Pentek Introduces GSM Monitoring Receiver for Government, Military and Homeland Security Systems

“Platform developers now have a single, dedicated module for monitoring all GSM signals,” stated Rodger Hosking, VP of Pentek, Inc. “Many threat scenarios require GSM phone signal interception for detection, analysis and classification, and now for the first time, a single device makes these functions possible for mobile and rugged platforms.”

The Model 52663 accepts four analog inputs from an external analog RF tuner, such as the Pentek Model 8111, where the GSM RF bands are down converted to an IF frequency. These IF signals are then digitized by four A/D converters and routed to four channelizer banks, which perform digital downconversion of all GSM channels to baseband. Two of the banks handle 175 channels for the lower GSM transmit/receive bands and two banks handle 375 channels for the upper bands. The DDC channels within each bank are equally spaced at 200 kHz.

Each DDC output is re-sampled to a 4x symbol rate of 1.08333 MHz to simplify symbol recovery. Every four DC outputs are combined into a frequency-division “superchannel” that allows transmission of all 1100 channels across the PCIe Gen 2 x8 interface.

The GSM channelizer IP core is supported with additional factory-installed FPGA functions including packet formation, time stamping, four DMA controllers, gating and triggering. Baseband super-channel packets are sent via DMA controllers to processor memory where customers apply processing algorithms.

Dedicated Application

The 3U VPX form factor of the Model 52663 is ideal for mobile platforms. Ground or airborne monitoring platforms can now scan the entire GSM spectrum for all uplink and downlink signals. The small size and complete spectrum coverage makes it easier to deploy small systems near cell phone towers. Rugged and conduction cooled packages address the needs of extreme environment platforms.

Software Support

Pentek’s ReadyFlow Board Support Package for Linux and Windows operating systems feature drivers and high-level C-callable library functions to control all aspects of the module.

Form Factors, Pricing, and Availability

The Model 52663 3U VPX board is available in ruggedized and conduction-cooled versions. The Model 53663 3U VPX module includes a crossbar switch to support additional PCI Express backplane routing options. The board is also available as an XMC module, Model 71663, designed for both rugged and commercial environments; in cPCI, Models 73663,72663 and 74663; in AMC, Model 56663; and in PCIe, Model 78663. Delivery is 10 weeks ARO and pricing depends on options.