From 24c1db7f56cdb8563d008fef42c3d8c078a0d6d9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: =?UTF-8?q?Jakub=20K=C3=A1kona?= Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2023 23:23:50 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Update README.md --- README.md | 34 +++++++++++++++++++++++++--------- 1 file changed, 25 insertions(+), 9 deletions(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 9250c2c..4ed264e 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -11,10 +11,26 @@ The TFSIK01A is probably the first open-source hardware design of a UAV modem wi ## Parameters and features + + * Very small size + * Light weight (under 20 grams without antenna) + * Transparent serial link + * Air data rates up to 250kbps + * MAVLink protocol framing and status reporting + * Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) + * Adaptive time division multiplexing (TDM) + * Support for listen before talk (LBT) and Adaptive Frequency Agility (AFA) + * Configurable duty cycle + * Built-in error correcting code (can correct up to 25% data bit errors) + * Demonstrated range of several kilometres with a small whip antenna + * [Open source firmware]((https://github.com/ThunderFly-aerospace/SiK)) + * AT commands for local radio configuration + * RT commands for remote radio configuration + * Supported protocol: MAVLink 2 * Supported bands: 433MHz, 868 MHz. (Other frequencies are available upon request) * Modem chip: Si4463 - * User-selectable output power up to +20 dBm (The maximum legally allowed power output) + * User-selectable output power up to +20 dBm (100mW) (The maximum legally allowed power output) * RX Sensitivity -124 dBm @ 1000 bps FSK * MIMO 2x2 RX/TX: Two antenna diversity * Two separated [MCX connectors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCX_connector) RX and TX on the each connector @@ -33,14 +49,14 @@ The TFSIK01A is probably the first open-source hardware design of a UAV modem wi The above parameters are guaranteed only in case of the use of a proper RF antenna matched for a given frequency band. When using an improper antenna with a radio modem (VSWR above 1.5:1), there may arise several issues that could affect the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the system. Here is a simplified list: - - Reduced Range - The most immediate problem would be a reduced operating range. The antenna is critical for transmitting and receiving signals effectively. An improper antenna may result in weaker signals, thereby limiting the distance over which the modem can communicate. - - Signal Degradation - Poorly matched antennas could degrade the quality of the transmitted and received signals. This can lead to higher bit error rates, packet loss, and data corruption, impacting the reliability of the system. - - Increased Interference - The wrong type or tuning of antenna might pick up or transmit on unintended frequencies, causing interference with other systems or devices. This could be particularly problematic in crowded or jammed frequency bands. - - Power Imbalance - The impedance mismatch between the antenna and the modem can result in a portion of the signal being reflected back into the modem. This can potentially damage the modem’s internal components over time due to the stress of components. - - Non-Compliance - Using an improper antenna may lead to non-compliance with regulatory standards, which could result in legal issues or fines. Regulations often specify the types of antennas that can be used with particular types of modems or in specific frequency bands. - - Energy Inefficiency - A mismatched antenna can be energy-inefficient, drawing more power than necessary to achieve a given range or data rate. This could be particularly problematic in battery-powered applications. - - Increased Latency - Poor signal strength and quality could also result in increased latency due to packet retransmissions, affecting real-time applications like telemetry transmission. - - Difficulty in Troubleshooting - An improper antenna can introduce a myriad of issues that can be hard to diagnose. This could result in increased downtime and maintenance costs, as engineers would need to spend additional time identifying and resolving the issues. + - **Reduced Range** - The most immediate problem would be a reduced operating range. The antenna is critical for transmitting and receiving signals effectively. An improper antenna may result in weaker signals, thereby limiting the distance over which the modem can communicate. + - **Signal Degradation** - Poorly matched antennas could degrade the quality of the transmitted and received signals. This can lead to higher bit error rates, packet loss, and data corruption, impacting the reliability of the system. + - **Increased Interference** - The wrong type or tuning of antenna might pick up or transmit on unintended frequencies, causing interference with other systems or devices. This could be particularly problematic in crowded or jammed frequency bands. + - **Power Imbalance** - The impedance mismatch between the antenna and the modem can result in a portion of the signal being reflected back into the modem. This can potentially damage the modem’s internal components over time due to the stress of components. + - **Non-Compliance** - Using an improper antenna may lead to non-compliance with regulatory standards, which could result in legal issues or fines. Regulations often specify the types of antennas that can be used with particular types of modems or in specific frequency bands. + - **Energy Inefficiency** - A mismatched antenna can be energy-inefficient, drawing more power than necessary to achieve a given range or data rate. This could be particularly problematic in battery-powered applications. + - **Increased Latency** - Poor signal strength and quality could also result in increased latency due to packet retransmissions, affecting real-time applications like telemetry transmission. + - **Difficulty in Troubleshooting** - An improper antenna can introduce a myriad of issues that can be hard to diagnose. This could result in increased downtime and maintenance costs, as engineers would need to spend additional time identifying and resolving the issues. ## Usage