903SVHF/UHF/SHF Man-Portable COMINT System

903S VHF/UHF/SHF Man-Portable COMINT System
The TCI Model 903S is a compact, man-portable
Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and
direction finding (DF) system is designed
for two-man carry, as well as mobile and
transportable applications.
Detect, DF and record signals of
interest with a completely transportable
solution.
Wideband Scanning Detection with
Simultaneous DF
The 903S searches, detects, intercepts, locates
or localizes sources of all intentional and
unintentional RF energy — and simultaneously
DFs all signals in the bands of interest using
fast-stepping wideband receivers combined
with DSP-based frequency channelization.
Modern Signal Detection and DF
System Operations
Interlinked fast scanning detection/DF displays
combined with powerful signal isolation
capabilities enable real-time and post facto
detection and DF of modern signals, including
frequency-agile signals.
An easy-to-learn, intuitive operator interface
provides complete tasking, scanning, signaldetection, DF/TDOA/geolocation, reporting and
mission-replay functions.
Full Mission Replay
Spectrograms and DF reports are stored in a
high-speed relational database, enabling replay of
all missions with different graphical settings and
signal selection/deselection criteria. Non-volatile
memory enables data to be replayed post-misison
for analysis in a safe environment. Any station can
merge data sets from multiple stations, providing
post facto triangulation and geolocation of all
signals of interest.* Full IQ recording allows postmission “Lookback TDOA” — the ability to go back
in time and perform TDOA geolocation on a signal
that is no longer transmitting.
*Requires a minimum of three units.
903S VHF/UHF/SHF Man-Portable COMINT System
Intercept and locate signals with a fully
integrated man-portable solution.
K E Y F E AT U R E S
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Rugged design and low size, weight and power consumption suitable for portable
applications.
• Intercept and DF of all signals from 20 to 8,000 MHz.
• Optional intercept of HF signals down to 100 kHz.
• 3 GHz/sec fast-scanning detection with simultaneous DF of all detected signals at
frequency channelization of 25 kHz (DF First™ technology).
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Analyze and geolocate multiple signals of interest from data collected in a dense
signal environment.
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Capable of networked multi-site geolocation of emitters of interest.
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Selectable wideband 4/40 MHz (in VHF/UHF band) instantaneous bandwidth.
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Optional signal modulation recognition.
Display spectral and DF reports collected by the real-time system.
“Lookback Collection” and analysis of signals of interest post-mission.
Azimuth-colored spectrogram, map with bearing rays from sensors and detection
metadata displays.
Wideband recording with selectable bandwidth up to 40 MHz.
Built in solid state drive can perform wideband recording up to 4 hours at 4 MHz.
Detection and DF of conventional and modern signals.
Client-server architecture with full networking capability.
Built-in self-test (BIST) and calibration.
Modular, compact, industry-standard architecture supports flexible
implementation in man-portable, mobile, fixed, and transportable configurations.
Optional signal analysis and decode suite available with over 200 signal types.
Optional 4U rack mount configuration for fixed station or mobile operations.
Additional DF antennas available.
System Architecture 903S
645-8 V/U/SHF
Portable/Mobile
20 MHz to 8GHz
645 V/UHF
Portable/Mobile
20 MHz to 3 GHz
TCI 6085S Processor
with Database
Rugged Workstation
VAC
649-8 V/U/SHF
Portable
20 MHz to 8 GHz
Typical CustomerSupplied Data Radio
POWER SUPPLY
VAC–12 VDC
12 VDC
Power Supply used for
system charging only.
The TCI Model 903S compact, man-portable COMINT and DF system is ideal for two-man carry, as well as mobile and
transportable applications.
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903S VHF/UHF/SHF Man-Portable COMINT System
Concept of Operation
Operation in Vehicle
TCI 645M VHF/UHF DF AND MONITOR ANTENNA
CONCEALED IN CARGO CARRIER
A vehicle can be equipped with either a TCI 649-8
for temporary dismounts or with roof-mounted
645 or 645-8 antennas for operations on the
move. Changing antennas is easy as the 903S
system automatically calibrates to the correct
antenna type. The 903S can operate on battery
power or connect to a vehicle’s 12 VDC power
supply. In mobile applications, the operator can
conduct signal search, monitoring, wideband
recording, homing and/or direction finding
(DF) of signals of interest while the vehicle is
stationary, or in motion. Both vehicle and manportable stations may be networked for real-time
or post-mission geolocation (DF and/or TDOA).
When networked, any station in the network
may request Line of Bearing (LOB) and/or TDOA
measurements to obtain geolocation data.
Man-portable Operation
The TCI 903S portable system can be dismounted
from the vehicular configuration and carried to
areas that are only accessible on foot. When
deployed in a man-portable configuration, the
station uses the portable TCI 649-8 lightweight
antenna on a carbon-fiber tripod. The system
is powered by internal batteries or an external
battery pack. In this configuration, the operator
can conduct signal search, monitoring, wideband
recording and direction finding (DF) of signals
of interest. If a portable network radio is available,
the station may request line of bearing (LOBs)
and/or TDOA data from other networked stations
to obtain geolocation of targets.
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TCI 649 MAN-PORTABLE VHF/UHF
DF AND MONITOR ANTENNA ARRAY
System Details 903S
Functionality
The TCI 903S can scan the entire 20 to 8,000
MHz band or selected sub-bands.
The operator can define signal detection
criteria.
View of signal detections can be dynamically
altered by azimuth, bandwidth, power,
frequency, duration or other metadata.
Operator can add comments relating to the
collected signal.
The 903S can communicate line-of-bearing
data to/from any other networked station for
automatic geolocation.
All data is stored on non-volatile media so it is
available for post facto analysis.
While in the man-portable configuration, the operator can conduct signal search,
monitoring, wideband recording and direction finding (DF) of signals of interest. If a
portable network radio is available, the station may request line of bearing (LOBs) from
other networked stations to obtain geolocation data.
Signal Analysis
The TCI 903S system provides the following
signal analysis and demodulation capabilities on
the operator workstation:
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Real time analysis and demodulation of
detected signals in narrow- and wideband
Optional automatic recognition of known
modulation types: (Analog: AM FM, USB,
LSB, CW, Morse. Digital: BPSK, QPSK, pi/4
DQPSK, 8-16-PSK, 2-, 3-, 4-, 8-FSK, MSK
OOK, 4PAM, 16-, 32-, 64-QAM, V.29)
The 903S system is also compatible with a wide
variety of additional third-party signal analysis
and decode tools, including popular GOTS
backend signal processors.
Analog audio playback
Tools to measure and display basic parameters
of the intercepted signals and record bit streams.
TCI Mobile Station operation
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903S VHF/UHF/SHF Man-Portable COMINT System
Blackbird Software
The TCI Blackbird NextGen software presents
a powerful, user-friendly spectrogram view
to browse the live and past RF environment.
But it is much more than a spectrum analyzer.
Sophisticated signal processing continuously
characterizes and catalogs all detected signals.
The parameters of these signal intercepts flow into
a real-time database; database searches (also in
real-time) allow isolation of true signals of interest
from the crowded background environment.
Flexible Operations and Display
The Blackbird NextGen software provides the
user with an easy-to-use interface for controlling
and analyzing the signal collection flow.
Operation consists of four simple steps:
1. Choose Targets
Blackbird’s Auto-Configurator automatically
configures the RF front end and detection
system and begins detection.
Color controls
Spectrogram
Detection Overlay
Pop up Signal Info
Spectrogram data can
be colored by power,
direction or even tag.
Full spectrogram data
served for live or past
data.
Transparent overlay
highlights detected
signals.
Point at any detected
signal to pop-up the
signal info window. Right
click to apply actions to
the selected signal.
2. Browse or Search for Signals of
Interest
Blackbird NextGen returns matching signals and
displays in List, Map and Spectrogram views.
Seamlessly search both live and past signals.
3. Take action (with a single right click)
on any signal, such as:
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Set Tag
Record
IQ Extract (WB recorder)
Precision Geolocation
Handoff (live only)
Add Emitter Info
Send to…(signal analysis)
Export
Find Similar
4. Make it Automatic
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Assign automatic actions to signals matching
search criteria
Save searches with actions into mission for
“Auto-Searches”
Power
The TCI 903S station is supplied with integral 12
VDC batteries that provide a minimum run time
of four hours. The system reports battery power
level and issues a visual and audible warning
when battery power is low.
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The TCI 903S station can be operated from
standard 12 VDC vehicle power.
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The TCI 903S station is supplied with a
power supply for connection to standard
commercial power.
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The TCI 903S can be switched between
different power sources without rebooting or
disrupting active missions.
Redefining Search and Visualization
Unlike traditional spectrogram views, the Blackbird’s
spectrogram provides a unique, semi-transparent
overlay showing the detected signal catalog.
Typical Specifications 903S
Model 903S Specifications
System
❯ Frequency Range
❯ Environmental (Electronics Only)
Frequency Range, DF
20 to 3,000 MHz
20 to 8,000 MHz
20 to 8,000 MHz
with 645 antenna
with 645-8 antenna
with 649-8 antenna
Frequency Range, Monitoring
100 kHz to 8,000 MHz
Modulation Modes (DF)
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Below 30 MHz optional
All
DF Bandwidth
6.25 to 200 kHz
Many intermediate values
Instrument DF Accuracy
0.1°
System DF Accuracy
2 to 5° RMS*
*Antenna dependant
DF System Sensitivity
10 dB
SNR, 25 kHz BW
Temperature
- 25 to 40° C
Operating
Temperature
- 40 to 70° C
Storage
Altitude
3,000 m
Operating
(10,000 ft.)
Altitude
15,000 m
Storage
(50,000 ft.)
Operating
Humidity
0 to 95%
Non-Condensing
25 kHz Channels
Vibration
10 to 55 Hz
0.4 mm
Amplitude
Architecture
VME
Power
12 VDC
120/230 VAC
Configuration
Dual Channel receiver
Consult factory
for available AC
power adapters
Operating System
Windows® 7 embedded
Power
Consumption
120 W
Max.
Polarization
DF Scan Rate
Vertical
3 GHz/sec
❯ Spectrum Processor
A/D Resolution
16 bit
Wideband Recording
4 hours
4 MHz BW, solid state drive
Tuning Speed
3 ms
<100 MHz steps
Tuning Increments
1 Hz
Gain Control
120 dB
Digital range
IF Bandwidths
40/4 MHz
3 dB
Image Rejection
90 dB
IF Rejection
80 dB
In-Band Dynamic Range
90 dB
3rd-Order Intercept point
+18 dBm
2nd-Order Intercept point
+50 dBm
Noise Figure
Antenna dependent
See antenna data sheets
LO Phase Noise
-110 dBc/Hz
10 kHz offset
❯ Receiver
Color and Finish
The TCI 903S system components are colored OD
green and have a non-reflective finish.
90 dB Typical
Urban mode
TCI Model 903 Options
❯ TCI Model 903 Signals Intelligence System
Option 903-1
4U rack mount configuration
Option 2621
HF RF Channel, 9kHz to 30 MHz (for use with option 903-1)
Option WBR-1
Model 3265 Lookback Storage Array, 12 TB (for use with option 903-1)
❯ Blackbird NextGen Software
Option MRS-1
Modulation Recognition for Server
Option BCSW-1
Additional Blackbird Client License
❯ Antenna Options (for use with option 903-1)
Model 641
Omni-directional V/UHF DF & Monitoring Antenna, 20 to 3,000 MHz
Model 643
Dual Polarized, Omni-directional V/UHF DF & Monitoring, 20 to 3,000 MHz
Model 647
Omni-directional VHF/UHF DF & Monitoring Antenna, 20 to 8,000 MHz
Model 647D
Dual Polarized, Omni-directional V/UHF DF & Monitoring, 20 to 8,000 MHz
Export of TCI International, Inc. systems and
products may be subject to U.S. export controls.
U.S. Export License may be required.
Specifications subject to change without notification
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T C I I N T E R N AT I O N A L , I N C .
3541 Gateway Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538-6585 USA
TEL: 1-510-687-6100
USA: 1-800-824-8074
FAX: 1-510-687-6101
www.tcibr.com
Specialized Expertise in a Global Family
TCI International, Inc., a leading supplier of end-to-end, ITU-compliant RF spectrum
monitoring and management products, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPX Corporation.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPX Corporation (NYSE: SPXC) is a global,
multi-industry manufacturing leader. SPX team members collaborate across business
segments and borders to deliver greater efficiencies and better ideas for helping
customers succeed.
At TCI, this commitment to innovation supports an array of customers whose missions
depend on having a clear picture of their electromagnetic environment. For over 45
years, TCI’s technical developments and advanced production capabilities have earned it
a reputation for excellence in high-performance communications, spectrum monitoring
and signals intelligence systems.
TCI’s diverse hardware and software engineering capabilities provide proven solutions
for regulatory compliance, monitoring and security, and communications intelligence
applications. With advanced spectrum mapping and analytics, data recording and
precision geolocation technology, TCI systems provide vital data for government and
military agencies in over 100 countries worldwide.
Company proprietary
Data and specifications subject to change without notification
Not for distribution without prior permission from TCI.
903S-08-22-16
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