R&S^®GC128 GSM Communication Unit

The R&S® GC128 is mainly used to connect mobile or transportable monitoring systems to a regional and/or central control station. In standard setups, it is connected to a router. All information necessary for a connection (e.g. IP address, phone number) is part of the router configuration. If a link for data transmission is requested by the process controller, the router automatically establishes a connection via the R&S® GC128. To minimize communication costs, the data connection is automatically terminated after a user-definable connection period without data transfer. On the control side, standard network equipment is required. Analog modems or ISDN modems (V.110) are the preferred choice. Of course, an R&S® GC128 can be used as well. If data rates higher than the standard 9.6 kbit/s are required, one or two more GSM modules for data transmission (option R&S® GC128D) can be integrated. Each module needs its own SIM card and antenna. Since the multilink procedure creates some overhead for data management, further modules would not significantly increase the net data rate. Each module is connected to the router via the DATA CHANNEL1 to DATA CHANNEL3 interfaces. Therefore, the router must be equipped with an appropriate number of serial interfaces.

If the R&S® GC128 is equipped with an audio module and a headset, phone calls can be made. If all communication equipment needs to be contained in one box, the R&S® GC128 can be integrated into the Transportable Communication System R&S® TMS-C. The R&S® TMS-C can additionally be equipped with a router and a modem for analog PSTN lines and/or ISDN lines. Furthermore, the GPS Receiver R&S® GPS129 can be installed to provide the precise location as well as a reference frequency. For detailed information, refer to the data sheet (PD 0758.2419.32) for the R&S® TMS-C.

The standard scope of delivery includes a configuration tool that can be installed on the process controller. The connection to the R&S® GC128 can be set up via the RS-232-C or the USB interface.

Using this tool, the operator can define and modify the connection settings for the installed GSM modules. It is also possible to make a phone call simply by entering the phone number for the audio transmission module.

Furthermore, modules can be activated or deactivated and the respective PIN codes can be entered. Since this tool indicates the connection status, the provider and the input level, it is especially helpful while setting up a connection.

To ensure sufficient error correction for safe and reliable data transmission, it is mandatory that the RLP protocol is available in the GSM network.

The R&S® GC128 was especially developed for integrating remote measurement stations that are running the R&S® ARGUS or R&S® RAMON radio monitoring software into large nationwide networks. But owing to its universal concept and design, it is the perfect tool for general wireless data transmission between computer networks.