IFF-Communication Interface Unit

FPGA based platform for effective communication between IFF RADAR sub-systems. The IFF-CIU has been qualified to confirm to Environmental (MIL-810F) and EMI-EMC (MIL 461E) based tests.

Communication Interface Unit, Radar Communication Interface

Overview

The Communication Interface Unit (CIU), designed by Mistral, is a part of the IFF Radar that manages communications between the Interrogator, RADAR Controller, and Encoder. This Radar Communication Interface Unit is an FPGA-based platform designed for seamless communication between the above subsystems.

As an FPGA-based platform, the IFF-CIU offers the flexibility to adapt communication protocols according to specific requirements. The Communication Interface, CIU extracts Radar angle information from the encoder interface signals and communicates the same to the relevant IFF subsystem. Additionally, the CIU receives messages from the IFF interrogator, Radar processor, and pedestal controller through RS422 and Gigabit Ethernet communication channels. The relevant information is interpreted, unpacked and packed, and forwarded to the respective subsystems. The Communication Interface Unit has been qualified to confirm Environmental (MIL-810F) and EMI-EMC (MIL 461E) based tests.

The Communication Interface Unit also supports remote FPGA reconfiguration. Utilizing the Ethernet interface, both the FPGA and software image can be conveniently reconfigured remotely. This mitigates the necessity of bringing the CIU unit to the lab for upgrades, as all enhancements can be conveniently managed in the field within the deployed environment.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • GPS receiver operated at L1 frequency
  • 5- port Ethernet switch which supports 10/100/1000 Mbps
  • V- irtex 5 FPGA with embedded PowerPC
  • On board 100 MHz Oscillator
  • Upto 2Gb DDR2 SDRAM
  • Upto 2Gb Flash
  • Temperature sensors
  • Voltage Monitor
  • 12 LVTTL I/O signals
  • Configurable RS422 transceivers
  • Opto-isolation circuits for high voltage discrete signals
  • IEEE 1149.1 compatible JTAG Interface
  • Input voltage of 28V (18-36Volts) passed through EMI filter and step down converters to generate respective voltages required onboard
  • Complaint to MIL-STD 461E and MIL-STD 810F
  • Conduction cooled unit with mechanical dimensions of 300 X 255 X 180.5 MM, material used is aluminum alloy 6082
  • Unit weight is less than 5kg.