Technical Information
Subject to change [25-June-2012, 8SPM-Kr, Version 5.4.6]Monitoring Software R&S ARGUS
Numerous facilities for monitoring, measuring and direction finding
Reliable solution for monitoring, direction finding and measurements according to ITU recommen-dations
Numerous possibilities for evaluation and analy-sis according to ITU recommendations
Usable for all types of monitoring stations
Cost-effective thanks to standardization Great flexibility thanks to modular design
Supported languages: English, Chinese, French, German, Russian, Spanish
Runs under Microsoft Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP operating systems
Introduction
The Monitoring Software R&S ARGUS comprises numerous facilities for measuring, monitoring and direction finding for manned and unmanned fixed stations, for mobile stations and for transportable stations. An available evaluation module is used to perform a comprehensive statistical evaluation of measurement results to ITU recommendations. Measurement results can be displayed alphanu-merically or graphically. Measurement results, their definitions and evaluation results can also be doc-umented in reports.
Thanks to its modular design, R&S ARGUS can be easily configured to meet customer requirements. R&S ARGUS runs under Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems, which provide great ease of operation, operational safety and network-ing. Uniform operation, pre-emptive multitasking and versatility in integrating additional software (e.g. MS Office) are further benefits.
The basic module of R&S ARGUS consists of one license for R&S ARGUS, data administration, graphics, configuration, help functions, standard software interfaces, direct measurement mode, 20 device drivers for fixed antennas and 20 device drivers for movable antennas. Additional software modules, software interfaces and device drivers for receivers, analyzers, direction finders, decoders, recorders and accessories can be easily added to the basic module. This modularity makes the software extremely flexible.
Client-server concept
R&S ARGUS is a straight client-server application comprising a measurement unit (server) and a con-trol unit (client).
The control unit provides the R&S ARGUS user-friendly graphical user interface. This user interface can be used to configure measurement units, de-fine measurement jobs and transfer them to urement units, to receive, display and store meas-urement results and transfer these results to other applications. The control unit menu always presents the settings and measurement options of one measurement unit. One control unit can access up to eight stations simultaneously. The R&S ARGUS measurement unit is controlled by a control unit. It receives the measurement jobs from all the con-nected control units, co-ordinates them and pro-cesses them. Measurement devices are controlled and measurement results and alarm conditions are determined, buffered and transferred to the control units. A measurement unit can be controlled by basically any given number of control units, one at a time.
Control and measurement units can run on the same computer or on different computers. In the later case the communication can be done by all means of standard network connections like e.g. GSM, Radio links, PSTN, ISDN, WAN (wide area network) LAN (local area network) fiber optic links, satellite links, .... This approach has the following advantages over remote-control packages such as pcAnywhere:
Simpler to use software
Faster implementation of measurement jobs because only information relevant to the mea-surements is transferred. There is no need to fiddle around with files
Cost-effective solution as the connection to the measurement section can be interrupted during a measurement, so cutting costs
Only one measurement unit is occupied during the connection and not the whole PC
Modules of R&S ARGUS
Basic module of Monitoring Software R&S ARGUS
Device drivers
Receivers
Device drivers
Direction finders
Device drivers
Analyzer
Device drivers
System devices
IMM
Interactive meas. mode
BMM
Bearing meas. mode
AMM
Automatic meas. mode
EVAL
Evaluation module
ORM
Order report module
RCI
Remote control interface
DEI
Data exchange interface
SMDI
Spectrum management
database interface
DCI
Device control interface
DIFF
Difference meas. module
WEB
Web control interface
SIS
Station information
system
CMM
Coverage meas. mode
DM
Digital meas. mode
GMM
Guided meas. mode
ARR
Record & Replay module
SYNC
Synchronous meas. mode
PAR
Parallel meas. mode
PMM
Pulse meas. mode
IDNT
Security concept
Besides the password protection already
implemented in Windows, the security concept of R&S ARGUS comprises four areas:
Security through special access rights to files Security through user groups as owners of the
files
User class concept with grading of access rights Password protection
R&S ARGUS has a security concept that authenti-cates users via a user name and password in dif-ferent security areas. This ensures that data cannot be edited or deleted by every user.
Users generally have different measurement and evaluation interests. It is assumed that users with similar interests are grouped together in a User Group. R&S ARGUS stipulates that users wishing to measure with the definition files of another user or evaluate the data of another user must belong to the same user group as the other user.
A set of data which is to be evaluated must be comparable. R&S ARGUS requires that any set of data which is to be evaluated must come from the selected Measurement Units.
User Groups are the current owners of R&S ARGUS files. These user-selectable, user group names are assigned to each user. All files are stored with the user group name of the user.
They are invisible to members of other groups. Every user is assigned to one user group. In a file he has generated, the user can set the user group to Public. This allows users in other user groups to read and edit this file.
The software recognizes two user classes with different access rights: Administrator and User. Every user must be assigned to exactly one user class. These user classes have different rights. The users of the user class Administrator can access all the software. Those in the user class User can access all the software except the configuration part.
Every user authenticates himself in his user group and user class by entering a password when log-ging on to R&S ARGUS.
Measurement modes
All measurement tasks being run by the measure-ment software can share the same hardware, i.e. measurement devices and accessories. Naturally, the hardware can be available to one task for a certain time only. Nevertheless, thanks to sophisti-cated task scheduling within the software, the dif-ferent measurement modes are able to consecu-tively use the hardware resources according to the time and priorities the operator has set for each. As long as the number and duration of the tasks are within reasonable bounds, it is easy to arrange for several measurement modes to use the same hardware. All this is available under a single license with R&S ARGUS running on the system process controller.
Different measurement modes offer the various monitoring, measuring and direction finding activi-ties in a very dedicated way. These measurement modes are:
direct measurement mode (DMM) interactive measurement mode (IMM) bearing measurement mode (BMM) automatic measurement mode (AMM) synchronous measurement mode (SYNC) parallel measurement mode (PAR) digital measurement mode (DM) guided measurement mode (GMM) coverage measurement mode (CMM) pulse measurement mode (PMM)
Direct Measurement Mode
The direct measurement mode (DMM) is used to control the measurement equipment directly via virtual control panels.
This mode provides the operator with a fast way to monitor, measure, locate and identify emissions. The system visualizer in R&S ARGUS produces the schematic of a selected radio monitoring station: antennas, receivers, analyzers, decoders and re-cording equipment with all their connections are shown in graphical representation. The required connections between antennas and receivers can be selected and switched by a single mouse click. A second mouse click, on a device icon, opens the interface from which the user can control the device and perform the measurements. This interface sim-ulates the functions and the settings of the device. Depending on the device driver, it contains several tabs each corresponding to a measurement type which can be performed by the device in question. Depending of the measurement type, the mea-surement results are shown using different types of graphics, tables or a numerical display. The mea-surement results can be saved for further analysis or for printing out.
Example illustrating the direct measurement mode with Monitoring Receiver R&S ESMB
Interactive Measurement Mode
The interactive measurement mode (IMM) is used to obtain an overview of a spectrum, for analyzing and identifying electromagnetic emissions, for ob-taining results when an antenna is moved, for ana-lyzing intermodulation, for performing coverage measurements and for automatic detection of un-known signals.
Different IMM modes provide direct access to vari-ous activities. These modes are:
Spectrum Signal Analysis Antenna Analysis Intermodulation Analysis Coverage Measurement Detection of Unknown Signals
The dialog window is split into two sections. The upper section has the same settings for all modes. It contains the parameters for the selection of the mode, the selection of the devices, the most im-portant device settings and the Start, Stop and Settings >> buttons. If the user wants to set special device settings, it is possible to open the device interfaces. With the Settings >> button the dialog window can be enlarged. The enlarged section contains the settings for the selected mode. TheSpectrummode gives the user a quick over-view (level) of a frequency spectrum.
This can be performed with scan (scanning from start frequency to stop frequency using frequency increments), frequency list scan (scanning using frequencies from a frequency list) or transmitter list scan (scanning using frequencies from a transmitter list). Additional measurements (e.g. the frequency offset or modulation) on all signals within the fre-quency band can also be made if the receiver has
the necessary capability. Frequencies which are not of interest to the user can be suppressed for any measurement. If limits for a measurement parame-ter are defined, signal analysis can be started au-tomatically if the value goes above or below the limit, e.g. to identify the appropriate transmission.
Example illustrating the spectrum mode in the interactive measurement mode
The measurement results are displayed using a cartesian diagram (measurement value vs. fre-quency). The measurement results can be saved for further evaluation or printed out. A report can be printed out directly from the IMM.
In theSignal Analysismode electromagnetic emissions can be analyzed and identified. The user can select the frequency and the mea-surement parameters (e.g. level, frequency offset, bandwidth, modulation or location), depending on the capability of the selected devices.
Example illustrating the signal analysis mode in the interactive measure-ment mode
The measurement results are displayed using a yt plot (measurement value vs. time). The measure-ment results can be saved for further evaluation or printing out. A report can be printed directly from the IMM.
Typical measurement result obtained in Signal Analysis mode
If the user wants to change the frequency during the measurement, this can be done very conven-iently by using the graphic of the spectrum mode. Simply position the marker on the frequency of
interest. The receiver is then automatically set to that frequency. The use of this method means that the measured spectrum can be analyzed very easi-ly and quickeasi-ly.
In theAntenna Analysismode, level measure-ments are performed on one frequency while the azimuth, the elevation or the height of a directional antenna is varied. This mode is only activated for steerable antennas.
The user can define the antenna settings in two ways: he can select a range for the antenna and the antenna covers this range using the selected step width or he can select a settings list. In this list, he can enter antenna settings.
Example illustrating antenna analysis in the interactive measurement mode
The measurement results are shown as a polar diagram (azimuth and elevation) or as a cartesian diagram (height).
Moving a directional antenna for 360° and display-ing the level vs. the azimuth gives immediately the direction of maximum intensity, i.e. the direction towards the transmitter. Thus, this mode can also be used for direction finding. This is especially im-portant for frequencies above 3 GHz, the upper limit for most current direction finders.
The measurement results can be saved for further evaluation or to be printed out. A report can be printed directly from the IMM. Typical measurement result from the Antenna Analysis mode
Typical measurement result obtained in Antenna analysis mode
TheIntermodulation Analysismode is used to track the emission producing an intermodulated signal. Intermodulations with up to three source signals are taken into account.
There are four steps:
First, the spectrum associated with the frequency range to be investigated is measured in the spec-trum mode.
Second, the number of frequency values can be restricted to a reasonable number by setting a threshold. Only frequencies with levels above the threshold are used. It is assumed that only strong transmitters are causing intermodulation.
Third, the possible originating frequencies are cal-culated. The formula for calculating is
I = ± X x A ± Y x B ± Z x C,
where I is the frequency on which the intermodula-tion is observed, A, B and C are the originating frequencies and the coefficients X, Y and Z the given harmonics. The number of originating fre-quencies, the maximum harmonics with two origi-nating frequencies and the maximum harmonics with three originating frequencies are entered by the user. The maximum harmonics if there is one original frequency is 10.
Some examples:
Number of originating frequencies: 1 Formulas: 2A, 3A, 4A, ..., 10 A
Number of originating frequencies: 1 and 2 Max. harmonics with two originating freq.: 2 Formulas: 2A, 3A, 4A, ..., 10 A, A+B, A-B, -A+B, 2A+B, 2A-B, -2A+B, A+2B, A-2B, -A+2B, 2A+2B, 2A-2B, -2A+2B
Number of originating frequencies: 1 and 2 and 3 Max. harmonics with two originating freq.: 1 Max. harmonics with three originating freq.: 1 Formulas: 2A, 3A, 4A, ..., 10 A, A+B, A-B, -A+B, A+B+C, A-B+C, A-B-C, -A+B+C, -A-B+C All frequencies determined in steps one and two are possible originating frequencies. The user can add or delete frequencies from this list. The origi-nating frequencies are determined as follows: Number of originating frequencies = 1:
Ais calculated from the formulas and then a check is made to determine if this frequency (IF band-width / 2) is in the list of possible originating fre-quencies.
Number of originating frequencies = 2:
Bis directly determined from the list of possible originating frequencies.Ais calculated from the formulas and then a check is made to determine if this frequency (IF bandwidth / 2) is in the list of possible originating frequencies.
Example illustrating intermodulation analysis in the interactive measure-ment mode with typical IMA result calculated in the intermodulation analysis mode
Number of originating frequencies = 3:
BandCcombinations are calculated from the list of possible originating frequencies.Ais calculated from the formulas and then a check is made to determine if this frequency (IF bandwidth / 2) is in the list of possible originating frequencies.
The results are stored in an IMA Result file, sorted in the order of decreasing probability. The most probable results are those with the fewest original frequencies and the lowest order. The calculation results can be saved to an IMA Result file and re-loaded at a later date.
In the final step, the intermodulation products calcu-lated in this way can now be investigated by click-ing the Start button in the IMM dialog window. All frequencies which can theoretically cause the in-termodulation are compared acoustically with the observed intermodulation, using the receiver’s built-in demodulator.
In theCoverage Measurementmode, level mea-surements are performed while driving. This mode is only activated if a GPS receiver is available. Measurements can be performed with fixed fre-quency mode (measurement using one frefre-quency) and frequency list scan (scanning using frequencies from a frequency list).
The results are displayed on electronic maps using the Geographical Information Software R&S MapView, where different colors represent different level ranges.
Example illustrating a measurement result of a coverage measurement displayed in R&S MapView
With frequency list scan, the results of one frequen-cy are displayed. After the measurement the results of the other frequencies can be displayed one by one.
The user can set the time interval parameter. This is the time interval between two measurements.
TheDetection of Unknown Frequenciesmode provides a very efficient way to automatically identi-fy new, unknown transmitters.
In a first step a freely definable frequency range is scanned. Then, ARGUS will determine on which frequencies there is an emission. This can be done fully automatically (mathematically speaking, ARGUS will calculate local maxima in the spec-trum). Additionally, the criterion for distinguishing noise from transmitters can be a user defined threshold or limit line. For fine tuning, e.g. to select weak signals from strong noise, a level offset can be applied. The result will be a list of occupied fre-quencies.
In order to easily identify new, unknown emissions a list of known or licensed transmitters can be se-lected. These frequencies will not be included in the final list. Thus, the final result will be a list of occu-pied frequencies which are not known or licensed. This list can be saved for further evaluation and identification.
Live measurement in MaxHold mode (red trace) and automatically deter-mined “transmitters”
Almost 40 transmitters have been automatically detected (see lower graphic), but after applying a reference list (e.g. imported from a license database) only 2 frequencies remain “unknown”
Bearing Measurement Mode
The bearing measurement mode is used to locate transmitters. Up to four direction finders can be controlled simultaneously. The DF stations, bear-ings and locations can be displayed on digital maps within the Geographic Information Software R&S MapView.
The following three BMM modes handle the activi-ties in question:
Bearing
Replay
Combine
The dialog window is split into two sections. The upper section has all settings for the selected mode. The lower section contains the bearing re-sults from every station involved, together with lev-el, bearing, quality and recording time of the
Example illustrating the bearing mode in the bearing measurement mode
bearing, along with the longitude and latitude (if there are at least two stations or a SSL (single sta-tion locasta-tion) stasta-tion) and the error radius of the target location (if there are at least three stations). With the >> button the dialog window can be en-larged.
In theBearingmode, single-shot or continuous bearing measurements are performed on all emis-sions at one selected frequency within a range of 360 degrees or within sector(s) defined by the op-erator. Up to four measurement stations can be used simultaneously.
The controlled devices can be direction finders or directional antennas on azimuth rotators. The direc-tional antenna is rotated step-by-step through the angle range and the level is measured. The meas-urements are displayed as a polar diagram. The results are evaluated after all azimuth steps have been performed.
The angle with the maximum or minimum level (depending on the antenna) is displayed as bearing result. With this method it is possible to do direction finding at frequencies way above 3 GHz, the upper limit for currently available direction finders. Using appropriate antennas and down converter ARGUS can perform DF up to 256 GHz.
The results are then automatically transferred to R&S MapView and/or Google Earth, where the bearing results are displayed. A result history is provided in the BMM dialog window and in R&S MapView and GoogleEarth to determine the best transmitter bearing. Using an appropriate transmit-ter list, the position of known transmittransmit-ters can also be displayed on the map. This way the origin of a transmission can be very easily determined.
Example illustrating the bearing measurement mode (three stations connected) with results shown in R&S MapView
If, for any reason, it is not possible to set up a con-nection to a measurement station, the results can be transmitted verbally from the remote station and entered manually on to the system by the user. In order to identify the emission or to make sure, that all direction finders are tracking the same sig-nal, it is possible to listen to the audio of all stations involved. Furthermore, the IF spectra can be dis-played.
The bearing results can be saved for further evalua-tion, replayed, combined or printed.
This mode can be included in the interactive mea-surement mode and in the automatic meamea-surement mode.
In theReplaymode, previously recorded bearing results are displayed in the BMM dialog window and/or in R&S MapView and GoogleEarth. After the bearing result and the time period have been selected, the bearing results can be displayed singly or continuously.
Example illustrating the replay mode in the bearing measurement mode
TheCombinemode is used to combine previously recorded bearing results. This is very useful for users without any direct connection to the DF sta-tions. The bearing measurements can be per-formed in each station. Later, the bearing results can be combined somewhere else and the location of the transmitter can be calculated.
This mode is also useful if a user has only one ve-hicle. Firstly, the vehicle must move to the initial DF point. The bearing is taken. Then, the vehicle must move to the next DF point and again the bearing is taken. The two bearings are then used to determine the location of the transmitter (running fix). If nec-essary, further bearings can be taken and com-bined.
When the bearing results, the frequency and, if required, the level and quality threshold have been selected, the bearing results can be combined. The results can be displayed in the Bearing Result dialog window and/or in R&S MapView and GoogleEarth using the Replay mode.
Example illustrating the Combine mode in the bearing measurement mode
Automatic Measurement Mode
The automatic measurement mode is used to au-tomatically perform measurements according to a schedule. The user defines the measurement tasks and starts them. Then the measurements will be performed automatically, exactly as defined by the user. The measurement results can be evaluated while the task is being performed or when it has been completed.
The measurement runs at the measurement unit. This means that in case of remote control (i.e. con-trol and measurement unit are running on different computers) no connection between the mea-surement unit and the control unit is required during the measurement, thus drastically minimizing net-work costs.
Simply connect from the control unit to the meas-urement unit, define and start the measmeas-urement and disconnect. The measurement will continue and the results will be saved in the measurement unit. When the control unit and the measurement unit are connected again, the measurement results can be transferred.
Cyclic measurements can be performed at certain times of the day and over a period of days, months or even years.
Long-term monitoring of parameters can be per-formed. For each frequency and parameter an up-per and/or lower limit can be defined. If during a measurement one of these limits has been exceed-ed several options are possible. The alarms can be displayed on the screen at a manned station or passed to the central station if the alarm is at an unmanned station. Furthermore, a new measure-ment can be started for a detailed examination of a frequency that triggered the alarm. It is possible e.g. to perform various modulation measurements, the audio can be recorded or additional measure-ment stations with DF equipmeasure-ment can be integrated in order to determine the location of that emitter.
Rotators and masts can also be controlled so that the measurements are also performed at certain azimuths, elevations, polarizations and heights.
The measurement results can be saved in different formats:
Measurement result: All measurement results are saved.
MaxHold: Only one data record with the MaxHold value for each frequency is saved. If the meas-urement task exceeds 23:59:49 the MaxHold values of the day are buffered at midnight and the measurement result file is deleted. The MaxHold determination is continued the next day with the buffered values as first input.
Compressed measurement result: The mean, the
maximum, the minimum value and the standard deviation during a user defined period is saved for each frequency.
Measurement result during an alarm: Measure-ment results are only saved if an alarm criterion if fulfilled, i.e. a measurement values exceeds the upper or lower limit.
Begin and end of an alarm: For each frequency where an alarm condition is fulfilled, date, time, measurement value and status (High, Low, OK) are saved.
Measurement result during and compressed
measurement result outside an alarm: If no alarm condition is active: the mean, the maximum, the minimum value and the standard deviation dur-ing a user defined period is saved for each fre-quency.
If an alarm condition is active: all measurement results are saved.
The user can set up an AMM procedure quickly and easily using the AMM Wizard. The AMM Wizard guides the user through the appropriate dialog win-dows where he can make the necessary entries to set up the AMM. The Wizard then generates the necessary definition files.
The first of the five AMM Wizard steps available
To provide a high level of flexibility, three definition files are used to define an automatic measurement task.
The first definition file is the range definition – for all frequency ranges of interest the user can define individual devices to be used and their settings. The available measurement parameters for all subrang-es are also displayed.
Example illustrating a range definition
The second definition file is the measurement defi-nition.
For each measurement, the user selects the range definition (i.e. the devices and appropriate settings), the measurement type (scan, frequency list scan, transmitter list scan or fixed frequency mode) and the measurement frequency or frequencies. For location measurements, the parameters of the bearing measurement mode must be set. Meas-urements where the azimuth or elevation of a direc-tional antenna is varied can only be performed with steerable antennas. The measurement results can be saved for further evaluation; the type of graphic (yt plot, cartesian diagram, 3D waterfall diagram, polar diagram, 2D waterfall diagram) can be select-ed if appropriate for the measurement.
Example illustrating a measurement definition
The alarm conditions and actions for a measure-ment parameter can be defined. A limit can be de-fined by a limit value (limit value is constant over the frequency range), by a limit line (limit values vary over the frequency range) or by the limit val-ues from the transmitter list.
The alarm actions can be a message, a signal tone or a measurement.
The third definition file is the timing definition where the user selects the measurement definition, the start and stop date, the daily start and stop, the measurement interval. The day of the week on which measurements are to be performed can also be selected.
Example illustrating a timing definition
Example illustrating result of automatic measurement mode
The timing definition can be selected in the auto-matic measurement mode dialog window. The user can then start the measurement by clicking the Start button. The graphics are opened automatical-ly.
Difference measurement module
The difference measurement module is an addition to the automatic measurement mode. With this module simultaneous measurements with two re-ceivers or analyzers of the same type can be per-formed. This feature can be used with scan (scan-ning from start frequency to stop frequency using frequency increments) and frequency list scan (scanning using frequencies from a frequency list). After each scan the difference of the two measure-ments is calculated. The frequency spectrum of both devices and the difference can be displayed in graphics.
To eliminate noise a threshold can be defined by the user. The frequency spectrum of each receiver is calculated for each frequency as follows: Measured field strengththreshold
field strength = measured field strength Measured field strength < threshold
field strength = threshold
Example for using the difference measurement module
After that the difference is calculated and displayed. The saving of the difference results are done via special criteria for each frequency. These criteria can be a limit value, a limit line or both.
Limit value selected, limit line not selected: Difference level > limit valueSaving Limit value selected, limit line selected:
Difference level > limit value AND field strength of the reference receiver > limit lineSaving Limit value not selected, limit line selected: Field strength of the reference receiver > limit line
Saving
The date and time, frequency, field strengths of both receivers and the difference will be saved. All standard receivers and spectrum analyzers can be used. Thus, the frequency range from 100 Hz up to 256 GHz is covered. Operator room Monitored room Control/Meas. PC R&S ARGUS Hub Installed modules: Basic module R&S AMM R&S DIFF R&S ARGUS-RX R&S EM100 Antenna Reference room R&S EM100 Antenna LAN
The lower graphic shows the result of the reference receiver, taken in a nearby “clean” room.
The middle graphic shows the result of the monitor-ing receiver, taken at the same time in the room to check.
The upper graphic displays the difference of the two spectra.
Note the strong emission at 93,1 MHz clearly peek-ing out in the difference spectrum. It can as well be seen in the spectrum of the monitoring receiver. But here it is just one emission among many, many others, nothing indicating that this peak is “suspi-cious”.
Synchronous measurement mode
The synchronous measurement mode is a func-tional upgrade of the device driver EB200, ESMB, ESMD, EM050, FSP, ESPI, FSQ, DDF1xx, DDF255 and DDF0xAE.
It allows to define master devices in the Direct Measurement Mode (DMM), which are able to con-trol one or more slave devices. The master device analyses a frequency spectrum (DScan, Scan, FLScan, Sweep) while the slave device analyses a single frequency selected at the master device using the marker function. In addition to the fre-quency the measurement settings will be trans-ferred from the master to the slave device.
Example of ESMB as Master with 4 Slave devices
A slave device can be operated in the Set or the Follow Mode. In the Set Mode frequency and measurement settings will be transferred once, upon user action. In the Follow Mode subsequent changes of frequency and / or measurement set-tings at the master device will be transferred to the slave device, automatically.
Also, the Bearing Measurement Mode (only for software option BMM) can be controlled by a mas-ter device.
Digital measurement mode
The new digital measurement mode is optimized for dedicated measurements of digitally modulated signals.
Special emphasis has been given to provide maxi-mum support for users who are less experienced in this relatively new field of measurements. The op-erator is guided step by step through several dialog windows each prompting for the relevant infor-mation.
Depending on the selected measurement type and modulation standard the device settings are auto-matically set to be a perfect match for this kind of signal. If the user modifies these settings, values which would lead to a non-compliant measurement are marked in red, clearly indicating that this pa-rameter should be changed.
Typical modulation standards for which default settings are available are i.e. GSM, UMTS, DAB, DVB, WLAN or Bluetooth.
Among the supported measurements is the deter-mination of the vestigial side band emissions. This is of particular importance with DAB and DVB-T transmitters. Here, due to the almost rectangular shape of the RF spectrum, practically the full transmitting energy is present directly at the bound-ary to channels of adjacent radio services. Given the large number of carriers within this kind of sig-nal, the formation of intermodulation products is very likely.
Parallel measurement mode
The parallel measurement mode can be used for synchronized measurements of a parameter using up to four different measurement units.
Like the bearing measurement mode where up to four measurement units can perform combined direction finding, the parallel measurement mode can be used for combined measurements of any parameter.
First, the operator selects the measurement units and the devices used for this task. Next, he selects the parameter to be measured and defines the device settings. Upon starting the measurement the connections to the measurement units are estab-lished, the settings are sent to the devices and the measurements are performed.
Dialog window of parallel measurement mode
All the results are combined into a single file, saved on the measurement unit where the parallel meas-urement mode has been started.
It is also possible to listen to the audio of all devices involved. Thus, it can be easily confirmed that all stations are really monitoring the same transmitter.
Guided measurement mode
The guided measurement mode is especially de-signed for less experienced operators.
Key point here is the integrated knowledge data base. For a large number of frequency ranges de-fault values for the device settings are defined. These defaults depend on the frequency, the measurement parameter (e.g. Level, Offset, Band-width, …) and are defined according to the relevant ITU recommendations.
The user simply selects the frequency / frequency range and the measurement parameter(s). The system automatically offers only those devices which can perform the measurements according to the ITU recommendations. Also, the default values are displayed in the dialog window.
It is possible for the operator to modify these set-tings. Any settings, which are not compliant with the relevant ITU recommendation, are marked in red, clearly indicating the discrepancy. Even with the non-compliant settings the measurements can be done.
If the measurement results are saved, it is indicated in the file info whether the parameters were compli-ant or not.
Thus, the operator is given a very powerful tool which guides him in order to quickly and efficiently perform his measurement tasks the way it is rec-ommended by the ITU.
Coverage measurement mode
The coverage measurement mode supplies extended possibilities for measurements of analogue and digital signals according to the relevant ITU requirements.
For analogue signals the measurement parameters Level and Adjacent Channel Interference (Carrier to Interference Ratio) are provided. For digital signals Level, Bit Error Rate (BER, for DVB-T) and Channel Impuls Response (CIR, for DVB-T) are provided. All parameters are measured while driving. A
connected GPS adds high-precision geo-coordinates for each measurement point.
Measurements can either be performed on a single frequency or on multiple frequencies defined in a frequency list. The integrated View mode enables the operator to quickly scan the spectrum and de-tect emissions on adjacent channels.
Dialog window of coverage measurement mode
Like in the Guided and in the Digital Measurement Mode default values for a large number of frequen-cy ranges are predefined. The operator simply se-lects the frequency (range) and ARGUS suggests optimum device setting according to the resp. ITU recommendations. These settings can be modified by the operator but non-compliant settings are indi-cated by a bold red font.
To further enhance to usability and operator sup-port the maximum recommended vehicle speed is displayed (the ITU recommends to perform 50 indi-vidual measurements within the distance of 40 ). The results are displayed on electronic maps using the Geographical Information Software R&S
MapView, where different colors represent different, user-definable value ranges.
Pulse Measurement Mode
The pulse measurement mode is designed to detect, analyse and identify pulsed signals. In a first step the frequency range of interest is scanned. A list of all currently active frequencies is created automatically. Like in the other guided modes the operator can select a predefined frequency range and ARGUS will provide the appropriate device settings.
Subsequently, characteristic parameters like pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, scan cycle or beam width are determined for the signals found in step one. Again, the device settings are based on the internal knowledge data base.
Example illustrating step 3 of the pulse measurement mode
Finally, these values are compared with data from a reference data base. Thus, the signals can be identified.
Both data bases (for device settings and reference values) can be edited and modified by the operator.
Identification
The identification module is an extremely powerful tool when it comes to decoding signals.
More than 110 decoding modes have been imple-mented in the software. The operator can use the decoder in various measurement modes.
Dialog window IDNT
In the Direct Measurement Mode (DMM) the opera-tor can e.g. try out different modes to analyze a signal until the identification is complete. Receiver parameters like frequency and IF bandwidth can be conveniently set via the corresponding receiver dialog window.
If more than one frequency is to be analyzed or if the decoding mode of the signal is already known, the Automatic Measurement Mode (AMM) is a very efficient tool.
All results can be saved for further evaluation and analysis.
Where applicable the audio of the signal can also be recorded and later on replayed.
List of implemented decoding modes
Decoding Mode Measurement Parameter
Special Modes
AUM13, EPIRB, GMDSS HF, G-TOR, DGPS-SC104 (not implemented), GW-Dataplex, HF Datalink, IRA ARQ, Merod, MUM-13, Skyfax, Twinplex, VISEL
FEC Modes FEC100, FEC100 dirty, FEC100 interleaved, FED100 raw, FEC-A, FEC-S,FEC-B SITOR-B, ROU-FEC, HNG-FEC MFSK Modes Coquelet-8, Coquelet-13, Coquelet-8 FEC, Coquelet-8 FEC auto, Coque-let-8 FEC auto start, CROWD 36, Piccolo 6, Piccolo 12, FIRE, MFSK 16,
MFSK 18, FMSK 20, RF7B
CIS Modes 405-395, 81-29, 81-81, Baudot-F7B, BEE 36-50, CIS-12 Fire, CIS-11TORG-10/11, CIS-14 TORG-14, R 37 ARQ Modes
ARQ-2 TDM-242, ARQ-4 TDM-342, ARQ6-70, ARQ6-90/98, ARQ 625 SITOR A, ARQ-DUPLEX, ARQ-E, ARQ-E3, ARQ-Pol, ARQ-Swed, ARQ-S ARQ-1000, HC-ARQ, RS-ARQ, RS-ARQ Merlin, TOR Dirty
MIL STD 188 Series MIL STD 188-110 39-tone, MIL STD 188-110 serial, MIL STD 188-110141 ALE, STANAG-4285, STANAG-4529 Audio Recording Radio Quality, Telephone Quality
Common Modes ASCII AUTOSPEC, BAUDOT, BAUDOT SYNCHR, BF6 BAUDOT, CW,CW-F1b, Fax-AM, Fax-FM, Hell, PACKET AX-25, PACTOR I, PACTOR II, PSK-31, SITOR A/B auto, SSTV
SELCALL ARINC ANNEX 10, CCIR1, CCIR2, CCITT, CODAN 8550/CCIR 493-44,CTCSS, DCSS, DTMF, EEA, EIA, EURO, NATEL, TT classification, VEDW, ZVEI 1, ZVEI 2, ZVEI 1-13 BIIS, ZVEI ITA xtone
Digital Radio Mondial (DRM)
Digital Radio Mondial is the new digital radio sys-tem for frequencies < 30 MHz (currently). Some of the benefits are that existing long-, short- and me-dium-wave bands can be used. With the COFMD modulation near-FM audio quality can be reached. In addition to the audio further data and information can be transmitted simultaneously.
The ARGUS device driver displays the output data of the DRM decoder.
Most importantly, the names of the available ser-vices are shown. After the operator has selected a service relevant information like service name, bit rate, audio compression format, sample rates are shown.
Furthermore, status information about synchroniza-tion and various CRCs are given.
Various technical parameters are measured and displayed. All results can be saved for later evalua-tion. This includes the audio signal as well as mul-timedia content.
If additional data is transmitted, it will also be dis-played. This can be simple text messages or even multimedia content like graphics or slide shows.
Of course, it is possible to simply listen to the radio program via the PC speakers.
Hardware requirements are receivers with LAN interface, e.g. ESMB (with HF-option); EB200 or EM050 / EM550 and for the PC a soundcard with speaker / headphones.
Audio
One of the fastest and most efficient ways to identi-fy an emission is to simply listen to the signal. One can tell immediately what kind of information is broadcasted. In case of voice it is clearly distin-guishable whether it is direct communication like taxi or air traffic control or general broadcast like radio or TV and after a short period of time it is usually possible to tell who is transmitting. In case of data transmission one can usually not directly decode the content. But the type of transmission has been determined. Very experienced operators can even tell the type of modulation by listening. This information is extremely helpful for further analysis of the signal, e.g. using the ARGUS IDNT module.
Consequently, in all the relevant places within ARGUS it is possible to listen to the audio. When the option ARR is available analogue and digital audio can be transferred from the devices to the PC. Here, the audio can be output to the PC speaker, so that the operator can listen even if the device itself is far away.
Devices with analogue audio output (e.g. FSPx, EK89x) are connected to the Line-In input of the soundcard. In this case the device configuration has to be set up accordingly. To listen to the audio the following dialog window is used.
The operator can define the audio quality mode, the sensitivity of the Line-In interface as well as the volume.
For devices which provide digital audio the situation is even easier. The controls for volume and audio quality are automatically integrated into the respec-tive device drivers. Devices which currently support this feature are EB200, ESMB, EM510, EM550, PR100, EM100, ESMD, DDF255, DDF0xA and DDF0xE.
The digital audio is also available in the Bearing Measurement Mode (BMM) and Parallel Measure-ment Mode (PAR). This means, e.g. that while the direction finding and location is being performed the operator can listen live to the audio of all direction finder / receiver involved. That is very useful to make sure that all devices are investigating the same transmitter since with direction finder being far away from each other it may happen that one device monitors a different transmitter using the same frequency.
The audio signals, both from analogue and digital sources are also available in remote control mode. Thus, an operator in a national control station can listen to the live signal taken in a remote measure-ment station hundreds of kilometers away. Thanks to the highly sophisticated client / server architec-ture of the ARGUS system a network bandwidth of only 2.5 kbit/s is required for good quality audio transfer.
Record and Replay
In addition to listen to the audio signal the ARR option furthermore enables to record the audio data and IF spectra. These data can be saved as a nor-mal ARGUS measurement result file. The standard measurement result file options like display as text, edit, delete, create and read backup files, … are available.
Furthermore, saved measurement result files can be replayed. This means that the data is displayed in exactly the same time steps as it has been rec-orded. (Note: This is a major difference compared to the Open as Graphic option, where all results are shown at once.)
Example of replay mode: IF spectrum, IF spectrum MaxHold, IF spectrum history, level and offset as graphic all results as table plus audio (not visible)
Selecting a result file and clicking on the Replay button in the Navigator will open the Replay dialog window.
All the measurement parameter from the file can be selected for replay. The results can be displayed as a table as well as in various types of graphics. Bearing results can additionally be displayed in the Geographic Information Software R&S MapView. The progress bar in the Replay dialog window indi-cates the current replay position. The same infor-mation can be seen in the table editor and in the preview window where it is indicated by the marker.
The audio can be output via the soundcard and speakers / headphones.
For improved usability the replay speed and the volume can be adjusted.
Process measurement result files
Four possibilities are available to process meas-urement results in R&S ARGUS. A measmeas-urement result file can be combined with other measurement result files in one measurement result file for a common eval-uation
split in different files with filter criteria like time, frequency, measurement values or antenna set-tings
Process Measurement Result Files dialog window
evaluated to create statistical data like com-pressed results, MaxHold results, measurement results during an alarm, begin and end of an alarm or measurement result during and com-pressed measurement result outside an alarm
extended with information from transmitter lists and occupancy data.
Displaying measurement results
The measurement results can always be displayed in alphanumerical format. Additionally, a graphical representation is possible. Both, live graphics as well as offline graphics (display of previously rec-orded results) are available. Depending on the type of measurement, the following graphic types can be selected: y-t plot, cartesian diagram, polar diagram, 3D waterfall diagram and 2D waterfall diagram with frequency occupancy diagram.
Measurement result displayed in the table editor and displayed as 3D waterfall diagram
Measurement result displayed as 2D waterfall diagram with frequency occupancy diagram
Evaluation module
With the evaluation module, the following software functions are available:
Statistics according to ITU recommendations can be performed
Automatic detection of unknown transmitters Report generation is possible
Statistics
With the evaluation module a comprehensive statis-tical analysis of measurement results can be made according to ITU recommendations. The following statistics are available:
Frequency band occupancy Frequency channel occupancy Measurement value statistics Transmission statistics Sub-audio tone statistics
Example illustrating frequency band occupancy
Frequency Band Occupancy
Frequency band occupancy involves the calculation of the occupancy for the whole frequency band measured. Two graphics are opened:
The 2D waterfall diagram shows frequency along the x-axis and time along the y-axis. A symbol represents the measurement values that exceed a user-defined threshold.
The frequency occupancy diagram shows fre-quency along the x-axis and frefre-quency occupan-cy values in [%] along the y-axis. The frequenoccupan-cy occupancy is calculated for every frequency as follows: 100 values . meas of number Total Threshold values . meas of Number
Frequency Channel Occupancy
For this kind of statistic three types are available: Occupancy over the time: the frequency occu-pancy is displayed in [%] along the time axis. The time axis begins with the start date and time of the measurement result and ends with the stop date and time of the measurement result. Occupancy, 24 Hours: this option is only
availa-ble if the measurement took longer than 24 hours. Then the maximum, mean and minimum occupancy is calculated and displayed for each interval from 00:00 h until 24:00 h. Only the se-lected days of the week are considered. Overshoot frequencies over the time: the
over-shoot frequencies 0%, 10%, 50%, 90% and 100% of the measured values are displayed along the time axis. The graph consists of bars whose width represents the interval. The over-shoot frequencies 0% (maximum value), 10%, 50%, 90% and 100% (minimum value) are shown as lines within the bar at the correspond-ing measured value.
The occupancy is calculated for every interval as follows: 100 values . meas of number Total threshold values . meas of Number
The overshoot frequency is calculated for every measurement value as follows:
100 values . meas of number Total value measured a values . meas of Number
An overshoot frequency of 100% means that all measured values are greater than or equal to a particular measured value. It therefore follows that this is the lowest measured value.
An overshoot frequency of 0% means that no measured value is greater than or equal to a partic-ular measured value. This value is the largest measured value plus a value corresponding to the smallest step width of the measured value unit. The overshoot frequencies 0%, 10%, 50%, 90% and 100% are important representative values.
In addition to the graphical statistics various statisti-cal data can be statisti-calculated in the Frequency Chan-nel Occupancy dialog window:
Revisit time:
The revisit time is directly dependent on the meas-urement time, the number of channels (in case of a frequency list scan), and any waiting time between the individual measurements:
Revisit time = (measurement time per channel + waiting time per channel) x (number of channels) Transmission length:
Transmission length is the duration of a transmis-sion data burst that is above the specified threshold level. The accuracy of the transmission length de-termination depends highly on the revisit time. Busy hour:
Busy hour is defined as the moment on the sliding-hour average line where the occupancy is at the highest within a 24 hour interval from 00:00 to 24:00. As an example with an interval of 15 minutes the sliding hour average determination is done in two steps: First samples of 15 minutes are aver-aged, resulting in 96 samples per day. Second each 15 minutes average-value is then used to form a so-called sliding 1-hour average. That is 4 pieces of 15-minutes samples are averaged 96 times a day (beginning at each quarter of an hour).
Frequency Channel Occupancy dialog window
Example illustrating frequency channel occupancy: Occupancy over the time (green trace) and Busy Hour (red trace)
Example illustrating frequency channel occupancy: Overshoot frequencies over the time
Measurement Value Statistics
The Measurement Value Statistics indicate how often each measured value occurs and how often each measured value has been exceeded. These calculations can be used to provide information about the variance of measured values, the stability of measured values, the environmental noise com-ponent and cross-modulation and intermodulation effects. Two graphics are opened:
The measured value frequency graph has the measurement value along the x-axis and the fre-quency [%] along the y-axis. The measured val-ue freqval-uency is calculated for every mea-surement value as follows:
Example illustrating measurement value statistics
The overshoot frequency graph has the mea-sured value along the x-axis and the overshoot frequency in [%] along the y-axis. The overshoot frequency is calculated for every measurement value as follows:
An overshoot frequency of 100% means that all measured values are greater than or equal to a particular measured value. It therefore follows that this is the lowest measured value. An overshoot frequency of 0% means that no measured value is greater than or equal to a particular measured val-ue. This value is the greatest measured value plus a value corresponding to the smallest step width of the measured value unit. The overshoot
frequen-cies 0%, 10%, 50%, 90% and 100% are important representative values. 100 values . meas of number Total value measured a for values . meas of Number 100 values . meas of number Total value measured a values . meas of Number
Transmission Statistic
Transmission statistic enables the user to deter-mine how often and how long a channel has been used for transmission. The threshold for these sta-tistics is settable. The following definitions apply: t(tot): Total observation time (t(on) + t(off)). t(on): Sum of all times during which the measured value is above the threshold.
t(off): Sum of all times during which the measured value is below the threshold.
t(Trans): Sum of all times during which the mea-sured value is above the threshold. Only times at which the value exceeds the threshold and then drops below it again are counted. t(Trans) can only be calculated if the threshold is exceeded twice within t(tot).
t(Gap): Sum of all times during which the mea-surement value is below the threshold. Only times at which the value drops below the threshold and then exceeds it again are counted. t(Gap) can only be calculated if the threshold is overshot or under-shot twice t(tot).
Example illustrating the definition
Two graphics are opened:
The Transmission Statistics - Transmission graph shows transmission time along the x-axis and transmission in [%] along the y-axis. The transmission times are displayed using 1-second grids. The graph is not displayed if the threshold is not exceeded twice within the entire meas-urement time. 100 times on transmissi of number Total ond sec a within times on transmissi of Number
The Transmission Statistics - Gap graph shows pause time along the x-axis and the gap in [%] along the y-axis. The pause times are displayed over 5-second grids. The graph is not displayed if the threshold is not undershot twice within the entire measurement time.
100 times pause of number Total onds sec 5 within times pause of Number
t(tot)
L
e
ve
l
Time
Thresholdt(on)
t(off)
t(trans)
t(gap)
+
+
+
+
+
+
Example illustrating transmission statistics
Sub Audio Tone Occupancy
Sub-audio tone occupancy statistics enable the user to ascertain how often and how long transmis-sions have been made with a certain sub audio tone.
The result is shown as a table. The entire transmis-sion time (column t(on)) is given for every sub-audio tone (Theo. Sub Audio Tone column). How often the tone has been measured (Number col-umn) is also specified.
Detection of unknown frequencies
Saved scan measurement results can be used to automatically detect new or unknown transmitters. Similar to the procedure in the Interactive Meas-urement Mode (IMM), occupied frequencies can be determined fully automatically or via limit lines and thresholds. A reference list of known transmitters can be utilized to eliminate licensed stations. Thus, the result is a list of occupied frequencies which have not been characterized as “known” or “good”. Here, in the evaluation module this analysis is per-formed offline, after the measurement. In the IMM the analysis is performed live, while the measure-ment is still running.Create report dialog window for generation of reports
Generation of reports
R&S ARGUS gives the user comprehensive docu-mentation options with the evaluation module. Measurement results, measurement definitions and statistical evaluations in the form of graphs or ta-bles can be compiled and configured by the user for reports. These reports can be printed out on the operating-system printer or in an RTF format file with the DEI software option.
Via the integrated RTF-Editor the user can create various templates to modify the look and feel of the report according to his own preferences or corpo-rate identity.
Station information system
TheStation Information System (SIS)provides always up-to-date information on all monitoring stations in the network. The status of the stations as well as of the respective equipment is displayed on a map.
For each station the following data is provided:
name
location (latitude, longitude) type (fixed, mobile)
max. data transfer rate current connection status user logged in
measurements running
status of all devices (physical / virtual)
Furthermore, for each station equipped with a SA129 the following data is provided:
temperature humidity smoke fire
open doors / windows power supply
UPS
…
(depending on selected sensors)
The ARGUS system can automatically poll all con-figured stations in a user-definable time interval. The update can also be triggered manually. Alarm information is saved into a log file.
Default maps for all countries are provided. Howev-er, the customer can also create his own maps. SIS
provides map tools which can geo-reference and integrate standard maps in jpg-format.
The map can not only display the distribution and current status of the entire monitoring network, it can also be used to select stations for the Bearing Measurement Mode (BMM) or directly establish a connection by a single click on the respective sta-tion’s icon.
Example: distribution and status of monitoring stations within a nationwide network
Order Report Module
The open interfaceOrder Report Module (ORM) enables other applications to define measurement tasks (orders) for and to receive the measurement results (report) from the Monitoring Software R&S ARGUS. INBOX OUTBOX
Application
Order
Report
R&S
ARGUS
All orders from the application have to be send as file in XML (Extensible Markup Language) format to the INBOX folder of R&S ARGUS. The INBOX is permanently monitored by R&S ARGUS. It notifies an input immediately and transfers it to the or-der/report list.
If the measurement order is set to automatic per-formance the measurements are performed auto-matically with an AMM. If the measurement order is set to manual performance an operator has to per-form the measurements.
The orders can be transmitted to several independ-ent operating positions if the order has included tasks for them. In this case the order report module must be installed on all used positions and a net-work connection must be available.
All results are send as file in XML format to the OUTBOX folder of R&S ARGUS. The application which had sent the measurement order shall per-manently monitor the OUTBOX. It should notify an output immediately and retrieve it for further ac-tions.
R&S ARGUS itself can also create orders. The handling is the same like with the application. The reports with the results will send back to the origi-nating position.
TheORM ARGUS Data Channel (ORM ADC)is an extension to the standard ORM. While ORM provides the report after the end of the measure-ment, ORM ADC provides a live data stream. The output of the receivers can be sent directly to a user-definable IP-address and port. Thus, the re-sults are available live. However, the customer has to create his own application that deals with the data.
Standard interfaces
The basic module of R&S ARGUS has the following interfaces:
R&S ARGUS (Control Unit)R&S ARGUS (Local Measurement Unit)
R&S ARGUSBackup files
R&S ARGUSR&S MapView
TheR&S ARGUS (Control Unit)R&S ARGUS (Local Measurement Unit) interfacetransfers data between an R&S ARGUS control unit and a local R&S ARGUS measurement unit.
The connection is made automatically by the soft-ware when R&S ARGUS is started. Data is trans-ferred automatically by the software, if needed.
TheR&S ARGUSBackup files interfacesaves R&S ARGUS files to hard disk, or other media, and transfers files between different R&S ARGUS soft-ware packages.
The files are created by selecting the Create Back-up Files... button in the Navigator – System Files dialog window. Files are read and deleted by click-ing the appropriate buttons in the Navigator –
TheR&S ARGUSR&S MapView interface
transfers transmitter data, coverage results, meas-urement results with location information and bear-ing results from R&S ARGUS to R&S MapView.
Prerequisite: Both software packages must be run-ning simultaneously on one computer during the
transfer.
With the basic module transmitter data are trans-ferred by selecting the FileDisplay in R&S MapView menu command in the transmitter list editor.
With the IMM software option measurement results with location information are transferred by clicking the Start button in the Interactive Measurement Mode dialog window in Coverage Measurement mode or by selecting the FileDisplay in R&S MapView menu command in the table editor. With the BMM software option bearing results are transferred by clicking the Start button in the Bear-ing Measurement Mode dialog window.
Direct
R&S
ARGUS Backup files
R&S
Additional interfaces
R&S ARGUS has the following additional interfac-es:
Remote Control Interface (RCI)
Data Exchange Interface (DEI)
Spectrum Management Database Interface (SMDI)
Device Control Interface (DCI)
Web Interface (WEB)
TheRemote Control Interface (RCI)transfers data between an R&S ARGUS control unit and a remote R&S ARGUS measurement unit.
Prerequisites: A TCP/IP network must be installed. Both software packages must be running simulta-neously during the transfer.
The connection is set up by selecting the remote measurement unit and clicking the Connect or Connect and Activate button in the Select Meas. Unit dialog window. Data is transferred automatical-ly by the software, if needed.
TheData Exchange Interface (DEI)has the task of importing files with frequencies, general, FM or TV transmitter data and exporting measurement results, bearing results, measurement processes and all types of transmitter lists to files. The files can be in dBase, Excel, text, comma-delimited ASCII, Access, XML and html format. The standard ITU data exchange formats according to ECC rec-ommendations (05) 01 and (02) 03 are
implement-ed as well. Additionally, the user can freely define his own export format. Frequency channel occu-pancy data can be exported to files in comma-delimited ASCII format. In addition printouts can be made in RTF format.
Frequencies are imported by selecting File Im-portFrequency List... menu command and click-ing the Open button in the Import Frequency List dialog window. Transmitter data are imported by selecting FileImportTransmitter List... menu command and clicking the Open button in the Im-port Transmitter List dialog window. Measurement results, bearing results, measurement processes, transmitter lists and frequency channel occupancy data are exported by clicking the Export... button in the Navigator – System Files dialog window. The printer setup is extended with “RTF Document”.
LAN / WAN
Import of dBase, Excel, text, comma-delimited ASCII, Access and html files with 1. frequencies
2. general transmitter data (only EN or DE) 3. FM transmitter data (only EN or DE) 4. TV transmitter data (only EN or DE)
R&S ARGUS Print in rtf files Export of - measurement results - bearing results - measurement processes - general transmitter lists
- FM transmitter lists (only EN or DE) - TV transmitter lists (only EN or DE) in dBase, Excel, text, comma-delimited ASCII, Access, XML and html files and export of
- frequency channel occupancy data in comma-delimited ASCII files R&S
ARGUS R&S ARGUS
R&S ARGUS
Spectrum Management
Database
TheSpectrum Management Database Interface (SMDI)imports transmitter data and occupied and unassigned frequencies from spectrum manage-ment databases. Furthermore, measuremanage-ment re-sults can be transferred to spectrum management databases.
This interface is used to:
give inputs for engineering
verify the results of engineering
locate and identify unlicensed transmitters
locate and identify harmful interference
detect emissions with characteristics that do not meet license conditions
verify the transmitter parameters of licensed stations
update spectrum management databases with measurement results
The interface between R&S ARGUS and the Spec-trum Management Database is realized by ex-changing files in XML (Extensible Markup Lan-guage) format.
Transmitter data or frequencies which are stored in a spectrum management system are imported by selecting the FileImportData from Data-base... menu command and clicking the OK button in the Import Transmitter Data or Frequencies dia-log window. The search criteria are frequencies, location, service, signature and call sign.
Measurement result files can be sent to the data-base by clicking the Export... button in the Naviga-tor – System Files dialog window.
The parameters for the database query as well as the measurement result files are written by the R&S ARGUS system into files in the XML format. In or-der to communicate with the database a little con-version tool has to be created which “translates” the R&S ARGUS format into the database format and vice versa.
With this open interface R&S ARGUS can connect to virtually any spectrum management system, independent of the manufacturer (e.g. LStelcom, ATDI, Bilkent) the operating system and the data-base engine (e.g. dBase, Oracle, Sydata-base).
Schematic of information flow for data exchange between R&S ARGUS and Spectrum Management Database
TheDevice Control Interface (DCI)is an open interface on device level. It enables the customer to create device driver for his own (even non-R&S) equipment. Via the DCI interface virtually all types of radio monitoring hardware can be integrated into the R&S ARGUS system. These devices can fully benefit from all features provided by R&S ARGUS, like e.g. measurement modes, evaluation, graphical display, file management …
The content of delivery comprises detailed docu-mentation, example source code and up to 5 hours online support.
The software option DCI is available in two ver-sions, Basic and Enhanced. Basic enables the con-trol of devices like switch units, rotors, recorder, whereas Enhanced can control more sophisticated devices, e.g. receiver, analyzer, direction finder.
TheWeb Interface (WEB)enables access to ARGUS stations via a web browser. On the control PC only a web browser and the Java runtime envi-ronment need to be installed, no ARGUS specific software is required. Via this web interface receiv-ers of the Rohde & Schwarz ESMB family, the ESMD, EM510, EM550, EM100, PR100 as well as the DDF255, DDF0xE and DDDF1xx direction find-ers and the UMS100/120 can be controlled. In addi-tion, steerable antennas can also be controlled.
Further information
Further information on the system family R&S ARGUS is available on the Internet at
www.argus.rohde-schwarz.com, or from your local Rohde & Schwarz representative.
Information can also be obtained by e-mail to
