Innovative UAV Communication Solutions by Tualcom

Tualcom stands at the forefront of RF technology, specializing in electronic warfare (EW) and communication systems tailored for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other unmanned platforms. Their collaboration with Unmanned Systems Technology (UST) showcases their advanced capabilities, notably through their ‘Gold’ profile, which emphasizes the versatility of their cutting-edge products for both military and civilian uses.

Advanced Anti-Jamming Technology

The TUALAJ GPS/GNSS Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) systems are recognized as the most compact anti-jam solutions available globally. These systems effectively shield against jamming, spoofing, and interference, all while maintaining a lightweight design.

Available in configurations with 4 or 8 antennas, these adaptable units are suitable for a diverse array of UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Each unit is equipped with high-performance embedded GNSS receivers, featuring PPS Ethernet and RS485 serial interfaces, alongside sophisticated digital beamforming algorithms that enhance GPS anti-spoofing capabilities.

efficient Data Communication

The S-Band data link offers a compact, low-power solution utilizing a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) algorithm, facilitating both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. This system is particularly effective across various UAV platforms, supporting tactical operations, mesh networking, and swarm technologies.

Incorporating a software-defined radio (SDR) modem, the system employs advanced modulation techniques to optimize performance and spectrum efficiency. Optional features include AES-256 encryption and spread spectrum methods like Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).

This system can create ad-hoc mesh networks characterized by robust self-healing and self-forming capabilities, with adjustable data rates reaching up to 10 Mbps. Users can seamlessly join or leave the network, and time slot reallocation ensures that high bandwidth is allocated to specific participants as needed.

Long-Range Communication Solutions

The Auto-Tracking Antenna System, designed for Tualcom’s data links, enables extensive communication ranges for UAVs and drones. This ground terminal can be deployed on both stationary and mobile platforms, facilitating half or full duplex bidirectional communication over distances of up to 200 km, complete with GPS auto-tracking functionality.

This rapidly deployable system includes a ground data terminal, a geopointing antenna controller, a pan/tilt unit, a reflector antenna, and a robust tripod.

Telemetry Solutions for UAV Advancement

The TUALRX portable telemetry receiver is an excellent choice for flight testing and the development of both fixed-wing and rotary UAVs. It supports bit rates of up to 20 Mbps, allowing for pre-configured or automatically adjusted bandwidth based on the bit rate.

This system features a built-in test generator, an internal test module for various data rates, an intermediate frequency (IF) spectrum indicator, and a telemetry quality indicator. Data transmission to external computers is facilitated via an Ethernet interface.

Tualcom’s telemetry transmitters, available in 1W, 2W, 5W, and 10W models, cater to a range of operational needs for small UAVs. They offer configurable data rates of up to 20 Mbps in 1 kbps increments.

These SDR-based units, compatible with IRIG-106, can be enhanced with optional data encryption, forward error correction (FEC), and randomization features. Their flexible architecture allows for easy modifications to accommodate higher data rates and different form factors tailored to specific applications.

Modular Telemetry and Data Acquisition systems

Tualcom provides telemetry and data acquisition systems as a modular, stackable solution, enabling each module to be configured in a compact, uniform form factor suitable for various UAV platforms.

Each telemetry unit is equipped with a UART for straightforward monitoring of collected data, and all modules are interconnected via a proprietary high-speed data bus, ensuring low latency and resilient data communication.

Telemetry transmitter modules can be configured with RF outputs of 2W, 5W, or 10W, utilizing PCM/FM, CPM, and SOQPSK modulation techniques. A GPS receiver module is also available for precise positioning data and time synchronization.

radar Solutions for Target Drones

The TUALARIA is a compact active radar reflector designed for integration into target drones, facilitating the testing of radar-guided missiles, including surface-to-air, air-to-air, and anti-ship systems, and also drone-based decoy technologies.

Operating across C, X, and Ku bands, this twin-antenna system amplifies and retransmits incoming signals according to a programmed radar cross-section level. It is available with right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) or left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) spiral antennas, and the unit’s attenuator can be easily programmed through an RS-232 interface.

Compact Radar signal Receivers

The Compact DFD Receiver captures radar signals within the 2 GHz to 18 GHz range, outputting 14-bit digital signals via an LVDS interface, with custom outputs available. Its low size, weight, and power (SWaP) footprint make it ideal for small UAVs.

This system can be enhanced with switch multiplexer filters to eliminate unwanted signals and can be stacked for multi-channel applications.

The Compact IFM receiver also operates within the 2 GHz to 18 GHz spectrum, outputting pulse descriptor words (PDW) that include parameters such as frequency, amplitude, pulse width, and time of arrival. Outputs are transmitted via Gigabit Ethernet, and the device features an LVDS interface for critical settings and telemetry data.

Its ultra-compact design incorporates advanced signal processing capabilities,generating over 2 million PDWs per second,with user-defined digital filters for enhanced adaptability. The system can also be upgraded with switch multiplexer filters to eliminate unwanted signals and can be configured for multi-channel applications.

For further facts about Tualcom and their innovative RF, EW, and communication solutions for UAVs and unmanned systems, please visit their profile page:
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