Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s)

DTC’s miniature microwave video transmitters and receivers are well suited for UAV downlinks, transmitting one channel of video and up to two telemetry channels over audio subcarriers. Power outputs of 250 mW, 2 Watts, and 5 Watts are currently supported, with operation in L and S bands. C band development is underway, with a full product family by the end of 2004.

DTC’s transmitters are fully synthesized and user reprogrammable, including the audio sub-carriers. They utilize and internal switching power supply, reducing power consumption and heat dissipation. You can expect longer operation on your current power source, or reduce your power source for equivalent operational time, saving weight. Audio sub-carriers are phase locked, ensuring they do not drift into the video signal.

Encrypted operation is supported using the Ovation Micro™ Viewlock II, cut and rotate miniature encryption modules. This module may be ordered integrated into the transmitters, simplifying operation and installation.

In UAV applications, signal bounce off the earth or buildings may induce fading, causing signal breakup. DTC is reknowned for its line of true diversity receivers, using spatial diversity to overcome fades and multipath. Pairs of receivers and antennas tuned to the same frequency are used to receive a single transmitted signal. A proprietary voting logic board votes to the best signal during the horizontal retrace, over 15,000 times per second. This greatly enhances video quality.

Diversity receivers are available as OEM board sets that may be designed into your Operator Control Unit, in a “brick” configuration with a rugged aluminum case, or as a complete briefcase solutions, including recorder and monitor. In cost sensitive applications, DTC also provides a single receiver solution in either the open frame or packaged solution.

The open frame design of DTC’s receivers warrant special attention. It has been specifically designed to make it easy to integrate into Operator Control Units. It is light weight, and eliminating the outer aluminum case helps to save money. All connections to the unit, other than the RF connector, are made via locking MTA connectors. Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) is available in two ways; first, as an analog value one of the pins, and second, via a serial interface on the unit. This serial interface also enables the user to change frequencies from a remote device.

DTC offers a wide variety of antennas, with various amounts of gain and beam patterns. A common solution in UAV applications is the use of the DynaArray , whereby up to five antennas are mounted on an aluminum ring in a rugged radome. These antenna have overlapping beam patterns, eliminating the need to steer a receive antenna at the UAV.

This option should be considered with DTC’s VR-450 five receiver briefcase system, or SuperTRIAD rack-mounted system.

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV’s) and Robots

DTC’s miniature microwave video transmitters and receivers are ideal for UGV links, transmitting one channel of video and up to two telemetry channels over audio subcarriers. Power outputs of 250 mW, 2 Watts, and 5 Watts are currently supported, with operation in L and S bands. C band development is underway, with a full product family by the end of 2004.

DTC’s transmitters are fully synthesized and user reprogrammable, including the audio sub-carriers. They utilize and internal switching power supply, reducing power consumption and heat dissipation. You can expect longer operation on your current power source, or reduce your power source for equivalent operational time, saving weight. Audio sub-carriers are phase locked, ensuring they do not drift into the video signal.

Encrypted operation is supported using the Ovation Micro™ Viewlock II, cut and rotate miniature encryption modules. This module may be ordered integrated into the transmitters, simplifying operation and installation.

In UGV applications, multipath is often a major problem. The signal transmitted from the UGV often is reflected off buildings, vehicles, and other obstacles. This may cause significant signal breakup. If the UGV will be used in urban areas or within a building, the performance difference will be dramatic.

DTC is reknowned for its line of true diversity receivers, using spatial diversity to overcome fades and multipath. Pairs of receivers and antennas tuned to the same frequency are used to receive a single transmitted signal. A proprietary voting logic board votes to the best signal during the horizontal retrace, over 15,000 times per second. This greatly enhances video quality.

Diversity receivers are available as OEM board sets that may be designed into your Operator Control Unit, in a “brick” configuration with a rugged aluminum case, or as a complete briefcase solution, including recorder and monitor. In cost sensitive applications, DTC also provides a single receiver solution in either the open frame or packaged solution.

The open frame design of DTC’s receivers warrant special attention. It has been specifically designed to make it easy to integrate into Operator Control Units. It is light weight, and eliminating the outer aluminum case helps to save money. All connections to the unit, other than the RF connector, are made via locking MTA connectors. Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) is available in two ways; first, as an analog value one of the pins, and second, via a serial interface on the unit. This serial interface also enables the user to change frequencies from a remote device.

DTC’s briefcase solutions include the MiniPIX™ and VR-450 systems. The MiniPIX™ system uses two receivers with two lid mounted antennas. External antennas may be used by simply disconnecting the lid antennas via the panel mount TNC connectors and reconnecting the external antennas. You’ll be up and operating in about ten seconds.

The VR-450 has five receivers, with all antennas connected via the rear of the case. This is ideal if you have time to set up for the mission, and want to remotely locate higher gain antennas. You can mount antennas up to 100’ from the receivers, which is especially useful if you need to get over or around obstacles, and can greatly increase your range. Factor in a cable signal loss of about 3 dB for every 25’ (8 meters) of antenna cable used.

DTC offers a wide variety of antennas, with various amounts of gain and beam patterns. Consider using the DynaArray , whereby up to five antennas are mounted on an aluminum ring in a rugged radome. These antenna have overlapping beam patterns, eliminating the need to steer a receive antenna at the UGV. This option should be considered with DTC’s VR-450 five receiver briefcase system, or SuperTRIAD rack-mounted system.

If your application would benefit by using an IR camera, take a look at the FLIR A-20 solution. This small box camera provides excellent performance while keeping overall size and power down.