General Description
Evenlode is a lightweight data terminal specifically designed for
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) but equally usable for other airborne, ground and maritime data applications. A pair of data terminals acting as a bidirectional network repeater provides an innovative solution for any information exchange requirement.
An Evenlode Air Data Terminal system provides a significant reduction in Size Weight and Power (SWAP) over the standard video uplink/downlink supplied by Enterprise Control Systems Ltd (ECS). The Evenlode terminal weighs just 3kg and has a power consumption of only 100 W (L & S band system).
SWAP reduction is dependent upon the Customer's specific system configuration; however, an Evenlode system at L-Band frequencies weighs approximately 6kg less and takes 90 W less than standard equipment.
Evenlode is a modular, lightweight transceiver based on four distinct modules: the transceiver, a 10W Radio Frequency (RF) amplifier, heat exchange and a power supply module. These four modules together with antennas, output transmission isolation filter and receive Low Noise Block down converters make up a complete Evenlode system.
The system has integrated Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit (subject to export license) or Substitution Cipher Encryption. The uplink receiver and downlink transmitter are contained in a single transceiver module. The standard Evenlode transceiver is used with two receive antennas providing diversity reception. Uplink data can be used to provide UAV control, switch between different sensor inputs, provide camera control or be used to control downlink parameters.
Ethernet and Asynchronous Serial Interface (ASI) inputs are provided for downlink data. The ASI input may be from an external ASI Multiplex Module. The ASI Multiplex Module has two internal video encoders capable of encoding High Definition (HD) video and audio switched between four HD and two Standard Definition (SD) inputs. Data rate control between ASI and Ethernet inputs allows Evenlode to act as a bidirectional network repeater or be fully compatible with Enterprise Control Systems Ltd (ECS) legacy video equipment.
ECS has produced an extensive range of ground receiving systems and transceivers capable of integrating with Evenlode. These include fixed, vehicle-borne, briefcase and handheld receivers and transceivers. An Evenlode ground data terminal will contain an ASI Demultiplex Module in the same configuration as the air ASI Multiplex Module. ECS is able to provide omnidirectional, diversity, sector tracking, multi-input diversity and high-gain GNSS (GPS) tracking ground station options.
An Evenlode System consists of the following:
- The Evenlode Transceiver module (tailored to specific requirement) with Ethernet data buffer
- 2 x uplink, 1 x downlink antennas (colinear dipole, blade or directional spiral; Lightning Direct Strike (LDS) protected antennas optional)
- 2 x Low Noise Block down converters (LNB) for diversity reception and an RF output Isolation Filter
- High Quality RF cabling, mating connectors and power cabling (installation dependant)
- Suitable ground transceiver with an antenna system specific to operational requirements.
Evenlode System Options:
- Networking of a number of ground Evenlode terminals and a central operations room to provide extended link range and remote uplink control.
- Video Encoder Module capable of multiplexing video and audio onto an ASI transport stream for time-critical transmission with priority over Ethernet data
- Video Encoding onto IP (air and ground data terminals), multicast, unicast and broadcast, RTP and UDP protocols.
- EVENLODE Hard Disk Recorder module
- EVENLODE System Control Unit
Technical Data
Mechanical: 139 mm x 126 mm x 218 mm, 3kg approx
Power Requirements: 100 W typ (L and S Band) 11 - 15, 22 - 30 VDC
Frequency: 1.2 - 6.4 GHz; uplink and downlink channel set each within a 10 percent proportional bandwidth. Isolation between channel sets
Link Mode Selection: FEC - 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6
Guard Interval - 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32
Modulation - QPSK, 16QAM
Channel Bandwidth - 1.5, 2, 3, 4 ,5, 6, 7, 8 MHz
Link Data Rate: 930kbps - 20.1Mbps
Data Interfaces: 100/10BASE-T Ethernet and ASI.
Network Description: Bidirectional OSI-Layer1 network repeater/2-port hub. Terminals on either side of the Evenlode link on the same collision domain. Integral 2-port switch or routing technology to customer requirements. GPS Input: Line-powered GPS Active antenna, ARINC429 Interface or direct NMEA0183 feed also available. GPS input may also be via Ethernet port. Encryption: AES 256 (subject to export license approval) or Substitution Cipher Encryption.
Control Data: Dedicated serial control (System Control Unit optional) or via Ethernet port. The Evenlode air transceiver may also be controlled via the uplink.
Control of modulation, guard interval, forward error correction, channel bandwidth, encryption, frequency and power (low/high).
Environmental: -20° C to +55° C temp, 0 - 95% relative humidity non-condensing, 25,000 ft altitude operating conditions.
Certification: Certified to RTCA DO160F Standards
.jpg)
