Critical Comms Jul/Aug 2014

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ON THE COVER

Formerly Radio Comms Asia-Pacific

Inside 6

July/August 2014

A sustainable future

The R&S SGT100A is an extremely compact, production-orientated, faceless vector signal

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Interoperability - the future looks bright

generator with very fast setting times and

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Adelaide scores with DMR

signal generator is suitable for production

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SDRification - the RF revolution

FPS spectrum analyser.

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Industry talking

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Defence HQ - Exelis's new APAC facility

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Backhaul

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Spectrum

an internal baseband generator. This vector applications, especially together with the R&S 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

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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

Transmit

Calendar

Most of the major players in the critical

August

communications industry came together

What: APCO 2014 When: 3-6 August 2014 Where: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Website: apco2014.org

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

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

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 headquarters and R&D, testing and systems integration facility. Located at Exelis C4i’s St Kilda Road premises, the new HQ has the capacity

September What: Critical Communications Middle East When: 15-17 September 2014 Where: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Website: criticalcommunications-me.com

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

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

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.

October What: TETRA Congress Americas 2014 When: 20-22 October 2014 Where: New York, USA Web site: tetracongressamericas.com For a full list of dozens of industry events, see criticalcomms.com.au/calendar_events.

Jonathan Nally, Editor cc@westwick-farrow.com.au

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A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS The 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.

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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, people expect communications to be available and working 24/7. We have all developed an increased dependency on communications 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 community now relies more on social media than traditional media.

I know radio communications professionals are passionate about what they do and strive to deliver quality services to frontline staff. Traditionally, agencies have been provided 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 harness 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 sustainable. Our role is to improve coordination

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© iStockphoto.com/Andrew Clelland

T

hank you Comms Connect for asking the NSW Telco Authority to open today’s proceedings. It’s pleasing to see such a wide representation here this morning, including international guests, to participate in this important conference.

The NSW Telco Authority is all about ‘Building a sustainable future for government 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

GOVERNMENT COMMS

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 positive 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 Authority The Telco Authority supports NSW Government agencies that use operational telecommunications for critical and non-critical purposes.

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

We also coordinate responses to telecommunications 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 agencies 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 manage increasing demand for spectrum, achieve increasing economies of scale and offer agencies 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 details 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.

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We have developed relationships with a broad group of suppliers through the procurement 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 future We 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 innovative 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 telecommunications 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.

Rod Gilmour, chairman, NSW Telco Authority

News WIRED INTERFACE Zetron 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 call, 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 capabilities.

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 SINGAPORE Axell 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 offair 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

Handset-based console Sepura’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

Cellular router Maestro Wireless Solutions has launched a machine-to-machine (M2M) failovercapable 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 requiring 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 configuration 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

INTEGRATION TESTING

Software-defined radios

Zetron 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 standardsbased solutions. MAX Dispatch is the second Zetron console system to utilise the DFSI with Simoco’s conventional network.

Full story: bit.ly/1mX0XRi

Signal Hound produces a range of software-

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defined radios optimised for spectrum analysis and RF recording. Using innovative RF technology, 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

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NEW IP Advanced Radio System

Infrared cameras The 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 compromising 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 available), 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 SmartView reporting software (both models) to easily perform analysis and image adjustments/enhancements.

Fluke Australia Pty Ltd www.fluke.com.au

TETRA radios Sepura has launched the STP9000 series of hand-portable radios and the SRG3900 mobile radios in the TETRA 344400 MHz and the 800 MHz bands.

Snap-on automated tool control system toolbox

frequency variants in order to serve customers in

The Snap-on Level 5 automated tool control system toolbox

emerging markets, including China (344-400 MHz)

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

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

age and control system used to automatically track individual

the opportunity for market share growth in other

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

800 MHz markets: Asia, Australia, South America and

add-ons.

Brazil, specifically.

The TETRA terminals have been developed in both

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

The IP67-rated STP9000 series radios are designed

is coded so that ATC can continuously record exactly who

to operate in challenging environments. Their attributes

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

include a new generation of highly sensitive GPS with

ATC automatically detects which tools have been returned

‘predictive ephemeris’, plus an evolved, more intuitive

or removed and then confirms which tools are being issued

user interface, improved full duplex audio and battery

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

performance, and a whole new level of robustness.

With every tool accounted for, accurate asset management is assured, along with FOD compliance. The system provides

Its design retains 100% compatibility with existing STP8000 accessories and software.

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

The 344-400 MHz and 800 MHz bands SRG3900 is

and where they are being used. Comprehensive analysis and

designed to meet the needs of users within the transport,

reporting can be performed from administrator workstations

utility and public safety markets looking for a feature-rich

located anywhere on the network. ATC works hand in hand

TETRA mobile, with flexible installation options, making it

with our TC MAX inventory tracking software so inventory

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

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

rooms, motorcycles, aircraft and even boats and trains.

Snap-On Tools Aust Pty Ltd

The SRG3900, with its dual remote console support for

www.snapontools.com.au/industrial

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

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INTEROPERABILITY THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT Lance Valcour*

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

D

isasters 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 enhancing 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 Fitzsimmons, 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.

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

Initial efforts The 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 pending 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.

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PUBLIC SAFETY

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 successful in their efforts.

Australasian developments

Photo credit: Highways Agency under CC

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 experience Following 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 applicable to mission-critical voice, spectrum ownership and more.

While it focuses on efforts in the United Kingdom, the principles

On 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 being 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 monetary 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 results 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 Zero While the long-term vision for international public safety agencies 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

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PUBLIC SAFETY 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.

Photo credit: Highways Agency under CC

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 Communications Officials and National Emergency Number Association to host an NG9-1-1 National Governance and Coordination Workshop in Ottawa 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.

Conclusion When 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 *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.

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increased access to emergency data via NG9-1-1, the keys to success 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 emergencies, 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.

Take part in the discussion Comms 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 reading FirstNet ntia.doc.gov/category/firstnet Canada action700.ca UK Emergency Service Mobile Communications Programme gov.uk/government/publications/the-emergency-services-mobilecommunications-programme RUSI research paper rusi.org/downloads/assets/201405_OP_ Emergency_Services_Communications.pdf Australian Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement July 2013 report on Spectrum for public safety mobile broadband aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/ Joint/Law_Enforcement/Completed_inquiries/2010-13/spectrummobilebroadband/report/b02 Government of Canada report, 700MHz Spectrum Requirements for Canadian Public Safety Interoperable Mobile Broadband Data Communications citig.ca/Data/Sites/1/action700/700mhztechnic alassessmentofpsrequirementsv09final!public.pdf CITIG NG 9-1-1 National Governance and Coordination Workshop citig.ca/Data/Sites/1/newsfiles2013/ng9-1-1-status-reportvfinal-oct.pdf

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News SPECTRUM REFORM The 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

Oscilloscopes Micsig’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 decode 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 handheld The 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

PLATFORM VERIFICATION Sepura has announced verification of its next-generation terminal and infrastructure platforms, including multi-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

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

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD Comms 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 18

Suite B-compliant IPSec VPN. Motorola Solutions Australia Pty Ltd www.motorola.com/au

Console system API Zetron 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

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Coaxial connectors Compact, installation-friendly 4.3-10 RF connectors have been developed by a collaboration of a number of high-profile connector manufacturers, including Telegartner, to meet

LTE/VoLTE troubleshooter Fluke Networks has released the

the ever-increasing demands in mobile radio communication applications.

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

Network Time Machine LTE/VoLTE,

low weight of these connectors do justice

a portable LTE troubleshooting appli-

to the increasing call for miniaturisation of

ance that helps wireless carriers resolve

mobile radio network components. Despite

network performance issues quickly and

their size, the connectors provide good return

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

loss and passive intermodulation performance

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

(PIM) levels. In addition, the connector series

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

is variable, since one universal cable jack is

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

suitable for mating with three different cable

growing voice, video, and data demands.

plug designs.

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

All of the 4.3-10 connectors meet the require-

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

ments of IP68 and, because of the properties

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

of materials used, are suitable for temperatures

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

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

in both portable and rackmount platforms.

connector designs for use at higher tempera-

Fluke Networks

tures are also possible on demand.

www.fluke.com

CNE Custom Cables Pty Ltd www.customcables.com.au

20

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CASE STUDY

ADELAIDE SCORES WITH DMR The 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.

I

n 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-squaremetre playing ground and seating capacity of around 50,000.

Baulderstone Pty Ltd (now Lend Lease), one of the largest 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 users, 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 interoperable digital system that would meet the needs of all personnel.

Evaluation and deployment Communications 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 reliable 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; cleaning; ticketing; and the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA).

The company pointed out the benefits of using a private communications 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 previous radio system, all built on an IP backbone, and provides more reliable coverage right to the edge of the signal range - an important factor for public safety and efficient operational management.

The contract covered system design, installation and a fouryear 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 coverage The newly refurbished Adelaide Oval opened to the public on 29 March 2014 with a showdown between the Port Adelaide and

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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.

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 leaving 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

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

Learn more at www.keysight.com

News HF CONTRACT

Inspection probe Damaged 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

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

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

TRAINING SURVEY ARCIA 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 REPORT RMIT 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 26

Vector signal generator Rohde & 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 applications 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

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Bluetooth protocol stack Nordic Semiconductor has launched the S130 SoftDevice - 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 present 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 client, and event-driven, asynchronous and thread-safe

Tablet dispatch console

GATT/GAP and L2CAP APIs. Other features include

Omnitronics has released RediTALK Air, a tablet-based console that can support

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

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

capability that leverages the Nordic nRF51 Series

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

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

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

updates. It is a suitable choice for Bluetooth Smart

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

hubs that are not smartphones or tablets.

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

The product is delivered as a SoftDevice for

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

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

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

compiled binary with no link time dependencies to

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

application code.

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

Braemac Pty Ltd www.braemac.com.au

consoles. It operates on Windows 8 tablets.

Omnitronics Pty Ltd www.omnitronics.com.au

HF radio Codan 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

RFID transponders The 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

28

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© iStockphoto.com/Tomasz Wyszołmirski

TEST & MEASUREMENT

SDRification THE RF REVOLUTION

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

I

n 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 applications 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 instrumentation At the same time the adoption of the SDR architecture was increasing 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 softwaredefined 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 spectrum 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

This issue is sponsored by — Rohde & Schwarz — www.rohde-schwarz.com 29

TEST AND MEASUREMENT

THE ‘SDRIFICATION’ OF TODAY’S RF TEST EQUIPMENT PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS IN TRADITIONAL RF TEST APPLICATIONS.

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 substantial 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 test The consistent improvement in instrument signal processing performance 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 technology, 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 instrument can synchronise digital device control with the execution of the RF measurements.

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

30

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 SDRification Finally, the SDR-like architectural elements of today’s RF instrumentation have blurred the line between instrument and embedded platforms. Defining instrument characteristics such as a userprogrammable 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 milliondollar 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 instrument 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 indistinguishable from that of the SDR. National Instruments Australia www.ni.com/oceania

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Industry Talking The 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 excellent 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 conference 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 underway, 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 radiocommunications 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 sponsorships. 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 arranged 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.

RF modules Radiocrafts TinyMesh enables the Internet of Things (IoT).

TinyMesh is a powerful multihop mesh protocol with bidirectional 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 management; asset tracking; and street lighting control and monitoring.

M2M Connectivity www.m2mconnectivity.com.au

400 W convection-cooled power supplies XP 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 currents 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 dualoutput 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

Bayswater

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

32

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News TETRA FOR METRO In 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 voicerecording 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

Network analysers Economy 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-

WA POLICE P25

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

Motorola 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

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

WORLD CUP P25 TRIAL Tait 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 34

environments. The series utilise standard LAN communications for robust remote control; 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 radio The 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 coverage. 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 peerto-peer communications in the busy shared band.

Because the IP100H uses wireless LAN protocol, issues such as interference, 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

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

Waveform generator Satellite comms

The Siglent SDG800 waveform generator inherits

Inmarsat and Spectra Group UK

main features from SDG1000, inserting EasyPulse

have launched L-TAC VHF for

tech from SDG5000, and can be widely applied

civil government. The service will

in electronic function test, environmental signal

significantly extend the range

analog, researching and education.

and capabilities of VHF radios

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

used by the emergency services

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

and enable full interoperability

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

between civilian and defence

output/logarithmic frequency sweep.

forces radios.

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

Introduced last year, Inmar-

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

sat’s L-TAC service is already in

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

use by defence forces around

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

the world. It provides a low-cost

Nesco Electrical Products

Tactical UHF Satellite (TACSAT)

www.nesco.com.au

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 network, 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 version at 144 to 174 MHz. For regular VHF users, L-TAC offers a fast-to-deploy and cost-effective capability for extending terrestrial coverage, 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

This issue is sponsored by — Rohde & Schwarz — www.rohde-schwarz.com 35

Communication system analyser

Redefining RF with the World’s First Vector Signal Transceiver

General 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

Ethernet tester The 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 measurements 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

The NI vector signal transceiver combines a vector signal analyzer

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

user-programmable FPGA for inline processing and control. The VST offers

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

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

both out-of-the-box functionality and

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

ultimate user customizability.

manage test configurations, process measurement results and generate customer test reports. Other software highlights include: Fiberizer Desktop PC software for fibre trace

Accelerate your productivity at ni.com/vst

Australia: 1800 300 800 New Zealand: 0800 553 322

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

©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

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

TelecomTest Solutions www.telecomtest.com.au

36

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Oscilloscopes

DMR site linking The MiMOMax Tornado IP-based radios with Power over

The Tektronix MDO3000 series oscilloscopes

Ethernet (PoE) implementation provide an economical

are packed with timesaving tools to help users

and quickly implemented low-latency, high-performance

discover, capture, search and analyse problems

linked DMR radio solution.

in their design.

The device features six integrated instruments, including a spectrum analyser, logic analyser,

The PoE implementation significantly reduces the installation time and costs that are usually associated with tower, site RF and power cabling.

protocol analyser, arbitrary waveform generator

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

and digital voltmeter. It provides users with the

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

ability to capture analog, digital and RF signals

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

with one scope.

cost and more reliable installation.

Features include: wave inspector navigation;

This mounting method also improves system performance by minimising cable

serial and parallel bus triggering and analysis;

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

integrated digital voltmeter and frequency counter;

weatherproof enclosure, the only connection required for an Ethernet Tornado

and a small form factor.

DMR linking solution is one 50 VDC PoE Ethernet cable.

element14 au.element14.com

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

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DEFENCE & SECURITY

DEFENCE HQ

EXELIS'S NEW APAC FACILITY

Jonathan Nally

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

F

ollowing the acquisition of local business C4i by Exelis at the beginning of last year, the company recently announced 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 Melbourne 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.”

38

“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 Harrison, 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 environments. 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

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DEFENCE & SECURITY

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

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

What is the company called now?

Tell us about the acquisition of C4i by Exelis

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

Exelis acquired C4i in January 2013. They had a very strong interest 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 international markets and to diversify some of their business beyond just department of defence work.

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 design 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.

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

Software has really changed everything, hasn’t it?

The benefit for us - because we ’ ve b e e n i n t h i s b u s i n e ss fo r 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.

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 technologies. We’re looking at how we can assist their other portfolio of technologies in this region.

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

How did the Melbourne expansion come about?

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

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

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EXELIS IS SERIOUS ABOUT ESTABLISHING ITSELF HERE WITH AN ASIA-PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS, WHICH MEANS HAVING THE CAPACITY AND CAPABILITIES TO DO THAT JUSTICE.

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 accelerate some of the R&D work that’s already in progress, which is predominantly software-based engineering.

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

David Hodgett, Victorian Minister for Major Projects, Manufacturing and Ports; Peter H a rr i s o n , M a n a g i n g Director, Exelis Australia; and Chris Tucker, VP International Business Development, Exelis.

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.

Fibre-optic inspector The 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.

Metal enclosures

Focis Mobile is a free companion application that users download from

The AW series extruded aluminium enclosures

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

from Erntec feature RFI screening and a protec-

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

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.

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 613003-35, AT&T TP-76461 and user-defined pass/fail inspection; comprehensive

The aluminium body extrusions incorporate integrated

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

slots for direct mount of PCs or carrier plates and the

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

die-cast aluminium end caps include integrated right-

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

angle mounting flanges. Accessories include carrier

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

plates, cable glands, waterproof connectors and IP67-

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

rated light pipes.

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

ERNTEC Pty Ltd www.erntec.net

nodes and pops; metro-e and mobile backhaul nodes; access network cabinets, pedestals and drops.

Australian Tel-Tec Pty Ltd www.teltec.com.au

40

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Emona Instruments PAC3760 DL test and tag print kit The 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

Oscilloscope and logic analyser

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

Part of the InfiniiVision 3000 X-Series, the

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

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

MSOX3024A mixed signal oscilloscope fea-

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

tures four analog and 16 digital channels. The

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

200 MHz oscilloscope comes with an integrated

printing version builds on the range’s popular features.

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

logic timing analyser.

The product also offers search and naviga-

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

tion capabilities in addition to 33 automated

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

measurements, nine parametric triggers, six

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

serial protocol triggers and seven waveform

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

math functions, including FFT.

phase appliances. It operates under mains or battery power.

Features include: 1 million wfm/s update

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

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

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

LAN operability; USB storage.

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

The product is available to rent from

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

TechRentals.

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

TechRentals

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

www.techrentals.com.au

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

When a promise is made,

Polar Delivers.

Australian manufacturers of Communication equipment in the 2-2900 MHz range.

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

Australian distributors for Kabelwerk Eupen AG

30475

Corrugated coaxial cables Braided coaxial cables Radiating cables Connectors & Accessories

POLAR ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES Pty Ltd TEL: (03) 9555 2500 • FAX: (03) 9555 1515 • TOLL FREE 1800 33 5633 9-15 Friars Rd, Moorabbin, VIC, 3189 AUSTRALIA • Web: www.polarelec.com.au

Quality Endorsed Company ISO 9001 : 1994

Lic : QEC 1789

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© twobee/Dollar Photo Club

TRANSPORT COMMS

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

F

or 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 solution Satellites 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 database - 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 satellitebased location services that together with the telecom network will

42

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 passenger train on the Italian island of Sardinia. Credit: Ansaldo STS. 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.”

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Ethernet test software Rohde & Schwarz has expanded the application field of the R&S RTO oscilloscopes 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.

75Ω vector network analyser Copper Mountain Technologies’ S7530, a 75Ω compact vector network analyser, is suitable for cable and satellite TV industries, including equipment 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 impedance (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-

Rohde & Schwarz (Australia) Pty Ltd

cal channels with 16 traces each; and is COM/

www.rohde-schwarz.com

DCON compatible for LabView and automation programming. Fixture simulation and gating are standard features.

Clarke & Severn Electronics www.clarke.com.au

This issue is sponsored by — Rohde & Schwarz — www.rohde-schwarz.com 43

© photo: Lon Murdick

POLICING

LICENSED TO READ A RAND Corporation report has revealed that around 70% of US police forces are now using licenceplate reader technology.

S

ystems 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 inconsistent, 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 licenceplate 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 California 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.

44

Work to be done Licence-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 research 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 Programs at the National Institute of Justice.

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

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

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This issue is sponsored by — Rohde & Schwarz — www.rohde-schwarz.com 45

Backhaul 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 Fleet Manager computer-aided 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/ September 2002 issue of Radio Comms As i a - Pa c i f i c . L o t s 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.

46

Spectrum A new era of mobile intelligence Emergency 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 engaged 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 missioncritical 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.

Bruce Brda Government and delivery learning and

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

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

30 Sept-2 Oct 214 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia

Utilities

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Government

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Enterprise

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Transportation

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Resources

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Public Safety

COMMS CONNECT RETURNS TO MELBOURNE 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.

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

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

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

Digital Partner

2014 Training workshops include:

• Next Generation Triple Zero

(NG000): challenges and opportunities • Security of radio and IT systems in the converged communications environment • Advanced radio over IP

Platinum Sponsors

Prize Draw Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Lanyard Sponsor

Silver Sponsors Magazine Partner

In association with

Supporting associations & media organisations

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

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