Evenlode Air Data Terminal

Since the introduction of Video down links, customers using COFDM-based systems have been demanding more customization and functionality. Air platform users, particularly those in aviation, require their equipment to comply with DO-160 certification, which involves testing for environmental conditions. Furthermore, military customers have specific requirements for increased link robustness, security protocols such as encryption, and minimal failure rates.

To meet the evolving needs of air platforms, ECS has adapted its Evenlode product family. This adaptation caters to helicopters, which demand video down links that are smaller, lighter, consume less power, and offer greater range and capability. As a result, ECS can now provide interoperability between rotary and fixed-wing aircraft as well as unmanned platforms used in remote sensor roles.

ECS has chosen COFDM as the underlying technology for its down links. COFDM offers extended range, sufficient bandwidth for military and security operations, and a cost-effective solution through the Air Data Terminal installed in aircraft.

The product and system design process at ECS follows industry and military standards, including the Design Approved Organization Scheme (DAOS). ECS obtained DAOS certification during its initial audit and has maintained certification ever since. The Evenlode system has also successfully completed the RTCA DO-160-G specification, allowing easy installation of the Air Data Terminal in aircraft. If needed, ECS can collaborate with aerospace design and installation companies to retrofit the Evenlode Air Data Terminal to existing airframes.

The standard Evenlode transceiver utilizes two receive antennas to enable diversity reception. Uplink data serves various purposes such as UAV control, switching between different sensor inputs, camera control, and downlink parameter control. Downlink data is transmitted through Ethernet and Asynchronous Serial Interface (ASI) inputs. The ASI input can come from an external Video Audio Encoder Module (VEM), which includes two internal video encoders capable of encoding two video signals chosen by the operator from four HD and two Standard Definition (SD) inputs. ASI and Ethernet data rates can be independently adjusted.

Evenlode can act as an Ethernet bi-directional network repeater and is compatible with all ECS video equipment. For minimal video delays (less than 140 ms), there is an option for a low latency video encoder/decoder. ECS offers a wide range of ground receiving systems and transceivers that can integrate with Evenlode, including fixed, vehicle-borne, briefcase, and handheld receivers and transceivers. The Evenlode ground data terminal contains a Video/Audio Decoder Module in the same configuration as the air Video/Audio Encoder Module. Additionally, ECS provides various ground station options, such as omnidirectional, diversity, sector tracking, multi-input diversity, and high-gain GPS tracking.