TELEMETRY DATA VIA COMMUNICATIONS RELAY

Abstract

This paper responds to a test range engineer’s need to relay one or more channels of various types of telemetry data from a remotely-located receiving station to the central telemetry station at range headquarters for real time processing and display. Several types of data are identified, and specific equipment and technology for multiplexing, transmission, and demultiplexing up to eight streams from a variety of sources is discussed. The widely-used T3 communications link, also known as DS-3, can relay data via satellite, microwave link, or other high-speed path at 44.736 megabits per second, of which about 95% can be actual telemetry data; other standard links operate at lower aggregate rates. Several links and rates are discussed, with emphasis in the high-rate T3 link.