Rohde & Schwarz to present solutions for virtual control centers at World ATM Congress 2014 in Madrid.

Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its portfolio for the future of safe air traffic communications at World ATM Congress in Madrid. The radiocommunications specialist's R&S VCS-4G IP-based voice communications system is a key component for flexible and failsafe air traffic control. As another highlight, the company will present its highly innovative R&S Series4200 VHF/UHF radio feature for the detection of simultaneous transmissions.    
 

As the first supplier on the market, Rohde & Schwarz enables customers to create virtual control centers using the R&S VCS-4G voice communications system. The company, which offers complete solutions from the controller's microphone to the antenna at the radio site, is laying the foundations for mastering future challenges in air traffic control. The fully VoIP-based system in line with the EUROCAE ED-137 B standard features a distributed, redundant architecture. In addition to classic voice communications, it integrates a wide variety of data applications. For example, video images of out-of-view airport areas, text messages with weather data or alarm functions can be displayed directly on the air traffic controller's working position. Controllers can use this additional information to improve their situational awareness and quickly respond to critical changes.    
   
Leading European air traffic control authorities have decided to benefit from the advantages of the R&S VCS-4G. Rohde & Schwarz has been exclusively contracted to equip the aviation authorities of Iceland (ISAVIA) and Ireland (IAA) with the IP-based voice communications system. This will create the world's first virtual ATC center operating across national borders. VCSs at different center sites are interconnected, allowing dynamic load and resource sharing. This future-oriented ATC approach from Rohde & Schwarz sets new standards that meet the requirements of the single European sky initiative aimed at establishing cross-border functional airspace blocks (FAB).    
   
The Rohde & Schwarz answer to the problem of detection of simultaneous transmissions (DSiT) also increases safety in an ever more busy airspace. DSiT refers to the risk of two pilots simultaneously communicating with the same air traffic controller and the controller not noticing the weaker signal. The innovative use of advanced DSP technology in R&S Series4200 radios now makes it possible to detect simultaneous transmissions and to display them at the controller’s working position.    
   
The R&S RCMS II remote control and monitoring system provides users with an overview of the status of the different system components at all times so that they can intervene when necessary. The latest release of R&S RCMS II allows users to monitor not only the radios, but also all other components in the ATC network, including the R&S VCS-4G. This makes the Rohde & Schwarz solution an extensive umbrella monitoring system for the entire communications chain from the controller working position to the radio.    
   
Rohde & Schwarz will present its proven and innovative solutions for the future of air traffic control at World ATM Congress 2014 in Madrid. Visit us in hall 9 (north entrance), booth 586.