The TCI Model 9091 employs a fl exible client-server architecture that provides a complete set of tools to carry out HF radio surveillance.

The system rapidly acquires and describes any traditional or modern HF signal activity, and subsequently performs detailed analysis of specifi c signals of interest. The 9091 can carry out this analysis manually or automatically in real time or in delayed (post-facto) mode. The analysis includes detection, location, collection, classifi cation and archiving of signal activities.

Under typical conditions the 9091 system rapidly searches the HF spectrum using extremely fi ne resolution. When RF energy is detected, the system automatically determines the direction of the energy source and all other important signal parameters. This information is then automatically archived for future analysis and can be simultaneously passed in real time to operator client workstations. The operator at a client workstation tasks the system to fi nd a particular Signal of Interest (SOI) with specifi c parameters.

The system then processes archived or real-time data to find the SOI and its geographic position or location and presents this information to the operator.

The foundation of the 9091 system is high-speed signal search, combined with detection and direction fi nding obtained by simultaneous, parallel processing of multiple, 2 MHz-wide channels connected to an antenna array. With automatic noise and co-channel interference suppression, the 9091 is capable of performing automatic real-time DF analysis on any type of HF signal. The DF analysis provides transmitter parameters including frequency, direction and/or location, bandwidth, and time of transmission.

9091 Wideband HF COMINT System

Depend on the fi eld-proven solution for surveillance of traditional and modern HF signals.

9091 Wideband HF COMINT System

k E y F E At U r E S

❯ Manual and automatic HF signal detection, location, collection, analysis and archiving.

❯ 0.25 – 30 MHz frequency range with 2 MHz real-time bandwidth, expandable to 12 MHz.

❯ N-channel architecture, one receiver per antenna, is unsurpassed for dealing with the HF signal environment.

❯ TCI DF First™ signal-acquisition technology provides exceptional DF accuracy and speed.

❯ High dynamic range and excellent co-channel frequency resolution.

❯ Signal search and fi ltering by signal frequency, direction, location, duration, bandwidth and type.

❯ Modular and scalable architecture for multi-user and/or multi-site applications operating 24/7.

❯ Field-proven direction-fi nding algorithms using TCI and non-TCI antenna arrays.

❯ Archiving of measurement results including signal spectral activity, direction and location data in “raw data” database.

❯ Tools for analysis of raw data results and archiving of emitter reports.

❯ Local and remote control, including full network operation.

Optional

❯ Software interface libraries available for full integration with existing infrastructure.

❯ Ionospheric sounder for real-time Single Site Location (SSL) processing.

M U lt i - S i t E A n D

E X t E r n A l SySt E M

i n t E r FAC E

o Pt i o n A l , C l i E n t S i D E ,

n A r r o w -BA n D D F

S i g n A l AC q U i S i t i o n

A n D D F C o n t r o l l E r

r Aw & E M i t t E r DAtA BA S E

S E r V E r

w o r k StAt i o n S Fo r SySt E M

tA S k i n g , r E A l-t i M E A n D

P o St- FAC to S i g n A l A n A lyS i S

o Pt i o n A l D i g i t i z E D

DAtA Sto r Ag E S E r V E r

System Details 9091

❯ 20-element TCI 402 log-periodic antenna (C)

❯ 24-element TCI 410 log-periodic antenna (C)

❯ FRD-10 (C) (non-TCI)

❯ FLR-9 (C) (non-TCI)

❯ FRD-13 “Pusher” (singlet and doublet) (C) (non-TCI)

❯ Turnstile (crossed-loops + whip) (C) (non-TCI)

Depending on the array type and its antenna-element count, either all or a subset of elements is used to achieve the optimal DF performance. The ‘N’ selected antenna elements (N varies between 8 and 14) are connected to a Signal Acquisition and DF Processor(s). For all array confi gurations an RF distribution subsystem ensures that the same antennas are used for both signal acquisition and DF processing.

DF/Monitoring Antenna Array and RF DistributionFor direction fi nding, the 9091 can be confi gured to operate with a variety of interferometer (I) and circular (C) antenna-array confi gurations using either TCI or non-TCI antennas:

❯ 9-element array of TCI 632 whip antennas (I)

❯ 9-element array of TCI 612 loop antennas (I)

❯ 12-element array of TCI 632 whip antennas (C)

❯ 24-element array of TCI 632 whip antennas (C)

❯ 24-element array of TCI 638 whip antennas (C)

❯ 12-element array of TCI 625 loop antennas (C)

Subsystems IncludedThe 9091 system consists of the following subsystems:

❯ DF/Monitoring Antenna Array and RF Distribution

❯ Wideband N-channel Signal Acquisition and DF Processor

❯ Signal Acquisition and DF Controller

❯ Raw and Emitter Results Database Server

❯ Workstations for system tasking and manual real-time and post-facto signal analysis

❯ Multi-site and external system interface

g i g A B i t E t h E r n E t

DF/Monitoring Antenna Array

w i D E BA n D n - C h A n n E l

S i g n A l AC q U i S i t i o n A n D D F

o Pt i o n A l ly E X PA n DA B l E

to 1 2 M h z

r F D i St r i B U t i o n

9091 System Details

Raw and Emitter Results Database ServerThe results of emitter analysis are saved in the SQL-based emitter (processed raw data) database. The Emitter Database Server is hosted on a separate computer, which in a typical 9091 configuration also hosts the Signal Acquisition and DF Controller application.

Signal Acquisition and DF ControllerGoverning the operation of the Signal Acquisition and DF Processor(s), this controller is a collection of software components running on a separate computer. It communicates with the DF processor and clients over a network interface. Controller software functions include:

DF Processor BootDuring the system startup the Controller provides boot data to the DF processor, which subsequently manages DF processor resources. The Controller can control up to six DF processors with the total instantaneous bandwidth of 12 MHz.

Client AccessThe Controller manages clients’ access to the DF processor(s). Management functions include consolidation of client tasking requests consisting of frequency ranges, signal detection and DF setup parameters.

Data ArchivingThe Controller records all of the raw measurement results, consisting of spectral, signal activity and DF data, in a private local raw database. The raw database is sized to hold at least three days of raw data collected at the highest DF throughput rate. While raw data is archived, multiple clients can simultaneously retrieve already-saved raw data. Raw data query results, filtered according to the client-specified criteria, are returned to client for emitter analysis.

Data DistributionThe Controller manages real-time distribution of raw data among the requesting clients. Based on client requests, relevant data is sent via a network interface.

Signal AnalysisThe Controller also maintains a signal-activity list based on the raw data information. Updated in real time, this activity list is available to any client on the network.

Wideband N-Channel Signal Acquisition and DF ProcessorThe Model 9091’s Wideband Signal Acquisition and DF processor uses N-channel architecture and 2 MHz instantaneous bandwidth for high-speed simultaneous new-signal detection and direction finding. This field-proven, DF FirstTM technology optimizes signal-processing performance, regardless of signal types or signal propagation conditions.

High instantaneous dynamic range and frequency selectivity (adjacent channel rejection) complement the N-channel architecture.

Each processing channel is composed of two TCI model 8084 wideband HF receiver converters, a dual-channel high-speed digitizer and a digital signal processor (DSP). A single VME-based, 19-inch rack mount unit contains all these subassemblies. A common 8084 synthesizer drives all of the 8084 receiver converters.

The 8084 converts a 2 MHz-wide portion of the HF band to a lowband IF frequency that is fed to one of the digitizers. The 8084 synthesizer tunes to any frequency within the 1.5 - 30 MHz band with 200 or 250 kHz resolution, and generates low phase noise L.O.s specifically for wideband HF receiving applications. Similarly, the 8084 converter provides very wide dynamic range performance with high input and output IMD intercepts and low noise figure. For frequencies below 1.5 MHz the 8084 is bypassed and the digitizer connects directly to the antenna.

The high-speed digitizers supply data to the PowerPC processors, which analyze all channels to a programmable frequency resolution of 100, 125, 200, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, 5000 or 10000 Hz. The processors simultaneously detect signal activity in each channel and perform DF processing for channels that have activity. These raw measurement results, including spectral, signal activity and DF data, are sent to the controller for further processing.

VM

E B

US

Sy n t h E S i z E r

2 M h z C o n V E r t E r

2 M h z C o n V E r t E r

2 M h z C o n V E r t E r

2 M h z C o n V E r t E r

A / D , D S P, D D r

A / D , D S P, D D r

A / D , D S P, D D r

A / D , D S P, D D rg

igA

Bit

Sw

itC

h

Signal Acquisition & DF Processor

System Details 9091

network,. data can be retrieved from the database or storage servers, rather than sent in real time. This allows adjusting the data-transfer rate to the network bandwidth at the expense of the data-transfer time.

The 9091 can interface with external systems by provision of software interface libraries that allow access to system control, real-time and post-facto data. Again, based on required data rates, these interface clients can reside on the 9091 high-speed network, or operate over a multi-site network.

System OperationThe master client workstation that configures signal-search criteria initiates 9091 system operation. The criteria include required signal-to-noise ratio for the detection, frequency resolution and type of DF processing. Once the search parameters are set, all client workstations can set up frequency ranges of interest. Frequency ranges from multiple workstations are consolidated by the Acquisition and DF Controller, which then tasks the Acquisition and

histograms, map displays, timeline and azimuth/elevation-versus-frequency displays.

The emitter database serves as storage for newly created emitter reports, and also supports emitter reports analysis.

Multi-site and external system interfaceThe data volume produced by a single Acquisition and DF Processor can exceed 10 Mb/s when raw data archiving is active. In a multi-site environment it would be difficult to deploy a network to support these data rates, so the system architecture provides alternative solutions.

The 9091 automatically processes raw data to dramatically reduce data flow between sites. For example using automatically generated summaries, rather than raw data for real-time multi-site triangulation processing, effectively reduces data traffic by a factor of a hundred.

However, when it is absolutely necessary to transfer raw data across a limited-bandwidth

Workstations for system tasking and manual real-time and post-facto signal analysisA Master Client running on a workstation sets up initial tasking in terms of signal search criteria and frequency ranges of interest. Additional clients can set up their own frequency ranges according to their mission requirements. Once the signal-search criteria and frequency ranges are set, the 9091 system automatically produces raw-data results (spectral, activity and DF data).

Clients can analyze raw data either in real-time or post-facto mode. Real-time mode processes data as it is created by the DF processor(s); post-facto mode retrieves raw data from the raw database. In both modes, the client has a large number of tools at his disposal, including spectrograms, azimuthalgrams, azimuth vs. frequency displays, azimuth and elevation

System Data Flow

AC q U i S i t i o n A n D D F C o n t r o l l E r

E M i t t E r DAtA BA S E

r Aw DAtADAtA BA S E

o P E r Ato r w o r k StAt i o n S

AC q U i S i t i o n A n D D F P r o C E S S o r ( S )

M A St E r w o r k StAt i o n

r E A l-t i M E r Aw DAtA

A r C h i V E D r Aw DAtA

tA S k i n g DAtA

E M i t t E r r E S U ltS

9091 System Details

DF Processor(s). Depending on the consolidated frequency range and number of DF Processors available, the DF Controller determines whether the individual DF processor needs to process more than 2 MHz of spectrum. For example, a 9091 configured with a single DF processor and tasked to search 4 – 12 MHz will cover the frequency range by sequentially tuning to 5, 7, 9 and 11 MHz. However, if the 9091 system is configured with four DF processors (with total instantaneous bandwidth of 8 MHz) each processor will remain on a single tune frequency.

With its criteria and frequency range set, the Acquisition and DF Processor(s) continuously perform signal detection and DF. The raw measurement results are sent to the Acquisition and DF Controller, which automatically sends data to the raw database. Raw data also is sent to those workstations that have requested it. This real-time raw data is separately processed by workstations for tasks ranging from displaying a real-time spectrogram to generating an alert when specific signal types are detected.

Both workstations and applets can also perform post-facto analysis by retrieving raw data from the database. The retrieval supports multi-parameter query criteria, and retrieved data is processed either by the operators using various displays, or automatically by the applets.

Raw-data processing results are stored in the emitter database. The emitter results also can be retrieved using multi-parameter query criteria for review and analysis.

Model 9091 Specifications❯ Antenna Array

Nine element TCI 632 ArrayInterferometer 5m monopole antenna 100x100 m deployment area

Nine element TCI 612 ArrayInterferometer 2 m2 crossed loop antenna 100x100 m deployment area

Twelve element TCI 632 ArrayCorrelative Interferometer Circular Array r = 50m 5 m monopole antenna

Twenty-four element TCI 632 Array

13 elements used Correlative Interferometer Circular Array r = 50m 5 m monopole antenna

Twenty-four element TCI 638 Array

13 elements usedCorrelative InterferometerCircular Array r = 50m12 m monopole antenna

Twelve element TCI 625 ArrayCorrelative InterferometerCircular Array r = 50m10 m2 crossed loop antenna

Twenty element TCI 402 Array

10 elements used + omni directional beamCorrelative InterferometerCircular Array r = 107.5mHorizontal log-periodic antenna

Twenty four element TCI 410 Array

12 elements used + omni directional beamCorrelative InterferometerCircular Array r = 175mHorizontal log-periodic antenna

FRD-13 “Pusher”

12 elements used + omni directional beamCorrelative InterferometerTwo Circular Arrays r = 25/75m5/12 m monopole/monopole5/12 m monopole/doublet

❯ Acquisition and DF ProcessorFrequency range 0.5 - 30 MHz typical (antenna dependent)

Frequency Resolution 1 Hz

Instantaneous bandwidth 0.5 or 2 MHz

Number of channels 8 to 14

Analysis bandwidth 100, 125, 200, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, 5000 and 10000 Hz

Signal Modulation Any

Signal acquisition and DF speed 2000 DFs/sec, typical

DF instrument accuracy 0.1° RMS

DF Accuracy, Ground wave 1° RMS

DF Accuracy, Skywave 2° RMS, 1.5 to 30 MHz

SSL range accuracy withoptional ionospheric sounder

12% RMS, 200 to 1000 km emitter range ±25 km, 0 to 200 km emitter range

Impedance 50 Ω ± 10 %

DF bearing resolution 0.1°

Summary Specifi cations 9091

DF azimuth coverage 0-360°

DF elevation coverage 0-90° (antenna type dependent)

DF Sensitivity -44 dBμV/m to -10 dBμV/m, antenna dependent

Receiver in-band dynamic range >85 dB

Receiver 3rd order intercept+32 dBm input+45 dBm output

Receiver 2nd order intercept+85 dBm input+80 dBm output

Receiver preselector fi lters 8-band, sub-octave

Receiver IF bandwidths2 MHz500 kHz

Receiver frequency accuracy 0.1 Hz

A/D SFDR 90 dB

A/D resolution 14 bits

Operating Temperature -10° to +55° C (Outdoor Equip)

Humidity 95 % Ω ± 10 %

❯ Acquisition and DF Controller (typical configuration, shared with the Database Server)

Processor Dual Xeon

Memory 2 GBytes

Storage RAID array, 250 GBytes

Operating System Windows Server 2008

Network Gigabit Ethernet

Raw Data Storage Capacity >72 hours of raw data results

❯ Raw and Emitter Database Server (typical configuration)Processor Dual Xeon

Memory GBytes

Storage RAID array, 250 GBytes

Operating System Windows Server 2008

Database Server SQL Server 2008

Network Gigabit Ethernet

Emitter Report Storage Capacity >1,000,000

❯ Workstations (typical configuration)Processor Core i7 , 1 GByte RAM

Storage 80 GBytes

Network Gigabit Ethernet

Number Limited only by the network submask

Export of TCI International, Inc. systems and products may be subject to U.S. export controls. U.S. Export License may be required.Specifi cations subject to change without notifi cation.

Specialized Expertise in a Global Family

TCI International, Inc., a leading supplier of end-to-end, ITU-compliant RF spectrum

monitoring and management solutions, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPX Corporation.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPX Corporation (NYSE: SPW) is a global,

multi-industry manufacturing leader with approximately $5 billion in annual revenue,

operations in more than 35 countries and over 14,000 employees.

SPX team members collaborate across business segments and borders to

deliver greater effi ciencies and better ideas for helping customers succeed and grow

their businesses.

At TCI, this commitment to innovation serves civilian spectrum regulatory

departments and provides COMINT, ISR, and DF solutions for Military, National Security

and Intelligence agencies.

TCI has developed high-performance RF and spectrum monitoring solutions

for more than 45 years. Our complete, in-house hardware and software engineering

capabilities include RF/analog equipment design, system engineering and integration,

digital Signal Processing (DSP) design and implementation and expert client-server

software design and development.

An SPX Company

Company proprietaryData and specifi cations subject to change without notifi cation

TCI Model 9091 subject to export restrictionsNot for distribution without prior permission from

©2004-2014 TCI—All Rights Reserved