Enhancing the PCM/FM Link - Without the Math White Paper

This paper focuses on a quantitative approach to improving the rate and quality of data using existing PCM/FM links. In particular, Curtiss-Wright and BAE SystemS set themselves the goal of revisiting the pre-modulation filter, diversity combiner and bit-sync. By implementing programmable adaptive hardware, it was possible to explore the various tradeoffs offered by modifying pulse shapes and spectral occupancy, inclusion of forward error correction, and smart source selection. This paper looks at the improvements achieved at each phase of the evaluation.