Quasonix RDMS User manual

ISO 9001:2015
Certified

No part of the document may be circulated, quoted, or reproduced for distribution without prior written approval from
Installation and Operation Manual
3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™ Telemetry Receiver
Quasonix, Inc.
6025 Schumacher Park Dr.
West Chester, OH 45069
12 June 2018
Revision 3.2
Applies to RDMSTM System Version 15
Quasonix, Inc.
Copyright Quasonix, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

iQuasonix, Inc.
Table of Contents
1Introduction............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Description...................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Nomenclature ..............................................................................................................................2
1.2.1 Options....................................................................................................................................2
1.2.2 Detailed Option Descriptions...................................................................................................3
1.2.2.1 SAW Filter Option – 14 .......................................................................................................3
1.2.2.2 Cybersecurity – CS.............................................................................................................3
1.2.2.3 Ethernet (EVTM) Payload, Receive Only – EN ..................................................................3
1.2.2.4 Adaptive Equalizer – EQ.....................................................................................................3
1.2.2.5 Telemetry Over IP – IP .......................................................................................................3
1.2.2.6 Viterbi Decoder (for Legacy PSK or PCM/FM Only) – K7 ..................................................4
1.2.3 Band Configurations................................................................................................................5
1.2.3.1 Additional Band Codes .......................................................................................................6
1.3 Package Contents .......................................................................................................................6
2Specifications.........................................................................................................................................7
3Installation Instructions ..........................................................................................................................9
3.1 Mechanical...................................................................................................................................9
3.1.1 1U Rack-Mount........................................................................................................................9
3.1.2 3U Touchscreen....................................................................................................................10
3.2 Thermal......................................................................................................................................11
3.3 Electrical ....................................................................................................................................11
3.3.1 1U Rear Panel Connections..................................................................................................11
3.3.2 3U Rear Panel Connections..................................................................................................12
3.3.2.1 1U Digital Output MDM-25 D-Sub Pinout-J9....................................................................15
3.3.2.2 1U RS-422 Output MDM-25 D-Sub Pinout-J23................................................................15
3.3.3 Electrical Signals...................................................................................................................17
3.4 Browser Interface.......................................................................................................................17
4Operating Instructions..........................................................................................................................19
4.1 Operational Priority....................................................................................................................19
4.2 Front-Panel Control ...................................................................................................................20
4.3 1U Front Panel Control..............................................................................................................20
4.4 3U Front Panel Control..............................................................................................................20
4.5 Waveform Graphics...................................................................................................................21
4.6 Navigation..................................................................................................................................22

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

ii Quasonix, Inc.
4.6.1 Selecting a Receiver Channel...............................................................................................23
4.6.2 Main Menu Settings...............................................................................................................24
4.6.2.1 Frequency.........................................................................................................................25
4.6.2.1.1 Playback Demodulator............................................................................................26
4.6.2.2 Frequency Diversity (Available with Diversity Combiner).................................................27
4.6.2.3 Mode.................................................................................................................................27
4.6.2.4 Bit Rate .............................................................................................................................29
4.6.2.5 Combiner (Optional)..........................................................................................................30
4.6.2.6 Data Polarity......................................................................................................................30
4.6.2.7 Clock Polarity....................................................................................................................31
4.6.2.8 Equalizer (Optional) ..........................................................................................................31
4.6.2.9 Data Quality Encapsulation (DQE) ...................................................................................32
4.6.2.10 Derandomizer....................................................................................................................34
4.6.2.11 Modulation Scaling (PCM/FM Mode Only) .......................................................................35
4.6.2.11.1 Modulation Scaling – Tracking..............................................................................35
4.6.2.11.2 Modulation Scaling – Hold ....................................................................................36
4.6.2.11.3 Modulation Scaling – Off.......................................................................................36
4.6.2.11.4 Modulation Scaling – Acquire................................................................................37
4.6.2.12 Modulation Persistence (PCM/FM Mode Only) ................................................................38
4.6.2.13 Differential Decoding (SOQPSK Mode Only) ...................................................................38
4.6.2.14 AGC Menu ........................................................................................................................39
4.6.2.14.1 AGC Polarity..........................................................................................................39
4.6.2.14.2 AGC Scale.............................................................................................................40
4.6.2.14.3 AGC Time Constant..............................................................................................40
4.6.2.14.4 AGC Freeze ..........................................................................................................41
4.6.2.14.5 AGC Zero Mode....................................................................................................42
4.6.2.14.6 Zero AGC..............................................................................................................42
4.6.2.15 AM Menu...........................................................................................................................44
4.6.2.15.1 AM Bandwidth.......................................................................................................45
4.6.2.15.2 AM Polarity............................................................................................................45
4.6.2.15.3 AM Scale...............................................................................................................46
4.6.2.15.4 AGC Comp............................................................................................................46
4.6.2.16 Options Menu....................................................................................................................47
4.6.2.16.1 Load Presets Menu...............................................................................................47
4.6.2.16.2 Save Presets Menu...............................................................................................48
4.6.2.16.3 Factory Default......................................................................................................48
4.6.2.17 Advanced Menu................................................................................................................49
4.6.2.17.1 Synchronize Bit Rate.............................................................................................50
4.6.2.17.2 IF Filter ..................................................................................................................50
4.6.2.17.3 Phase Noise Comp (PCM/FM Mode Only)...........................................................55
4.6.2.17.4 Muting Timeout......................................................................................................56
4.6.2.17.5 Output Muting........................................................................................................57
4.6.2.17.6 DC Antenna...........................................................................................................57
4.6.2.17.7 Mod Scale Index....................................................................................................58

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

iii Quasonix, Inc.
4.6.2.17.8 Best Channel Selector ..........................................................................................59
4.6.2.17.9 Time Aligner..........................................................................................................63
4.6.2.17.10 Combiner Mode...................................................................................................64
4.6.2.18 AFC Mode.........................................................................................................................65
4.6.2.18.1 AFC Mode – Off ....................................................................................................65
4.6.2.18.2 AFC Mode – Track................................................................................................66
4.6.2.18.3 AFC Mode – Hold..................................................................................................66
4.6.2.19 PCM Encoding..................................................................................................................67
4.6.2.20 LDPC Mode (SOQPSKLDPC, STCLDPC, or OQPSKLDPC Modes Only)......................68
4.6.2.21 Video Output Menu...........................................................................................................69
4.6.2.21.1 Channel A Output..................................................................................................69
4.6.2.21.2 Channel B Output..................................................................................................70
4.6.2.21.3 Channel A Scale....................................................................................................70
4.6.2.21.4 Channel B Scale....................................................................................................71
4.6.2.21.5 Tape Out Frequency .............................................................................................71
4.6.2.21.6 FM De-emphasis (PCM/FM Mode Only)...............................................................72
4.6.3 System Settings.....................................................................................................................72
4.6.3.1 System Info.......................................................................................................................73
4.6.3.1.1 Model.......................................................................................................................74
4.6.3.1.2 Serial Number .........................................................................................................74
4.6.3.1.3 System Version.......................................................................................................74
4.6.3.1.4 FP Version...............................................................................................................74
4.6.3.1.5 Ch1, Ch2, ChC Version...........................................................................................74
4.6.3.1.6 DHCP ......................................................................................................................74
4.6.3.1.7 IP Address...............................................................................................................74
4.6.3.1.8 Subnet.....................................................................................................................74
4.6.3.1.9 Gateway ..................................................................................................................75
4.6.3.1.10 MAC.......................................................................................................................75
4.6.3.1.11 Alias.......................................................................................................................75
4.6.3.1.12 System IP..............................................................................................................75
4.6.3.1.13 Secure Name (Currently Unavailable) ..................................................................75
4.6.3.1.14 Ethernet.................................................................................................................75
4.6.3.1.15 System Update (RDMS Local Update) .................................................................77
4.6.3.2 Graphics Menu..................................................................................................................80
4.6.3.2.1 Graph Type .............................................................................................................80
4.6.3.2.2 Signal Strength........................................................................................................83
4.7 Browser Interface.......................................................................................................................85
4.7.1 Network Screen.....................................................................................................................85
4.7.2 Monitor Screen......................................................................................................................87
4.7.2.1 Signal Graph and Signal Indicators ..................................................................................89
4.7.2.2 Spectrum Graph................................................................................................................91
4.7.2.3 Diversity Combiner............................................................................................................92
4.7.3 Configure Screen ..................................................................................................................92
4.7.3.1 Combiner (Optional)..........................................................................................................93
4.7.3.1.1 Frequency Diversity (Available with Diversity Combiner) .......................................93

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

iv Quasonix, Inc.
4.7.3.2 Channel Selection and Basic Settings..............................................................................93
4.7.3.2.1 Data and Clock Polarity Settings.............................................................................96
4.7.3.2.2 Derandomizer Settings............................................................................................96
4.7.3.2.3 Differential Decoding Settings (SOQPSK Only)......................................................96
4.7.3.3 Configure Advanced Settings ...........................................................................................97
4.7.3.3.1 Measured Bit Rate Setting ......................................................................................98
4.7.3.3.2 IF Filter ....................................................................................................................98
4.7.3.3.3 Output Muting..........................................................................................................99
4.7.3.3.4 Muting Timeout........................................................................................................99
4.7.3.3.5 AFC Mode...............................................................................................................99
4.7.3.3.6 Best Channel Selector...........................................................................................100
4.7.3.3.7 Time Aligner..........................................................................................................100
4.7.3.4 Diversity Combiner Mode................................................................................................101
4.7.3.5 PCM Encoding................................................................................................................102
4.7.3.6 LDPC Mode (SOQPSKLDPC, STCLDPC, or OQPSKLDPC Modes Only)....................103
4.7.3.7 Channel A Output............................................................................................................104
4.7.3.8 Channel B Output............................................................................................................105
4.7.3.9 Channel A Scale .............................................................................................................105
4.7.3.10 Channel B Scale .............................................................................................................105
4.7.3.11 Tape Output Frequency..................................................................................................106
4.7.3.12 FM De-emphasis (PCM/FM Mode Only).........................................................................106
4.7.3.13 Advanced PCM/FM Settings...........................................................................................106
4.7.3.13.1 Modulation Index Scaling Mode..........................................................................107
4.7.3.13.2 Modulation Persistence.......................................................................................107
4.7.3.13.3 Mod Scale Index..................................................................................................108
4.7.3.13.4 Phase Noise Compensation................................................................................109
4.7.3.14 System Antenna Control Settings...................................................................................109
4.7.3.14.1 AGC Polarity........................................................................................................110
4.7.3.14.2 AGC Scale...........................................................................................................110
4.7.3.14.3 AGC Time Constant............................................................................................110
4.7.3.14.4 AGC Freeze ........................................................................................................111
4.7.3.14.5 AGC Zero Mode..................................................................................................111
4.7.3.14.6 Downconvert Antenna.........................................................................................112
4.7.3.15 Interfaces Window...........................................................................................................113
4.7.3.15.1 AM Bandwidth.....................................................................................................113
4.7.3.15.2 AM Polarity..........................................................................................................114
4.7.3.15.3 AM Scale.............................................................................................................114
4.7.3.15.4 AGC Compensate...............................................................................................114
4.7.3.16 Zero AGC Button.............................................................................................................114
4.7.3.16.1 RSSI Display.......................................................................................................116
4.7.3.17 Reset to Factory Defaults Button....................................................................................116
4.7.3.18 Shutdown Hardware Button............................................................................................117
4.7.4 Presets ................................................................................................................................117
4.7.4.1 Save Presets...................................................................................................................117

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

vQuasonix, Inc.
4.7.4.2 Load Presets...................................................................................................................122
4.7.5 About...................................................................................................................................123
4.7.6 Footer Tool Bar....................................................................................................................124
4.7.6.1 Help.................................................................................................................................124
4.7.6.2 Page Access...................................................................................................................125
4.7.6.3 Export..............................................................................................................................126
4.7.6.4 Import..............................................................................................................................126
4.7.6.5 Admin (Quasonix Factory Use Only) ..............................................................................127
4.8 Access via Telnet.....................................................................................................................129
4.9 Tier 0 (PCM/FM), Tier I (SOQPSK-TG), and Tier II (MULTI-H CPM) Commands..................133
4.9.1 Additional Command Set Details.........................................................................................138
4.9.1.1 Antenna Control Unit – ACU...........................................................................................138
4.9.1.2 Adaptive Equalizer Control – AEQ..................................................................................140
4.9.1.3 Automatic Frequency Control – AFC..............................................................................142
4.9.1.4 Automatic Gain Control – AGC.......................................................................................144
4.9.1.4.1 Automatic Gain Control Bulk Attenuation – AGC BA............................................144
4.9.1.4.2 Automatic Gain Control Data Settings – AGC DATA............................................145
4.9.1.4.3 Automatic Gain Control Mode – AGC M...............................................................146
4.9.1.4.4 Automatic Gain Control Loop Parameter – AGC L...............................................146
4.9.1.4.5 Automatic Gain Control Attenuator Look Up Table – AGC LUT...........................147
4.9.1.4.6 Automatic Gain Control Auto Zero – AGC AZ.......................................................147
4.9.1.4.7 Automatic Gain Control Zero – AGC Z..................................................................147
4.9.1.5 High Speed Output Mixer Settings – AHM .....................................................................148
4.9.1.6 High/Low Speed Outputs................................................................................................149
4.9.1.6.1 Analog High Speed Output – AHO........................................................................150
4.9.1.6.2 Analog Low Speed Output – ALO.........................................................................152
4.9.1.6.3 Digital High Speed Input – DHI.............................................................................154
4.9.1.6.4 High Speed Digital Output - DHO .........................................................................155
4.9.1.6.5 Low Speed Digital Input – DLI...............................................................................156
4.9.1.6.6 Low Speed Digital Output – DLO..........................................................................158
4.9.1.7 Low Speed Mixer Control – ALM....................................................................................159
4.9.1.8 Lock Status Command – AL...........................................................................................160
4.9.1.9 Best Channel Selector – BCS.........................................................................................160
4.9.1.10 Bit Rate – BR ..................................................................................................................161
4.9.1.11 Combiner Control – CMB................................................................................................161
4.9.1.12 Clock Polarity – CP.........................................................................................................164
4.9.1.13 Downconverting Antenna – DA.......................................................................................164
4.9.1.14 Differential Decoding – DD .............................................................................................164
4.9.1.15 Digital Output Muting – DOM..........................................................................................165
4.9.1.16 Data Polarity – DP...........................................................................................................165

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

vi Quasonix, Inc.
4.9.1.17 Data Quality Encapsulation – DQ...................................................................................166
4.9.1.18 Derandomizer State – DR...............................................................................................167
4.9.1.19 Digital Status Output – DSO...........................................................................................168
4.9.1.20 Forward Error Correction – FEC.....................................................................................169
4.9.1.21 Force Lock Indication – FL..............................................................................................169
4.9.1.22 FM Demodulator Settings – FM......................................................................................170
4.9.1.22.1 FM Video Bandwidth Control – FM B..................................................................171
4.9.1.23 Front Panel Display Status – FPD..................................................................................171
4.9.1.24 Frequency – FR ..............................................................................................................172
4.9.1.25 Help Command – H.........................................................................................................172
4.9.1.26 Advanced Help Command – HA.....................................................................................172
4.9.1.27 IF Filter Control – IF........................................................................................................174
4.9.1.28 Low Density Parity Check – LDPC .................................................................................174
4.9.1.29 Modulation Index – MI.....................................................................................................175
4.9.1.30 Modulation – MO.............................................................................................................176
4.9.1.31 Output Clock Measurement – OCM................................................................................178
4.9.1.32 PCM Decoding – PDC ....................................................................................................178
4.9.1.33 Receiver Channel Parameters........................................................................................178
4.9.1.33.1 Parameters Erase – PER....................................................................................179
4.9.1.33.2 All Parameters Erase – PERA ............................................................................179
4.9.1.33.3 Parameter Load – PLD .......................................................................................179
4.9.1.33.4 Parameter Reset – PRS......................................................................................179
4.9.1.33.5 Parameters Save – PSV .....................................................................................179
4.9.1.33.6 RF Path Attenuation – RFA.................................................................................179
4.9.1.33.7 Reset to Factory Defaults – RFD........................................................................180
4.9.1.34 Power Level – PL............................................................................................................180
4.9.1.35 Phase Noise Compensation – PNC................................................................................181
4.9.1.36 Query Temperature – QT................................................................................................182
4.9.1.37 Signal Degradation Information – SDI ............................................................................182
4.9.1.38 Spectrum Inversion – SI..................................................................................................184
4.9.1.39 Show Serial Number – SN..............................................................................................184
4.9.1.40 Save Parameters – SV ...................................................................................................184
4.9.1.41 System Status Tracking – SYS.......................................................................................185
4.9.1.42 Tape Out – TO................................................................................................................187
4.9.1.43 Time of Day – TOD.........................................................................................................189
4.9.1.44 Show Options – UP.........................................................................................................189
4.9.1.45 Version – VE...................................................................................................................190
4.9.1.46 Viterbi Forget Factor – VFF ............................................................................................190

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

vii Quasonix, Inc.
5Performance Specifications...............................................................................................................191
5.1 Power.......................................................................................................................................191
5.2 RF Frequency Error.................................................................................................................191
5.3 Bit Error Rate...........................................................................................................................191
5.4 Synchronization .......................................................................................................................192
5.5 RF Input...................................................................................................................................194
5.5.1 Additional Band Codes........................................................................................................195
6Maintenance Instructions...................................................................................................................196
7Product Warranty...............................................................................................................................197
8Technical Support and RMA Requests .............................................................................................198
9Appendix A – Bit Error Rate Testing..................................................................................................199
9.1 Test Noise Commands............................................................................................................203
10 Appendix B – Recommended AM and AGC Settings for ACU Interfaces.....................................205
10.1 AM and AGC............................................................................................................................205
10.2 AM AGC Compensation ..........................................................................................................205
10.3 Recommended Settings ..........................................................................................................205
11 Appendix C – Phase Noise Compensation....................................................................................207
11.1 Trellis Demodulation Basics ....................................................................................................207
11.1.1 Trellis Demodulation Summary...........................................................................................208
11.2 Phase Noise Impact.................................................................................................................209
11.3 Clock Jitter Impact...................................................................................................................209
11.4 When to Use PNC ...................................................................................................................209
11.5 Know Your Transmitter............................................................................................................210
12 Appendix D - PCM Framer/Deframer Function..............................................................................211
12.1 PCM Framer ............................................................................................................................211
12.2 PCM Deframer.........................................................................................................................212
13 Appendix E – How to Configure Tape Output................................................................................213
13.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................213
13.2 Commands...............................................................................................................................214
13.2.1 Notes...................................................................................................................................214
13.3 3U Connectors.........................................................................................................................214
13.4 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................215
14 Appendix F – Factory Reset Values ..............................................................................................217
15 Appendix G – Special Considerations for International Applications.............................................221
15.1 IP Address Separator ..............................................................................................................221
16 Appendix H - RDMS with -IP Option..............................................................................................224

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

viii Quasonix, Inc.
16.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................224
16.2 Hardware .................................................................................................................................224
16.3 Set Up TMoIP IP Address........................................................................................................226
16.4 Browser Interface.....................................................................................................................226
16.4.1 TMoIP Monitor/Configure Screen........................................................................................227
16.4.2 TMoIP Network Screen.......................................................................................................228
16.4.3 TMoIP Serial I/O Screen .....................................................................................................229
16.4.4 TMoIP Log Screen ..............................................................................................................229
16.4.5 TMoIP System Screen ........................................................................................................230
16.4.6 TMoIP About Screen...........................................................................................................230
17 Appendix I – RDMS Recovery Mode.............................................................................................231
17.1 Option 1 - Boot Existing Version..............................................................................................232
17.2 Option 2 - SD Card Update......................................................................................................233
17.3 Option 3 - Network Update......................................................................................................233
18 Appendix J – Acronym List.............................................................................................................235
List of Figures
Figure 1: Rack-Mount RDMS™ Part Number Construction .........................................................................2
Figure 2: Mechanical Drawing – 1U Front View............................................................................................9
Figure 3: Mechanical Drawing – 1U Top View (Dual-channel Connectors Shown) .....................................9
Figure 4: Mechanical Drawing – 3U Front View..........................................................................................10
Figure 5: Mechanical Drawing – 3U Top View (Dual-channel Connectors Shown) ...................................10
Figure 6: 1U Rear Panel .............................................................................................................................11
Figure 7: Rear Panel...................................................................................................................................12
Figure 8: 1U MDM-25 D-Sub Pin Locations for J23 and J9........................................................................16
Figure 9: Baseband Signal Timing..............................................................................................................17
Figure 10: Front Panel Diagram for Dual-Channel Configuration...............................................................20
Figure 11: Front Panel Keypad...................................................................................................................20
Figure 12: 3U Front Panel Graphics, DQM, Main Menu, and Virtual Keypad............................................21
Figure 13: Example PCM/FM Eye Pattern..................................................................................................21
Figure 14: Example SOQPSK Constellation...............................................................................................21
Figure 15: Waveform Graphics LCD with Locked PCM/FM Signal ............................................................22
Figure 16: Front Panel Navigation Keys.....................................................................................................22
Figure 17: Select Unit Key ..........................................................................................................................23
Figure 18: Active Main Menu Settings LCD................................................................................................23
Figure 19: Mode Display with Wait Message..............................................................................................24

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

ix Quasonix, Inc.
Figure 20: Front Panel Keypad...................................................................................................................25
Figure 21: Frequency Key on Front Panel..................................................................................................25
Figure 22: Main Menu, Frequency Setting..................................................................................................25
Figure 23: Frequency Entry Screen............................................................................................................26
Figure 24: Example Keypad Combination for Setting Frequency...............................................................26
Figure 25: Main Menu, Frequency Diversity Setting...................................................................................27
Figure 26: Main Menu, Mode Setting..........................................................................................................28
Figure 27: Rate Key on Front Panel ...........................................................................................................29
Figure 28: Main Menu, Bit Rate Setting......................................................................................................29
Figure 29: Bit Rate Entry Screen ................................................................................................................29
Figure 30: Example Keypad Combination for Setting Bit Rate...................................................................30
Figure 31: Main Menu, Combiner Setting...................................................................................................30
Figure 32: Main Menu, Data Setting...........................................................................................................31
Figure 33: Main Menu, Clock Setting..........................................................................................................31
Figure 34: Main Menu, Equalizer Setting....................................................................................................32
Figure 35: DQM Calibration Fixture Process..............................................................................................32
Figure 36: DQE Format...............................................................................................................................33
Figure 37: Main Menu, DQ Encapsulation..................................................................................................34
Figure 38: Main Menu, Derandomizer ........................................................................................................34
Figure 39: Derandomizer Selections, Non-LDPC.......................................................................................35
Figure 40: Derandomizer Selections, LDPC...............................................................................................35
Figure 41: Main Menu, Modulation Scaling – Tracking...............................................................................35
Figure 42: Red Eye Pattern Display – Tracking..........................................................................................35
Figure 43: Main Menu, Modulation Scaling – Hold.....................................................................................36
Figure 44: Green Eye Pattern Display – Hold.............................................................................................36
Figure 45: Main Menu, Modulation Scaling – Off........................................................................................37
Figure 46: Green Eye Pattern Display – Off ...............................................................................................37
Figure 47: Main Menu, Modulation Scaling – Acquire................................................................................37
Figure 48: Yellow Eye Pattern Display – Acquire .......................................................................................37
Figure 49: Main Menu, Modulation Persistence – Off.................................................................................38
Figure 50: Main Menu, Modulation Persistence – On.................................................................................38
Figure 51: Main Menu, Differential Decoding..............................................................................................39
Figure 52: Main Menu, AGC Menu Selection .............................................................................................39
Figure 53: AGC Menu, Polarity Highlighted................................................................................................40
Figure 54: AGC Menu, AGC Scale Selection and Entry Screens...............................................................40
Figure 55: Time Constant Selection and Time Constant Entry Screens ....................................................41
Figure 56: AGC Menu, AGC Freeze Selection...........................................................................................41

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

xQuasonix, Inc.
Figure 57: AGC Menu, AGC Zero Mode-Manual Highlighted.....................................................................42
Figure 58: Waveform Graphics Before Zero AGC Set................................................................................43
Figure 59: AGC Menu, Zero AGC Highlighted............................................................................................43
Figure 60: Waveform Graphics After AGC Zero Set...................................................................................44
Figure 61: Main Menu, AM Menu Selection................................................................................................44
Figure 62: AM Menu, AM Bandwidth Highlighted.......................................................................................45
Figure 63: AM Bandwidth Entry Screen......................................................................................................45
Figure 64: AM Menu, AM Polarity Highlighted............................................................................................45
Figure 65: AM Menu, Scale Highlighted .....................................................................................................46
Figure 66: AM Scale Entry Screen..............................................................................................................46
Figure 67: AM Menu, AGC Comp Highlighted............................................................................................46
Figure 68: Main Menu, Options Menu Selection.........................................................................................47
Figure 69: Options Menu, Load Presets.....................................................................................................47
Figure 70: Load Menu, Load Presets..........................................................................................................47
Figure 71: Save Menu, Save Presets – Slot 1 and Slot 3 Contain Saved Presets.....................................48
Figure 72: Options Menu, Factory Default Selection and Reset in Process...............................................49
Figure 73: Main Menu, Advanced Menu.....................................................................................................50
Figure 74: Advanced Menu, Sync Measured Bit Rate Selection................................................................50
Figure 75: 70 MHz IF Module in 2” x 3” Chassis.........................................................................................51
Figure 76: 70 MHz IF Module in 2” x 3” Chassis SAW Filter Responses, Narrow Group (10 MHz Span).52
Figure 77: SAW Filter Responses, Wide Group (Plotted on 100 MHz Span).............................................53
Figure 78: Optional SAW Filter Responses for 70 kHz to 6 MHz...............................................................54
Figure 79: Optional SAW Filter Responses for 14 MHz and 28 MHz.........................................................55
Figure 80: Front Panel Advanced Menu and IF Filter Menu.......................................................................55
Figure 81: Advanced Menu, Phase Noise Compensation Selection..........................................................56
Figure 82: Advanced Menu, Muting Timeout Selection..............................................................................56
Figure 83: Muting Timeout Entry Screen....................................................................................................57
Figure 84: Advanced Menu, Muting Selection............................................................................................57
Figure 85: Advanced Menu, DC Antenna Selection...................................................................................58
Figure 86: Advanced Menu, Mod Scale Index Selection............................................................................59
Figure 87: Mod Scale Index Entry...............................................................................................................59
Figure 88: Advanced Menu, Best Channel Selector...................................................................................59
Figure 89: System Block Diagram with Best Channel Selector..................................................................60
Figure 90: Best Channel Indicator Example ...............................................................................................61
Figure 91: Best Channel Indicator-Combiner..............................................................................................62
Figure 92: Best Channel Indicator-Ch 1......................................................................................................62
Figure 93: Best Channel Indicator-Ch 2......................................................................................................63

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

xi Quasonix, Inc.
Figure 94: Best Channel Indicator Off (Grey) .............................................................................................63
Figure 95: Advanced Menu, Time Aligner Selection...................................................................................63
Figure 96: Advanced Menu, Combiner Mode Selection.............................................................................64
Figure 97: Main Menu, AFC Mode Selection..............................................................................................65
Figure 98: Advanced Menu, AFC Mode – Off.............................................................................................66
Figure 99: Advanced Menu, AFC Mode – Track ........................................................................................66
Figure 100: Advanced Menu, AFC Mode – Hold........................................................................................67
Figure 101: Advanced Menu, PCM Encoding.............................................................................................68
Figure 102: PCM Encoding Selections.......................................................................................................68
Figure 103: Advanced Menu, LDPC Mode.................................................................................................69
Figure 104: LDPC Mode Selections............................................................................................................69
Figure 105: Advanced Menu, Video Output Menu......................................................................................69
Figure 106: Video Output Menu, Channel A Output Selection...................................................................70
Figure 107: Video Output Menu, Channel B Output Selection...................................................................70
Figure 108: Video Output Menu, Channel A Scale Selection.....................................................................71
Figure 109: Video Output Menu, Channel B Scale Selection.....................................................................71
Figure 110: Video Output Menu, Tape Out Frequency Selection...............................................................72
Figure 111: Video Output Menu, FM De-emphasis Selection ....................................................................72
Figure 112: Main Menu, System Settings Selection...................................................................................73
Figure 113: System Settings Menu, System Info Highlighted.....................................................................73
Figure 114: System Settings Menu, System Info Displays.........................................................................74
Figure 115: System Settings Menu, Ethernet Selection.............................................................................75
Figure 116: IP Address Selection ...............................................................................................................76
Figure 117: IP Address Entry......................................................................................................................76
Figure 118: IP Subnet Selection.................................................................................................................76
Figure 119: IP Subnet Entry........................................................................................................................76
Figure 120: Gateway Selection...................................................................................................................77
Figure 121: Gateway Entry .........................................................................................................................77
Figure 122: TMoIP Address........................................................................................................................77
Figure 123: System Update, Perform Local Update Selection...................................................................78
Figure 124: Perform Local Update Screen .................................................................................................78
Figure 125: RDMS3 Local Update Screen..................................................................................................79
Figure 126: RDMS3 Local Update Screen, Update File Selected..............................................................79
Figure 127: RDMS3 Local Update Screen, Update Status.........................................................................79
Figure 128: System Settings, System Info..................................................................................................80
Figure 129: Main Menu, Graphics Menu Selection and Graphics Menu, Graph Type...............................80
Figure 130: PCM/FM Eye Pattern...............................................................................................................81

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

xii Quasonix, Inc.
Figure 131: SOQPSK Constellation............................................................................................................81
Figure 132: PCM/FM Spectrum Display .....................................................................................................81
Figure 133: SOQPSK Spectrum Display ....................................................................................................81
Figure 134: MHCPM Constellation .............................................................................................................82
Figure 135: MHCPM Spectrum Display......................................................................................................82
Figure 136: STC Constellation Display for Channel 1, Combiner, and Channel 2.....................................83
Figure 137: Labeled STC Constellation Display for Channel 1 ..................................................................83
Figure 138: Main Menu, Graphics Menu Selection and Graphics Menu, Signal Strength.........................84
Figure 139: RDMS™ Browser Interface Header Tool Bar..........................................................................85
Figure 140: Network Screen with Multiple Receivers and Active Channels...............................................86
Figure 141: Network Screen, Closeup of Left Side, Combiners Only.........................................................86
Figure 142: Network Screen, Closeup of Right Side..................................................................................87
Figure 143: RDMS™ Browser Interface Tool Bar.......................................................................................87
Figure 144: Browser Interface Monitor Screen...........................................................................................87
Figure 145: Monitor Screen for RDMS™ with Only One Channel Available..............................................88
Figure 146: Monitor Screen Partial Status Information Block when Combiner On.....................................89
Figure 147: Monitor Screen Partial Status Information Block when Combiner Off.....................................89
Figure 148: Signal Graph and Signal Indicators Windows .........................................................................90
Figure 149: Signal Graph and Signal Indicators Windows, Zero AGC RSSI Display “Relative”................91
Figure 150: Power Spectral Density Plot Window......................................................................................91
Figure 151: Diversity Combiner Link with Locked Signal............................................................................92
Figure 152: RDMS™ Browser Interface Header Tool Bar..........................................................................92
Figure 153: Configure Screen, Combiner Section......................................................................................93
Figure 154: Configuration Screen with Combiner On, Channel 1 Displays................................................94
Figure 155: Configuration Screen with Combiner Off, Channel 1 and Channel 2 Display.........................94
Figure 156: Configure Basic Settings Window-PCM/FM Mode..................................................................95
Figure 157: Configure Screen, Messages and Alerts.................................................................................95
Figure 158: Settings Window, Data Polarity Selection ...............................................................................96
Figure 159: Settings Window, Derandomizer Drop Down Menu................................................................96
Figure 160: Configure Basic Settings Window-SOQPSK Mode.................................................................97
Figure 161: Advanced Settings Window with LDPC Mode Parameter Displayed......................................97
Figure 162: Advanced Settings Window, Video Output Parameters..........................................................98
Figure 163: Advanced Settings Window, IF Filter Menu.............................................................................98
Figure 164: Advanced Settings Window, AFC Mode Menu........................................................................99
Figure 165: Advanced Settings Window, Best Channel Selector Checked..............................................100
Figure 166: Advanced Settings Window, Time Aligner Selection Checked .............................................101
Figure 167: Advanced Settings Window, Diversity Combiner Mode Drop Down Menu...........................102

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

xiii Quasonix, Inc.
Figure 168: Advanced Settings Window, PCM Encoding Drop Down Menu............................................103
Figure 169: Advanced Settings Window, LDPC Mode Drop Down Menu................................................104
Figure 170: Advanced Settings Window, Channel A Output Drop Down Menu.......................................105
Figure 171: Advanced Settings Window, Channel B Output Drop Down Menu.......................................105
Figure 172: Advanced Settings Window, Channel A Scale......................................................................105
Figure 173: Advanced Settings Window, Channel B Scale......................................................................106
Figure 174: Advanced Settings Window, Tape Output Frequency...........................................................106
Figure 175: Advanced Settings Window, FM De-emphasis .....................................................................106
Figure 176: Advanced PCMFM Settings Window.....................................................................................107
Figure 177: Advanced PCMFM Settings Window, Modulation Index Scaling Mode Menu......................107
Figure 178: Advanced PCMFM Settings Window, Modulation Persistence Not Checked.......................108
Figure 179: Advanced PCMFM Settings Window, Modulation Scale Index Current Value, Read Only...109
Figure 180: Mod Index Scaling Mode/Hold, Modulation Scale Index with Edit Field................................109
Figure 181: System Antenna Control Window..........................................................................................110
Figure 182: System Antenna Control Window, AGC Polarity Selection...................................................110
Figure 183: System Antenna Control Window, AGC Freeze Selection....................................................111
Figure 184: System Antenna Control Window, AGC Zero Hold Drop Down Menu..................................112
Figure 185: System Antenna Control Window, D/C Antenna Selection Checked....................................112
Figure 186: Interfaces Window.................................................................................................................113
Figure 187: Interfaces Window, AM Polarity Drop Down Menu Selections..............................................114
Figure 188: Advanced Buttons, Zero AGC Button, Separate Channels or Combiner Active...................114
Figure 189: Monitor Screen, RSSI Grey – AGC Not Zero........................................................................115
Figure 190: Monitor Screen, RSSI Not Grey – AGC Zero Value Displayed.............................................115
Figure 191: Signal Graph and Signal Indicators Windows, Zero AGC RSSI Display “Relative”..............116
Figure 192: Advanced Buttons, Reset to Factory Defaults Button ...........................................................116
Figure 193: Advanced Buttons, Shutdown Hardware Button ...................................................................117
Figure 194: Presets Option on Tool Bar ...................................................................................................117
Figure 195: Presets Screen ......................................................................................................................118
Figure 196: Presets Screen, Closeup of Left Side....................................................................................118
Figure 197: Presets Screen, Closeup of Right Side.................................................................................119
Figure 198: Preset: View or Modify Preset Screen...................................................................................119
Figure 199: Preset: View or Modify Preset Screen, Preset Name and Description Fields.......................120
Figure 200: Preset: View or Modify Preset Screen, Information Successfully Saved Message...............121
Figure 201: Saved Presets Screen with New Preset Added ....................................................................121
Figure 202: Presets Option on Tool Bar ...................................................................................................122
Figure 203: Presets Screen ......................................................................................................................122
Figure 204: Loading Preset Please Wait Message on Front Panel..........................................................122

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

xiv Quasonix, Inc.
Figure 205: About Option on Tool Bar......................................................................................................123
Figure 206: System Information Screen ...................................................................................................123
Figure 207: System Information Screen, Rack Alias Field .......................................................................123
Figure 208: Browser Interface Footer Tool Bar.........................................................................................124
Figure 209: Help Screen...........................................................................................................................124
Figure 210: Page Access Management Screen .......................................................................................125
Figure 211: Page Access Management-Closeup of Left Side..................................................................125
Figure 212: Page Access Management-Closeup of Right Side................................................................126
Figure 213: Page Access Error Message.................................................................................................126
Figure 214: Export Configuration Screen..................................................................................................126
Figure 215: Import Configuration Screen..................................................................................................127
Figure 216: Import Configuration Selection Window ................................................................................127
Figure 217: Quasonix RDMS Administration Window..............................................................................128
Figure 218: Telnet Into Terminal...............................................................................................................129
Figure 219: Channel Subscribed ..............................................................................................................129
Figure 220: Connected to Channel 2 in PCM/FM Mode...........................................................................130
Figure 221: Channel Subscribed-Method 2..............................................................................................130
Figure 222: RDMSIII Telnet Command Menu...........................................................................................130
Figure 223: RDMSIII Telnet Command Menu-Unsubscribe All Channels................................................131
Figure 224: RDMSIII Telnet Command Menu-Subscribe to a Specific Channel......................................132
Figure 225: BER Performance for Tier 0, I, and II ....................................................................................192
Figure 226: Synchronization Time at Various Signal-to-Noise Ratios......................................................193
Figure 227: Ideal PCM/FM Phase Tree (h = 0.7)......................................................................................207
Figure 228: Phase Trajectory Never Forgets............................................................................................208
Figure 229: Trellis Detection Gain with Zero to Minimum Phase Noise...................................................208
Figure 230: Trellis Detection Gain with Significant to Severe Phase Noise.............................................209
Figure 231: "Clean" Eye Pattern...............................................................................................................210
Figure 232: Frame Format with SFID Insertion Enabled..........................................................................211
Figure 233: 1U Rear Panel .......................................................................................................................213
Figure 234: 3U Rear Panel .......................................................................................................................215
Figure 235: Start Menu - Control Panel....................................................................................................221
Figure 236: Region and Language Selection............................................................................................222
Figure 237: Customize Format Window....................................................................................................223
Figure 238: 3rd Generation RDMS 3U Back Panel Connectors................................................................224
Figure 239: 3rd Generation RDMS 3U Back Panel Connectors-Right Side..............................................225
Figure 240: Browser Window with an Incorrect IP Address......................................................................226
Figure 241: Receiver Addressing Window................................................................................................226

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

xv Quasonix, Inc.
Figure 242: Browser Interface Header Tool Bar for RDMS™ with TMoIP Option....................................227
Figure 243: RDMS™ Browser Interface Header Tool Bar, TMoIP Tab....................................................227
Figure 244: TMoIP Monitor/Configure Screen..........................................................................................227
Figure 245: TMoIP Monitor/Configure Screen with TMoIP Channel Selected .........................................228
Figure 246: TMoIP Network Screen..........................................................................................................228
Figure 247: TMoIP Serial I/O Screen........................................................................................................229
Figure 248: TMoIP Log Screen.................................................................................................................229
Figure 249: TMoIP System Screen, Basic................................................................................................230
Figure 250: TMoIP About Window............................................................................................................230
Figure 251: RDMS3 Recovery Application Front Panel Screen...............................................................231
Figure 252: Browser Interface Recovery Screen......................................................................................231
Figure 253: RDMS3 Recovery Application Front Panel, Available Versions............................................232
Figure 254: RDMS3 Recovery Application Front Panel, Version Selected..............................................233
Figure 255: Browser Interface Recovery Screen, Boot Existing Version .................................................233
Figure 256: Browser Interface Recovery Screen, Network Update..........................................................234
List of Tables
Table 1: Model Configuration Example.........................................................................................................2
Table 2: Band Configuration Codes..............................................................................................................5
Table 3: Additional 1U Rear Panel Connectors..........................................................................................11
Table 4: Additional 3U Rear Panel Connectors..........................................................................................13
Table 5: 1U and 3U Rear Panel Connector Specifications.........................................................................14
Table 6: 1U Digital Output MDM-25 D-Sub Pinout (J9)..............................................................................15
Table 7: 1U RS-422 MDM-25 D-Sub Pinout (J23)......................................................................................15
Table 8: Modulation Naming Convention....................................................................................................28
Table 9: Standard and Optional User Commands....................................................................................134
Table 10: RDMS™ BER Specifications....................................................................................................191
Table 11: Band Configuration Codes........................................................................................................194
Table 12: Bit Error Rate Serial Commands...............................................................................................199
Table 13: Test Noise Commands .............................................................................................................204
Table 14: Recommended AM/AGC Settings ............................................................................................205
Table 15: 1U Tape Output Connectors.....................................................................................................213
Table 16: 3U Tape Output Connectors.....................................................................................................215
Table 17: PCM/FM Factory Reset Values ................................................................................................217

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

xvi Quasonix, Inc.
Table 18: SOQPSK Factory Reset Values ...............................................................................................218
Table 19: Multi-h CPM Factory Reset Values...........................................................................................219
Table 20: QPSK Factory Reset Values.....................................................................................................220
Table 21: Reference Documents..............................................................................................................224
Table 22: 3U Rack-Mount RDMS TMoIP Ports ........................................................................................225

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

1Quasonix, Inc.
1 Introduction
1.1 Description
This document describes the installation and operation of the Quasonix 3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMSTM
Telemetry Receiver and is updated to match RDMS TM System Version 15. The RDMS™ (Receiver / DeModulator /
bit Synchronizer) is designed to downconvert, demodulate, and bit synch to a variety of RF telemetry signals from
flight-test aircraft. With an intuitive front-panel interface as well as an extensible web-based browser interface, and
antenna-tracking outputs, the Rack-Mount RDMSTM is capable of fulfilling a variety of flight test station
requirements.
The following waveform formats are supported by RDMS™:
PCM/FM (ARTM Tier 0)
SOQPSK-TG (ARTM Tier I)
ARTM CPM / Multi-h CPM (ARTM Tier II)
Legacy (PSK) suite, which includes:
BPSK
QPSK
Offset QPSK (OQPSK)
Asymmetric QPSK (AQPSK)
Unbalanced QPSK (UQPSK)
Asymmetric Unbalanced QPSK (AUQPSK)
Digital PM
STC
SOQPSK/LDPC
STC/LDPC
OQPSK/LDPC
Of the aforementioned, RDMS™ provides true multi-symbol trellis demodulation in all three ARTM modes,
PCM/FM, SOQPSK-TG, and Multi-h PCM. It also provides a clock signal, obviating the need for any outboard bit
synchronizer.
Modes that support LDPC use IRIG-standard low-density parity check coding to dramatically improve link margin
by up to 9 dB.
The Rack-Mount RDMS™ Telemetry Receiver is manufactured by:
Quasonix, Inc.
6025 Schumacher Park Drive
West Chester, OH 45069
CAGE code: 3CJA9

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

2Quasonix, Inc.
1.2 Nomenclature
The Rack-Mount RDMS™ (hereafter referred to as “RM RDMS™”) is available in a plethora of variations based on
the number of channels, frequency bands, demodulation methods, options, etc. The features and modes installed in
each unit are identified in the model number, as depicted in Figure 1.
PCM/FM
SOQPSK*
Legacy
ARTMCPM
Figure 1: Rack-Mount RDMS™Part Number Construction
Specifications are subject to change. Contact Quasonix for questions regarding your specific receiver.
1.2.1 Options
The available options are listed below. Refer to section 1.2.2 for detailed descriptions of each option. Please contact
Quasonix for assistance ordering receiver options.
14 14 SAW filters (adds 70 kHz, 1.4, 3, 6, 14, and 28 MHz filters)
CS Cybersecurity
EN Ethernet Payload
EQ Adaptive Equalizer
IP Payload data delivered in IP format
K7 K7 Viterbi Decoder (k=7, rate 1/2)
For example, a model QSX-RDMS-3R1D-Q0-1101-00-EQ is configured as shown in Table 1:
Table 1: Model Configuration Example
Identifiers Description
QSX Quasonix product
RDMS Receiver / Demodulator / Bit Synchronizer
3 2 RF input channels, 3 baseband outputs, with combiner

3rd Generation Rack-Mount RDMS™

3Quasonix, Inc.
Identifiers Description
R1D 1U Rack Mount
Q Lower L, Upper L, S, and C-band operation
0 No extended tuning
1101 Modes: Tier 0 present, Tier I present, Tier II absent, Legacy (PSK) present
00 Pinout code
EQ Adaptive Equalizer option
1.2.2 Detailed Option Descriptions
1.2.2.1 SAW Filter Option – 14
This option adds additional SAW filters, for a total of 14. The additional filters are 70 kHz, plus 1.4, 3, 6, 14, and 28
MHz.
1.2.2.2 Cybersecurity – CS
This option is used to address customer installation security requirements. Contact Quasonix for details.
1.2.2.3 Ethernet (EVTM) Payload, Receive Only – EN
When the EN option is enabled, the RDMS will recover EVTM encoded data and convert it from Serial Streaming
Telemetry back to the original Ethernet packets. Standard SST operation is not replaced, and can still be used. This
hardware must be paired with an -EN enabled transmitter for proper data recovery.
1.2.2.4 Adaptive Equalizer – EQ
The Adaptive Equalizer option in the Quasonix receiver improves reception in multipath channels by using digital
signal processing to compensate for the signal distortion due to multipath. This option is compatible with standard
telemetry applications and installations and it works with any brand of transmitter.
Multipath fading can seriously degrade the quality of wireless telemetry data. Radio transmissions can reflect off of
the airframe or other objects and arrive at the receiving antenna with different time delays, carrier phases, and
relative strengths. The sum of these multiple transmission paths can produce serious distortion and signal fading
resulting in poor data quality and long periods of data outage. Contrary to most situations, increasing the transmit
power will not improve the link quality and may actually make the situation worse. Narrowing the beamwidth of the
antenna may help eliminate some of the reflections and reduce the overall fading and distortion, but constraints on
dish size and antenna tracking performance impose beamwidth limits.
Another solution is to mitigate the effects of the multipath channel by applying a filtering operation at the receiver
that effectively undoes the distortion caused by the channel, thereby ‘equalizing’ the received signal. Since the
transmitter is typically moving relative to the receiver, the RF propagation environment dynamically changes over
time requiring the equalizer to ‘adapt’ to continually combat the perceived channel distortion. The ‘adaptive
equalizer’ automatically calculates and applies a compensating filter to the received signal that restores its ability to
be recovered by a traditional telemetry detector.
1.2.2.5 Telemetry Over IP – IP
The Telemetry Over IP (TMoIP) capability packages PCM payload data into IP packets at the receiver. The receiver
provides simultaneous PCM and network outputs with separate RJ-45 connectors for network control and data
output. UDP and TCP protocols are available.