user to measure the bit error rate (BER) or message error rate (MER) of the TEDS radio. The BER and MER measurements give the user the capability to check the operation of the receiver of the TEDS radio.

The TEDS test option also includes graphical display of the modulation including a display of the QAM constellation. This option includes display of the RMS vector error, magnitude error or phase error over a TEDS time slot. This visual display of the modulation provides the user with valuable graphical information of the performance of the TEDS radio.

Comms Connect 2013 - last chance for papers

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

The 31 May ‘call for papers’ deadline for Comms Connect 2013 is rapidly approaching. Don’t miss out!

The ‘call for papers’ deadline for Comms Connect 2013 is rapidly approaching. So if you’re thinking of presenting a paper or workshop at the conference, you need to make contact with the Comms Connect team now, as the deadline is next Friday, 31 May.

Comms Connect, to be held in Melbourne on 20-22 November, is your best opportunity to make your presence felt in the industry.

A broad range of radio and combined communications topics will be discussed and the high-quality training workshops that will run during the conference are not available at other shows in such a focused and dedicated way. Because of this, Comms Connect is in the unique position of being able to deliver to delegates and visitors the full range of solutions needed to make informed decisions.

Comms Connect 2013 will include workshops, case studies, technology sessions, panel discussions, keynotes and plenary sessions.

Last year’s keynote speakers included Professor Hugh Bradlow, CTO of Telstra; Peter Clemons from Quixoticity; and Chris Chapman from ACMA.

If you, a colleague or your organisation would like to present, or have an idea for a workshop that you would like to be involved with, please call or email Paul Davis on 02 9487 2700 or pdavis@westwick-farrow.com.au to discuss in the first instance.

More information is available at the Comms Connect website.

Glyn to distribute Antenova

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

UK-based Antenova M2M has appointed Glyn High-Tech Distribution as its distributor in Australia and New Zealand. Antenova M2M is a leading provider of standard antennas and radio antenna modules for wireless M2M and consumer electronic devices. Antenova M2M’s gigaNOVA range of standard antennas and RADIONOVA RF antenna solutions are suitable for a broad range of wireless connectivity requirements, including GSM and CDMA, 3G, 4G, LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMAX, WiBro, ZigBee and FM.

Antenova M2M’s off-the-shelf antenna solutions provide high efficiency, low power consumption and performance for wireless M2M and embedded device applications. Its antenna solutions include the gigaNOVA range of standard off-the-shelf antennas and RADIONOVA RF antenna modules.

Rohde & Schwarz RTM bench oscilloscopes

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

Rohde & Schwarz has expanded the functional range of its bench oscilloscopes with its RTM series. The key upgrades are a 20 Msample deep memory and a logic analysis option with 16 digital channels.

The RTM provides time domain, logic, protocol and frequency analysis functions in a single box, making it suitable for the testing and development of electronic circuits.

The RTM has colour-coded controls, logically grouped menus with flat structures and dedicated keys for frequently used functions. The undo/redo function makes it possible to easily restore previous settings - easing the correction of mistakes. A VirtualScreen frees up more space for the simultaneous display of analog, logic, maths and reference signals - the screen can be expanded to 20 divisions. The user can move the visible section of the VirtualScreen to the desired position using a rotary knob.

The RTM-B1 logic analysis option adds 16 logic channels. With a sampling rate of 5 GSa/s and memory depth of 20 MSa, the bench oscilloscope enables users to make precise measurements of long signal sequences.

Due to the high input sensitivity, the entire measurement bandwidth and the full resolution of the A/D converter can be used even at 1 mV/div. High trigger sensitivity makes it possible to measure signals that would be lost in the noise by other instruments. At the push of a button, the QuickMeas feature displays the key measurement values and updates them continuously.

LMR market worth $2.6 billion

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

The global market for licensed mobile radio (LMR) infrastructure equipment, installation and system integration services amounted to $2.6 billion, according to a first-of-its-kind study titled ‘Licensed Mobile Radio Infrastructure and System Integration’ from IMS Research. The worldwide LMR market is forecast to grow every year through at least 2017.

“Although [IMS Research] has been tracking the market and publishing forecasts on several infrastructure components for a number of years, this is the first report to examine the LMR network market as a whole, from the unit shipments of infrastructure equipment to the system integration functions,” said Deryn Evans, senior mobile radio market analyst. “Our findings confirm and quantify what has long been believed: infrastructure accounts for a significant portion of the overall LMR market and represents a major opportunity.”

Among the factors driving the growth of the LMR market are the migration to digital LMR solutions, advances in technology, and economic and social factors.

“This is a fascinating time for the LMR infrastructure industry,” Evans noted. “With the migration to digital gathering pace, more users are demanding new LMR systems. At the same time, there is an increasing range of available digital solutions. With this expanding array comes increased competition among the different technologies, giving end users a wider choice and a variety of budget options.”

IMS Research says it believes that no single technology will win in the LMR market. Instead, each will offer a unique solution to fit the diversity of professional users - from public safety to utilities.

The LMR technologies covered include analog, TETRA, TETRAPOL, P25 and DMR/dPMR/NXDN/PDT. Market revenue is split by equipment type, including base stations and network control; by services including staging and maintenance; and by system integration including design, planning and installation. Shipment data is provided for transceivers and base stations.

Making frequency-hopping radios practical

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

New hardware could lead to wireless devices that identify and exploit unused frequencies, leading to more efficient use of the spectrum.

The way in which radio spectrum is currently allocated to different wireless technologies can lead to gross inefficiencies. In some regions, for instance, the frequencies used by mobile phones can be desperately congested, while large swaths of the broadcast-television spectrum stand idle.

One solution to that problem is the 15-year-old idea of ‘cognitive radio’, in which wireless devices would scan their environments for vacant frequencies and use these for transmissions. Different proposals for cognitive radio place different emphases on hardware and software, but the chief component of many hardware approaches is a bank of filters that can isolate any frequency in a wide band.

Researchers at MIT’s Microsystems Technology Laboratory (MTL) have developed a new method for manufacturing such filters that should improve their performance while enabling 14 times as many of them to be crammed on a single chip. That’s a vital consideration in handheld devices where space is tight. But just as important, the new method uses techniques already common in the production of signal-processing chips, so it should be easy for manufacturers to adopt.

There are two main approaches to hardware-based radio-signal filtration: one is to perform the filtration electronically; the other is to convert the radio signal to an acoustic signal - a physical vibration - and then convert it back to an electrical signal. In work presented in June at the International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems, Dana Weinstein, the Steve and Renee Finn Career Development Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Laura Popa, a graduate student in physics, adopted the second approach.

Resonant ideas

Both types of filtration use devices called resonators, and acoustic resonators have a couple of clear advantages over electronic ones. One is that their filtration is more precise.

“If I pluck a guitar string - that’s the easiest resonator to think of - it’s going to resonate at some frequency, and it’s going to die down due to losses,” Weinstein explains. “That loss is related to, basically, energy leaked away from that resonance mode into all other frequencies. Less loss means better frequency selectivity, and mechanical acoustic resonators have less loss than electrical resonators.”

A scanning electron microscope image of one of the resonators on the researchers' new chip. Image courtesy of the researchers.

Acoustic resonators’ other advantage is that, in principle, they can be packed more densely than electrical-filtration circuits. “Acoustic wavelengths are much smaller than electromagnetic wavelengths,” Weinstein says. “So for a given frequency, my mechanical resonator is going to be much smaller.”

But in practice, the number of acoustic resonators in a filtration bank has been limited. The heart of any device that converts electrical signals to mechanical vibrations, or vice versa, is a capacitor, which can be thought of as two parallel metal plates separated by a small distance.

“The capacitors change the impedance” - a measure of the ease with which a wave propagates - “that the antenna sees, so you may have unwanted reflections back into the antenna,” Weinstein says. “Each capacitor from each filter is going to affect the antenna, and that’s no good. It means I can only have so many filters, and therefore so many frequencies that I can separate my signal into.”

Another problem with acoustic resonators is that turning them on or off - a necessary step in the isolation of a particular transmission frequency - requires giving each resonator its own electrical switch. Traditionally, an incoming radiofrequency signal has had to pass through that switch before reaching the resonator, suffering some loss of quality in the process.

Switching channels

Weinstein and Popa solve both these problems at a stroke. Moreover, they do it by adapting a technology already common in wireless devices: a gallium nitride transistor.

Almost all commercial transistors use semiconductors: materials, like gallium nitride, that can be switched between a conductive and a nonconductive state by the application of a voltage. In Weinstein and Popa’s new resonator, the lower ‘plate’ of the capacitor is in fact a gallium nitride channel in its conductive state.

Switching that channel to its nonconductive state is like removing the lower plate of the capacitor, which drastically reduces the capacitor’s effect on the quality of the radio signal. In experiments, the MTL researchers found that their resonators had only one-fourteenth the capacitive load of conventional resonators. “The radio can now afford to have 14 times as many filters attached to the antenna,” Weinstein says, “so we can span more frequencies.”

Laura Popa (left) and Dana Weinstein test their experimental chip using a cryogenic vacuum radiofrequency probe station. Photo: M Scott Brauer

Switching the channel to its nonconductive state also turns the resonator off, so the researchers’ new design requires no additional switch in the path of the incoming signal, improving signal quality.

Finally, the new resonator uses only materials already found in the gallium arsenide transistors common in wireless devices, so mass-producing it should require no major modifications of existing manufacturing processes.

Big idea on a tiny scale

Commercial adoption of cognitive radio has been slow for a number of reasons. “Part of it is being able to get the frequency-agile components and do it in a cost-effective manner,” says Thomas Kazior, a principal engineering fellow at Raytheon. “Plus the size constraint: filters tend to be big to begin with, and banks of tunable filters just make things even bigger.”

The MTL researchers’ work could help with both problems, Kazior says. “We’re talking about making filters that are directly integrated onto, say, a receiver chip, because the little resonator devices are literally the size of a transistor,” he says. “These are all on a tiny scale.

“They can help with the cost problem because these resonator-type structures almost come for free,” Kazior adds. “Building them is part of the semiconductor fabrication process, using pretty much the existing fabrication steps that you’re using to build the transistor and the rest of the circuits. You just may need to add one, or two at the most, additional steps - out of 100 or more steps.”

Telit Jupiter SE880 GPS module

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

The Telit Jupiter SE880, available from Glyn High Tech Distribution, is said to be the smallest and most advanced GPS module available, making it a suitable platform for ultracompact mobile/tracking devices.

The GPS module features advanced SiP PCB technology that allows the integration of a 48-channel GPS receiver in a reduced footprint.

It is equipped with a powerful baseband processor, integrated LNA, additional 2.4 GHz filter and jamming detection/removing feature. The module provides all the GPS information via NMEA standard protocol on serial interface.

It features a significantly reduced footprint (less than 40 mm²) compared to conventional PCB technology. Its advanced PCB technology is said to allow best-in-class sensitivity and to guarantee better performances in the operating temperature range compared to conventional PCB technology. The module supports assisted ephemeris file injection as well as satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS). Bundled with a Telit cellular module, it represents a suitable wireless and GPS solution in terms of total cost-effectiveness, footprint solution, integration and time-to-market readiness. The module allows cost saving when TCXO and RTC circuit is already present in the customer board.

The GPS module is designed for ultracompact designs for the consumer market like cameras, tablets, sport watches, precision watch movement, GPS shoe, GPS jacket and wearable terminals, and is a suitable solution for bundle cellular + GNSS solutions.

Global Navigation Satellite System commissioned

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

The Minister for Science and Research, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, has opened a new, revolutionary, robotic calibration facility for Australia’s global positioning capability.

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) robotic calibration facility, which is part of the AuScope Australian Geophysical Observing System (AGOS), will significantly increase the accuracy, quality and consistency of global positioning systems for the Australian public. It is one of only three in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.

The system will provide valuable economic benefits through positioning applications for resource exploration and mining, transport systems, the construction industry and land survey activities as well as agricultural and environmental monitoring and management.

Scientists will be able to determine changes in the surface of the Australian continent with submillimetre accuracy, providing significant benefit for Earth, geospatial and climate-change sciences. In the longer term, the system also will benefit the wider community through increased accuracy in areas such as handheld devices and smartphones.

The Robotic Calibration Antennae is an exciting component of the AGOS, which received $23 million from the Education Investment Fund (EIF). AGOS builds on the $43.3 million investment to establish AuScope under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme (NCRIS).

Vertex Standard eVerge two-way radios

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

Vertex Standard has introduced its eVerge digital two-way radio series. The eVerge portfolio includes the EVX-530 series portable radios, EVX-5300/5400 series mobile radios and EVX-R70 repeater for a complete digital system. These radios are designed to work with existing analog radios for easy conversion from analog to digital.

eVerge radios are suitable for commercial and industrial customers who currently use basic LMR for voice communications and could benefit from improved audio quality, improved coverage and more privacy without incurring higher equipment costs.

They are also designed to help customers use TDMA, for optimum power and spectrum efficiency. TDMA is compliant with the DMR (digital mobile radio) standard so eVerge digital radios are compatible with more than 74% of digital radios used worldwide. TDMA also maximises user performance with double the call capacity in one frequency channel to support two simultaneous digital conversations without relicensing or rebanding.

In Australia and New Zealand, eVerge two-way radios will operate in VHF (136-174 MHz) and UHF (403-470 MHz; 450-520 MHz) bands. The eVerge portable EVX-530 series and mobile EVX-5300/5400 series are compact in size.

Other features include: AMBE+2 vocoder technology to improve voice quality in noisy environments; enhanced call management capabilities to control who hears what is transmitted on a channel; the ability to place direct calls to a specific individual or to select groups of radios; text messaging; enhanced privacy when operating in digital mode without the need for extra encryption hardware; and Auto Range Transpond System (ARTS) monitoring that enables users to always know their connection status with other ARTS-enabled radios (eVerge also includes ARTS II that operates in both digital and analog modes to alert users when they are no longer in range to communicate).

The EVX-530 series: have up to 40% longer battery life when operating in digital mode; are IP57 fresh water submersible for 3 feet up to 30 min; plus have one-touch emergency and lone worker safety alert capabilities.

Glyn opens Christchurch office

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

Glyn High-Tech Distribution has announced the opening of an office in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the appointment of Martin de Lange as its new NZ Business Development Manager.

de Lange has been an FAE in NZ for the past nine years in an electronic components distribution company and has extensive experience in MCUs, LEDs, wireless modules and analog power supplies. He will be looking after customers in the South Island and the lower North Island.

Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generator

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

The Rohde & Schwarz SMW200A high-end vector signal generator combines flexibility, performance and intuitive operation in generating complex, digitally modulated signals. With versatile configuration options, its range of applications extends from single-path vector signal generator to multichannel MIMO receiver tester.

The SMW200A combines a baseband generator, RF generator and MIMO fading simulator in a single instrument. The vector signal generator covers the frequency range from 100 kHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz and features an I/Q modulation bandwidth of 160 MHz with internal baseband. Modulation and RF characteristics make it suitable for developing high-end components, modules and complete products for wideband communications systems such as LTE-Advanced and WLAN IEEE 802.11ac. The generator performs especially well when it comes to the verification of 3G and 4G base stations as well as aerospace and defence applications.

The SMW200A can be equipped with an optional second RF path for frequencies up to 6 GHz and with a maximum of two baseband and four fading simulator modules, giving users two full-featured vector signal generators in a single unit. Fading scenarios such as 2x2 MIMO, 8x2 MIMO for TD-LTE and 2x2 MIMO for LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation can be simulated.

More than two RF sources are required for applications such as 3x3 MIMO for WLAN or 4x4 MIMO for LTE-FDD. In addition to the two internal RF paths provided, highly compact SGS100A signal generator modules can be connected as additional RF sources and remotely controlled by the SMW200A. This solution takes up only five height units for 4x4 MIMO receiver tests and provides correctly encoded baseband signals, real-time channel simulation, AWGN generation and, if required, phase-locked coupling of multiple RF paths.

Options for every important digital communications standard are available from the start: LTE, LTE-Advanced, 3GPP FDD/HSPA/HSPA+, GSM/EDGE/EDGE Evolution, TD-SCDMA, CDMA2000/1xEV-DO and WLAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The standards run directly on the SMW200A - without having to connect an external PC, making it possible to vary signals or specific parameters quickly and easily. This simplifies troubleshooting on the DUT and also saves time. Because the SMW200A is multichannel-compatible, developers can even create scenarios using different signals with minimal effort; eg, in order to test multistandard radio base stations.

The signal quality of the SMW200A ensures high accuracy in spectral and modulation measurements. The SSB phase noise is -139 dBc (typ) at 1 GHz (20 kHz offset). In terms of modulation quality, the SMW200A achieves an EVM of -49 dB (meas) for WLAN IEEE 802.11ac signals as well as a 0.05 dB (meas) I/Q modulation frequency response over 160 MHz bandwidth.

The touch screen enables users to control the instrument even more intuitively with the block diagram as a key operating element to visualise the signal flow. Help functions are provided to quickly achieve success. Presets are provided for all important digital standards and fading scenarios. LTE and UMTS test case wizards simplify complex base station conformance testing in line with the 3GPP specification.

Kordia joins Downer EDI for northern NSW NBN

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

Kordia Solutions Australia has sealed a contract with Downer EDI Limited as its design partner for the northern New South Wales rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) to homes and business.

In February, Downer announced it had been awarded a contract for the rollout of the NBN to homes and businesses in northern NSW. The contract is valued at up to $94 million over two years, with two one-year options to extend the agreement.

Under the NBN Project, Downer is responsible for construction of the optical fibre network from the main fibre nodes to the boxes outside the home or business that allows customers to connect to the NBN’s high speed broadband network via a provider of their choice.

Kordia will be responsible for the design of the optical fibre network to each premise. The design scope includes network analysis and routing documentation for both underground and aerial components, including coordination with Telstra and electricity utilities.

Kordia previously partnered with Downer on a Queensland NBN project.

Government extends satphone subsidy

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

The federal government has decided to extend the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme until 30 June 2014 to assist people living and working in regional and remote areas.

By providing $2.5 million to extend the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme, the government says it will continue to assist with the costs of purchasing a satellite handset.

Approximately 24,000 mobile satellite phone subsidies have already been provided through the scheme, helping those in regional and remote areas stay in touch with family, friends, colleagues and customers.

The 2011-12 Regional Telecommunications Review found that satellite phones continue to play a valuable role in providing mobile services in remote Australia.

The government will review the scheme by the end of 2013 to assess whether it is necessary to extend the scheme further. The review will focus on the current demand for the scheme and market developments, including the cost of satellite phone handsets.

More information on the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme is available online at www.dbcde.gov.au/satphone or by calling 1800 674 058 (free call).

Latest GPS satellite launched

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket launched the US Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-4 satellite on 15 May from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The Atlas V flew in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-metre fairing and a single-engine Centaur upper stage.

GPS IIF-4 is the fourth satellite delivered by prime contractor Boeing as part of the GPS IIF contract for 12 next-generation GPS satellites. GPS IIF series continues to modernise the GPS constellation while providing positioning, navigation and timing services to civil and military users worldwide.

An Atlas V rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-41 carrying the (GPS) IIF-4 satellite. Credit: ULA

The Block IIF series will replace the GPS Block IIA satellites that were launched between 1990 and 1997. The IIF series provide improved accuracy, enhanced internal atomic clocks, better anti-jam resistance, a civil signal for commercial aviation and a longer design life.

NZ announces spectrum consultation

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

New Zealand’s Communications and Information Technology Minister, Amy Adams, has released a consultation document for the upcoming auction of the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum.

The 700 MHz band - freed up by the switchover to digital television - can be used in the building of fourth-generation (4G) mobile networks, capable of speeds up to 10 times faster than today’s networks.

The document released today is likely to be of most interest to potential bidders for the 700 MHz spectrum, as it provides the technical details about the auction design.

The consultation, to be undertaken by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, will cover government decisions to date, including the technical band plan, acquisition limits and an implementation requirement.

The consultation will also focus on the auction rules, management rights and how best to achieve the government’s objective of increasing cell phone coverage in rural areas.

Industry is also being consulted on a potential scheme that would spread payment for the spectrum over time, rather than having a one-off, lump-sum payment as has been the practice in the past.

The auction reserve price will be announced closer to the auction. The price does not form part of the current consultation.

Indications are that by using spectrum for 4G mobile networks, economic benefits of up to $2.4 billion can be expected over the next 20 years.

To view the consultation document, go to: http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/policy-and-planning/consultation/digital-dividend-auction.

Municipality benefits from digital switch

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

Maintaining social stability and safety, fighting against crime and creating a sound business environment are the primary tasks for governments. Yet the increasing frequency of natural disasters and public emergencies puts more challenges on most municipalities, and Cachoeirinha is no different.

Cachoeirinha is located in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Brazil, covering 43 square kilometres and having approximately 120,000 inhabitants.

The municipality’s communication situation was dire, with obsolete vehicles and a poorly structured central security system. The government wanted to upgrade its analog system and establish a city-wide command and control system with wireless IP technology, visualised dispatching and location positioning technology.

Hytera provided a DMR digital communication solution that was implemented across the city, using the SmartDispatch dispatcher system and PD78X/MD78X portable and mobile terminals. SmartDispatch was deployed in the public security department’s monitoring centre, where the coordination team could control the mobile teams. The portable and mobile terminals were deployed inside cars for the communication and dispatching between mobile teams.

The signal coverage of the city’s communications system has been enlarged, along with improved audio quality. And with GPS positioning and visualised dispatching features, the public security department can allocate its resources more efficiently for complete city-wide security control.

New arrangements for wireless microphones

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

As a result of the need to clear the digital dividend spectrum, wireless microphone users will need to clear the spectrum by 1 January 2015.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority announced, on 13 May, changes to frequency ranges used for wireless microphones. The changes are a key plank in supporting the transition of wireless microphones from the digital dividend band.

“This transition is intended to deliver satisfactory spectrum outcomes for the countless thousands of activities that the industry facilitates,” said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman. “It has become a necessary consequence of the introduction of new 4G broadband mobile services across Australia into the digital dividend.”

The changes made are arrangements for wireless audio transmitters in the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000.

The changes to the class licence:

mean that after 31 December 2014, wireless audio transmitters (including wireless microphones) will no longer be authorised to operate in the frequency range 694-820 MHz (the digital dividend band);
introduce new arrangements supporting the use of digital wireless audio transmitters in the frequency range 520-694 MHz;
introduce new arrangements supporting the use of wireless audio transmitters operating in the frequency range 1790-1800 MHz.

As a corollary, ACMA will be working to update its standards’ arrangements to restrict the supply of wireless microphones that operate in the digital dividend (694-820 MHz).

“The dialogue with the Australian Wireless Audio Group (AWAG) and its industry forum has been collaborative and iterative. I want to encourage industry to continue to engage as we transition to these new arrangements,” Chapman said.

A copy of the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000 is available on the ComLaw website. The ACMA website also provides a range of useful material for potentially affected users.

Clearing the airwaves

The introduction of digital television and switch-off of analog television into Australia has made possible a reduction in the amount of radiofrequency spectrum needed to support broadcast television services - the ‘digital dividend’. However, wireless audio systems (including wireless microphones) also operate within the television broadcasting spectrum in unused channels. These systems are low power and are allowed to operate under the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000, on the condition that no interference is caused to other radio communications services and no protection is provided from interference.

Digital television services are to be ‘restacked’ by the end of 2014 to clear spectrum to support new high-speed broadband mobile (4G) services across Australia. The digital dividend auction commenced in April 2013 and results were announced on 7 May 2013.

Clearance of the digital dividend spectrum is required by 1 January 2015 and this includes clearance by wireless microphone users. Restacking of digital television services will occur area by area prior to that date. The need for changes to the class licence and the restacking of digital television services flow from the announcement of the digital dividend by the Minister for Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy in June 2010.

These changes are the culmination of a number of earlier initiatives concerning information provision and consultations. For example, the ACMA has been in ongoing consultation with representatives of the wireless audio system suppliers (AWAG) on the impacts of these changes since the declaration of the digital dividend by the Minister in 2010. In 2011, the ACMA first published specific information about the impact of the digital dividend on wireless microphones.

ACMA held a Spectrum Workshop on wireless microphones on 7 December 2012, providing information on spectrum options available for wireless microphones and updating participants on future planning. That information was steadily updated as planning for the digital dividend progressed and now includes an ‘Indicative Channel Chart’ for the restack of digital television services which provides information by area on what channels will be used post restack and hence what channels will be unused (ie, the white space).

These initiatives, combined with both the DBCDE website (which includes a March 2013 restack timetable) and the mySwitch website (which provides television coverage area maps) provide information to determine availability of spectrum for wireless microphone use on an area-by-area basis.

The changes

In December 2012, ACMA released the invitation for comment IFC 49/2012 on the proposed changes to the class licence. The consultation period closed on 13 March 2013 after receiving 52 submissions. The authority agreed to make the variation on 18 April 2013 with minor amendments. There are three changes in this round of updates to the LIPD class licence that affect wireless microphone users.

The first is a change to the currently permitted operating frequency range for wireless audio transmitters from 520-820 MHz to 520-694 MHz after 31 December 2014 to exclude the digital dividend band (694-820 MHz). The second change was the introduction of arrangements to support the use of wireless audio transmitters using digital modulation in the frequency range 520-694 MHz. The third change was the introduction of arrangements to support the use of wireless microphones in the frequency range 1790-1800 MHz.

ACMA is working through Standards Australia to reflect the changes in the licence in the Australian standard (that is picked up by the ACMA mandatory standard for short-range devices). ACMA will also be proposing changes to the requirements for the supply of wireless audio devices brought into Australia. It is also using Google AdWords to provide information on eBay and online about the changes.

ACMA is continuing to work with industry through the AWAG to assist affected users to plan ahead for the replacement or retuning of wireless microphone equipment. Information on the current and future availability of frequencies for wireless microphone use in the frequency range 520-694 MHz on an area-by-area basis through information on the television channel restack process can be found on the mySwitch website or through the restack of digital television services indicative restack channel chart available on the ACMA website.

Comms Connect 2013 - call for papers

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 +1000

Comms Connect - formerly Radio Comms Connect - is back this year, bigger and better than ever. To be held in Melbourne on 20-22 November, it’s your best opportunity all year to make your presence felt in the industry.

To that end, the conference organisers are reminding all industry participants that the deadline for submission of conference papers and workshop proposals is 31 May 2013.

The core of the conference and exhibition is still radio communications - its uses, applications and benefits. But with the convergence in communication technologies being seen - from IP to mobile broadband and more - the event is now about more than just two-way radio. Many exhibitors and attendees are involved in a wide range of technologies and solutions, both mission and business critical, in addition to the more traditional radio solutions on offer.

The broad range of radio and combined communications topics discussed and the high-quality training workshops that will run during the conference are not available at other shows in such a focused and dedicated way. Because of this, Comms Connect is in the unique position of being able to deliver to delegates and visitors the full range of solutions needed to make informed decisions.

Comms Connect 2013 will include workshops, case studies, technology sessions, panel discussions, keynotes and plenary sessions. The audience includes users from a wide range of sectors including numerous government departments, public safety agencies, transportation (rail and road), utilities, mining, and oil and gas, along with communications integrators, dealers, consultants and manufacturers. Your submission may target specific groups of users or be a more general paper with broader appeal.

A variety of workshops will be presented, with up to three hours allocated for each. Training workshop topics for consideration include, but are not limited to: infrastructures and towers; mobile broadband and LTE; advanced radio over IP; M2M/SCADA/telemetry; LMR for the IT professional; spectrum and licensing; wireless backhaul - from microwave to IP; and public safety communications, including mobile broadband.

More information is available at the Comms Connect website.