Technical data

ASTi DACS: Operation & Maintenance Manual (Version 4, Rev. B.1) www.asti-usa.com

The TDM Controller performs all the functions of the Waveform Synthesizer, but instead of ana-

log inputs and outputs, it sends and receives sound in digital form across a TDM ring to one or

more Remote Interface Units (RIUs). The RIUs handle all the D/A and A/D conversions, some

local mixing, as well as a few digital inputs and outputs primarily for PTT (Press-To-Talk) and

PTR (Press-To-Radio) sense/activation.

The RIU also provides two serial ports for connection of hand held terminals or custom hardware

panels. This interface allows either direct connection of both simulated and real communications

control panels to the DACS equipment to help achieve a total end to end solution.

Depending on the application, the DACS may also have one or more network interface cards. The

network interfaces provide for a number of features including:

• Connection of one or more host simulation computers providing simulation state parameters

and simulated tactical data link information for driving the local communications and envi-

ronmental sound model(s)

• Interface to a DIS or HLA network providing network communications and radio propaga-

tion effects between ASTi DACSs or other DIS compatible equipment

I/O cards and modules are also available to provide extra digital and analog I/O capability for

interface of switches and controls directly to the DACS.

A typical DACS conﬁguration depends on the system application, but in general includes a Model

Processor, Power Supply, one or more Waveform Synthesizers or TDM Controllers with RIUs, a

Host Interface (used for host connection, terrain server connection, and model server connections)

and possibly a DIS or HLA interface. Software includes the Model Builder Basic development

and runtime environment and any software options chosen by the user. For sound model construc-

tion and tuning, as well as diagnostic test analysis, a monitor and keyboard are also provided with

most DACS platforms.

A typical Digital Audio Communication System conﬁguration is shown in Figure 1.