Introduction to LINK 16/MIDS LVT - MilCIS

Introduction to LINK 16/MIDS LVT 

MilCIS 2010 

Mr. Tim Trudeau 

ViaSat, Inc. 

9-11 November 2010 

ViaSat Proprietary

Topics of Discussion 

� Link 16 

� MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT) 

� Small Tactical Terminal (STT) 

ViaSat Brings Your Network To Life

Acronyms 

Acronym Definition Acronym Definition Acronym Definition 

ACA Alternating Current Adapter FOM Functional Output Message PA Power Adapter 

ADDSI Army Data Distribution System Interface HPA High Power Amplifier PPLI Precise Participant Location & Identification 

AIU Antenna Interface Unit HIA High-Power Interface Adapter PR Position Reference 

AV MUX Avionics Multiplexer HUR High Update Rate PTN Primary Track Number 

AP Adaptable Parameter IBIT Manually Initiated BIT RELNAV Relative Navigation 

ARINC Aeronautical Radio, Inc. IE Information Exchange RNLAF Royal Netherlands Air Force 

BCP Boot Computer Program ICD Interface Control Drawing RPS Remote Power Supply 

BIM Bus Input Message IPS Internal Power Supply RTT-I Round Trip Timing (interrogate) 

BIT Built In Test JNDA Joint Network Design Aid RTT-R Round Trip Timing (reply) 

BOM Bus Output Message JTRS Joint Tactical Radio System Rx Receive 

CCA Circuit Card Assembly KBPS Kilo Bytes Per Second SBIT Start-up Built In Test 

CCI Cryptographic Controlled Item LEGS Link Environment Gateway Simulator SMP Signal/Message Processor 

CCPD Current Crypto Period Designator LIFE Link 16 Initialization File Editor SNC Secondary Navigation Controller 

CDH CTIC DS101 HYBRID - COMSEC TRANSEC Integrated Circuit LinkS/S Link Simulator/Stimulator SRU Shop Replaceable Unit 

CIK Cryptographic Ignition Key LIFT Link 16 Flightline Tool SSS System Segment Specification 

COMSEC Communications Security LMS Link Monitor System STDP Standard Double Pulse 

CNI Communication Navigation Identification LPC Linear Predictive Coding TACAN Tactical Air Navigation 

CPSM Continuous Phase Shift Modulation LRU Line Replaceable Unit TCV Transmission Crypto Variable 

CSCI Computer Software Configuration Item LTTI Long Term Transmit Inhibit TDMA Time Division Multiple Access 

CSS Computer Support System LVT Low Volume Terminal TDL-16 Tactical Data Link 16 

CT3 Common Tier 3 MIB Master Interconnect Board TIM Terminal Input Message 

CTT Capable To Transmit MIDS Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems TIO Tailored Input/Output 

CV Cryptographic Variable MOS MIDS On Ship TOA Time Of Arrival 

CVLL Cryptographic Variable Logic Label MSEC Message Security TOD Time of Day 

CVSD Continuous Variable Slope Delta MSG Message TOM Terminal Output Message 

DCA Direct Current Adapter MT Main Terminal TP/G Tailored Processor / Ground Multiplexer 

DDP Digital Data Processor NC Navigation Controller TR Time Refinement 

DLA Data Link Address (Link 4A) NDL Network Design Load TSA Time Slot Assignment 

DTD Data Transfer Device NMDC Network Management Design Center (RNLAF) TSDF Time Slot Duty Factor 

DME Distance Measurement NPG Network Participation Group TSEC Transmission Security 

DP/A Data Processor/Aviation Multiplexer NTR Network Time Reference TSR Time Slot Reallocation 

DS Data Silent NVRAM Non-Volatile Random Access Memory Tx Transmit 

EDAC Error Detection and Correction OBIT Operational Built In Test UAS User Application Service 

ETI Elapsed Time Indicator OCP Operation Computer Program UHF Ultra High Frequency 

EW Electronic Warfare OFP Operational Flight Program VAST ViaSat Analysis Support Tool 

FDL Fighter Data Link P2DP Pack Two Double Pulse VME Versa Module Eurocard 

FIM Functional Input Message P2SP Pack Two Single Pulse VP Voice Processor 

FOM Functional Output Message P4SP Pack Four Single Pulse 

IEJU Initial Entry JTIDS Unit RRN Recurrence Rate Number 

IPF Internal Protection Feature RS (1&2) Receiver Synthesizer 

IPS Internal Power Supply RTI Receive/Transmit Interface 


What is Link 16? 

� Link 16 is a tactical data link used 

to exchange real time tactical 

information between units of a 

force. 

� Link 16 is identical in purpose to Link 11 

and Link 4A with improvements in data 

exchange, link establishment, and security 

� Link 16 is often referred to as TDL J 

� Uses J-Series messages 


Data Link Requirements 

� Orderly Transition 

� Connectivity 

� Range 

� Relay Capability 

� Survivability 

� System Capacity 

� Flexibility 

� Low Error Probability 

� Jamming Resistance 

� Information Security 

� Low Probability of 

Intercept 

� Passive Operations 

ViaSat Brings Your Network To Life 

� Relative Navigation 

� Net Entry 

� Identification 

� Message Format 

Compatibility 

� Electromagnetic 

Compatibility 

� Joint/Combined Force 

Capability 

� Multi-netting 

� Digital Data Formatting

TDL Transformation 

Operational View 


J-Series Message Overview 

Network Management Track Management Electronic Warfare 

J0.0 Initial Entry J7.0 Track Management J14.0 EW Parametric 

J0.1 Test Message J7.1 Data Update Request J14.2 EW Coordination & Control 

J0.2 Net Time Update J7.2 Correlation 

J0.3 Time Slot Assignment J7.3 Pointer Threat Warning 

J0.4 Radio Relay Control J7.4 Track Identifier J15.0 Threat Warning 

J0.5 Repromulgation Relay J7.5 IFF/SIF Management J16.0 Imagery 

J0.6 Comm Control J7.6 Filter Management J17.0 Weather over target 

J0.7 TSR Announcement J7.7 Associated 

J1.0 Connectivity Interrogation J8.0 Unit Designator National Use 

J1.1 Connectivity Status J8.1 Mission Correlator Change J28.0 US National 1-Army 

J1.2 Route Establishment J28.1 US National 2-Navy 

J1.3 Acknowledgment Weapons Coordination & MGMT J28.2 US National 3-USAF 

J1.4 Communication Status J9.0 Command J28.3 US National 4-USMC 

J1.5 Net Control Initialization J9.1 Engagement Coordination J28.4 FR National 1 

J1.6 Needline PG Assignment J10.2 ECCM Coordination J28.5 FR National 2 

J10.3 Handover J28.6 US National 5-NSA 

Precise Participant Location & ID J10.5 Controlling Unit Report J28.7 UK National 1 

J2.0 Indirect Interface Unit PPLI J10.6 Pairing 

J2.2 Air PPLI Other 

J2.3 Surface (Maritime) PPLI Control J31.0 OTAR Management 

J2.4 Subsurface (Maritime) PPLI J12.0 Mission Assignment J31.1 OTAR 

J2.5 Land Ground Point PPLI J12.1 Vector J31.7 No Statement 

J2.6 Land Ground Track PPLI J12.2 Precision AC Direction 

J12.3 Flight Path RTT-A RTT Addressed 

Surveillance J12.4 Controlling Unit Change RTT-B RTT Broadcast 

J3.0 Reference Point J12.5 Target/Track Correlation RTT-REP RTT Reply 

J3.1 Emergency Point J12.6 Target Sorting 

J3.2 Air Surveillance Track J12.7 Target Bearing 

J3.3 Surface (Maritime) Track STANAG 5516 

J3.4 Subsurface (Maritime) Track Platform & System Status 

J3.5 Land Ground Point/Track J13.0 Airfield Status 

J3.6 Space Track Message J13.2 Air Platform Status 

J3.7 EW Product Information J13.3 Surface Platform Status 

J5.4 Acoustic Bearing/Range J13.4 Subsurface Platform Status 

J6.0 Intelligence Information J13.5 Land Platform Status 


Introduction 

� Link-16 does not significantly change 

the basic concepts of the tactical data 

link information exchange. 

� Provides technical and operational 

improvements to existing data link 

capabilities. 

� Link-16 uses Joint Tactical Information 

Distribution System (JTIDS) and the 

Multi-Functional Information 

Distribution System (MIDS) terminals 

(which are the communication 

component of Link-16) 


Link 16 Terminals 

� Joint Tactical Information Distribution System 

(JTIDS) 

� JTIDS refers to the communications component of Link 16 and 

includes the Class 2 terminal family software, hardware, and RF 

equipment. 

� Multifunctional Information Distribution System 

(MIDS) 

� MIDS also refers to the communications component of Link 16 

and includes the MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT) 1, LVT 2 

and LVT 3 family of terminals’ software, hardware, and RF 

equipment. 

� MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) 

� Software configurable tactical radios providing LOS/BLOS Link 

16 and other C4i communication capabilities to the warfighters. 

� Small Tactical Terminal (STT) 

� STT is a new generation of Link 16 and V/UHF Data radio that is 

designed for the tactical edge user. Smaller size, weight, and 

power make it a perfect fit for mobile ground/surface and light 

aircraft applications. 


Link 16 Features 

� Link 16 includes many features that 

improve data exchange normally seen 

on Link 11 

� Jam resistance 

� Improved security 

� Increased data rate 

� Increased amounts and granularity of information 

exchange 

� Digitized, jam-resistant, secure voice capability 

� Relative Navigation 

� Precise Participant Location and Identification 

(PPLI) improvement 


Link 16 Architecture 

� Architectural Characteristics 

� TDMA Format 

� Nodeless Architecture 

� Message and Transmission Security 

� Spread Spectrum, Frequency Hopping 

Waveform in the UHF Lx Band 



� Link 16 uses Time Division 

Multiple Access (TDMA) 

� Automatic function of the Link 16 

terminals that uses time interlacing to 

provide multiple communications nets. 

� Each JU uses pre-assigned sets of time 

slots to transmit their data and receive 

data from other units. 

� TDMA uses Epochs, Frames, and Time 

slots as a means of dividing time. 


The Network 

� TDMA 

� Division of Network Time 

� 1 Day = 24 hours 

� 1 Day = 112.5 Epochs 

� 1 Epoch = 12.8 min 

� 1 Epoch = 64 Frames 

� 1 Epoch = 98k time slots 

� 1 Frame = 12 seconds 

� 1 Frame = 1,536 

Timeslots 

(3 sets of 512) 

� 1 Timeslot = 7.8125 msec 



� Nodeless 

� A Node is a unit needed to establish and maintain 

connectivity. Link 11 Net Control Station (NCS) is a 

Node for the link operations. If the NCS or Node 

goes down, the link goes down as well. Link 16 

does not require a Node to establish and maintain 

connectivity. Link 16 uses Timeslots as part of the 

TDMA protocol to exchange information regardless 

on who enters and exits the link. 

� Link-16 does include the idea of a “Net Time 

Reference” (NTR), but this can be a redundant 

entity and the network can operate effectively for a 

time if the NTR drops out. 


Link 16 Security 

� Message Security 

� MSEC is a crypto variable used to encrypt the message 

data the terminal is processing from the host 

� Transmission Security 

� The TSEC is a crypto variable used to control specific 

features of the Link 16 waveform. 

• Frequency Hopping Pattern 

• Amount of Jitter 

• Pseudorandom pattern of noise mixed with the signal prior 

to transmission 

� Cryptographic Keying 

� These security settings are stored in a set of 

cryptographic “keys” that must be loaded into the 

terminal prior to operation on the network 

• Link-16 terminals will not transmit without a valid crypto 

key load 


Link 16 Frequency Spectrum 

� Link 16 is in the Lx Band of the 

UHF spectrum. 

� Link 16 uses 51 frequencies within 960- 

1215 MHz band for transmissions. The 

frequency is not held constant and uses a 

pre determined hopping pattern to aid in 

anti-jam capabilities. The frequency is 

changed every 13 microseconds. 

• Because Link 16 uses UHF transmissions, you 

are limited to each units’ LOS. 


Waveform Characteristics 

MF HF VHF UHF SHF 

Military HF 

2 – 30 MHz 

Military VHF 

30 – 300 MHz 

Military UHF 

225 – 400 MHz 

� Frequency: 960-1215 MHz (Lx Band) 


L Band 

Lx 

JTIDS 

Frequency Band 

960 – 1215 MHz 

Search 

Radars


� Spreads information in the frequency/time 

domain and creates JTIDS pulses using pseudorandom 

code sequences. 

14 FREQS 6 FREQS 32 FREQS 

960 1030 1090 

51 TOTAL CENTER FREQUENCIES SPACED AT 3MHz INTERVALS 


1215 

969 1008 1086 1113 1206


� The Link-16 Network 

• FRAME: the basic unit of recurring time for LINK-16 

• Each FRAME is 12 seconds in length composed of 

1536 timeslot 

Set A 

Set B 

Set C 

– Each timeslot is 7.8125 milliseconds (msec) 

– Three sets of 512 timeslots each – sets A, B and C 

– Each timeslot has a designation, such as: A-0, B-123, 

or C-512 

12 sec = 1frame 


7.8125 msec 

1 timeslot, ex: C-214


� Timeslot Format 

� The JTIDS/MIDS Terminal accepts LINK-16 words 

from the host computer via the 1553 BUS, 

Ethernet or X.25 and turns this data into a stream 

of pulses. 

JITTER SYNCH HEADER MESSAGE PROPAGATION 

JITTER: VARIABLE START INTERVAL 

SYNCH: SYNCHRONIZATION PREAMBLE ALLOWS RECEIVING 

HEADER: ADDRESS 

TERMINAL TO ID MESSAGE. 

MESSAGE: BODY OF DATA COMPOSED OF DATA 1 & 2 

PROPAGATION: TIME PERIOD ALLOWED FOR TRANSMISSION 

PROPAGATION. 



� DATA Packing Structure: 

� The Link-16 Terminal can 

produce different timeslot 

formats depending upon 

the type of message 

supported, throughput 

demand, and required 

anti-jam performance 

• Standard Double Pulse 

• Packed 2 Single Pulse 

• Packed 2 Double Pulse 

• Packed 4 Single Pulse 

• Also Enhanced 

Throughput Formats – 

ET0 through ET4 

– Give 10X increase in 

potential throughput 


Standard Double Pulse 

Jitter S TR H D1 16x2 4x2 16x2 93x2 

Packed-2 Single Pulse 

Jitter S TR H D1 D2 16x2 4x2 16x2 93x1 

Packed-2 Double Pulse 

Propagation 

Propagation 

S TR H D1 D Propagation 

2 

4x2 16x2 93x2 

93x1 

93x2 

Packed-4 Single Pulse 

S TR H D1 D2 D3 D4 Propagation 

S 

TR 

4x2 16x2 93x1 93x1 93x1 93x1 

= Sync 

= Time Refinement 

H 

D 

= Header 

= Data


� Net Entry 

� Link-16 uses Specific messages to achieve 

synchronization between terminals on the network 

� “COARSE SYNC” is achieved by terminals hearing 

J0.0 “Initial Entry” message transmitted in timeslot 

A-0. 

• This ensures the terminal has the correct 

cryptographic key settings and has line-of-sight to the 

network NTR. 

• Terminals in COARSE SYNC can receive but not 

transmit messages 

� “FINE SYNC” is then achieved by the passing of 

special messages called Round Trip Timing 

messages between the user terminal and the 

Network Time Reference. 



RTT-I = Round Trip Timing Interrogation 

RTT-R = Round Trip Timing Reply 

S = Sync 

T = Time Refinement 

RTT-I 

RTT-R 

7.8125 MILLISECOND TIME SLOT 

PROPAGATION 

S T RTT-I S T RTT-R 

(RTT R DELAY) 

� Round Trip Timing 

� User Terminal 

• Transmit an RTT Interrogation (RTT-I) in the beginning of the 

slot and receive an RTT Reply (RTT-R) later in the slot. 

� Net Time Reference (NTR): 

• Receive an RTT-I in the beginning of the slot and transmit an 

RTT-R later in the slot. 


NTR 

PROPAGATION 

.936 MSEC 3.339 MSEC .936 MSEC 2.6015 MSEC

Link-16 Enhanced Usage 

Capabilities 

� “Stacked” Multi-Net Operation 

� Multiple Link-16 networks can operate simultaneously in 

the same geographic area at the same time. 

• Link-16 network definitions can utilize multiple “Net 

numbers” to achieve this 

• This can significantly enhance operational and training 

capability 

TIME 

F 

R E 

Q 

U E 

N 

C Y 

EXAMPLE WITH 3 OPERATING NETS OPERATING DIFFERENT HOPPING PATTERNS 


NET 1 

NET 2 

NET 3


Capabilities 

� Relay 

� Transmitting received link 16 information in one or more 

timeslots then later transmitting this information in other 

timeslots. 

� Relay modes: 

• Paired Slot Relay – Most basic type of relay. Contains 6 types of 

relay functions. 

• Repromulgation Relay – Used by ground platforms when LOS does 

not exist and a relayer is not available 

• Addressed Relay -- Used with specific needline participation groups. 

Useful when multihop relay is required to meet the desired functional 

connectivity 

� Voice 

� Link-16 supports dual-channel voice circuits 

• Can run at 16Kbps or 2.4Kbps to support multiple national formats 

• Requires about ¼ slot utilization of the frame 

• Only works when the terminal is in the network 

� Access Modes 

� Link 16 also has several access modes to exchange data and 

increase the number of users. 

• Dedicated Access Mode – one slot, one transmitter 

• Contention Access Mode – one slot, multiple possible transmitters 

• Time Slot Reallocation – one slot transmitting from a “pool” of 

transmitters 



Capabilities 

� Network Participation Groups: 

� Link 16 uses these to allocate network capacity per 

user based on the functions users would like to 

participate in. These NPGs act as virtual circuits to 

exchange specific assigned data. 

� A maximum 512 groups can defined, many are set 

for common use in functional areas: 

• RTT (NPG 2 & 3) 

• Precise Participant Location and Identification (PPLI) 

and Status (NPG 5 & 6) 

• Surveillance (NPG 7) 

• Electronic Warfare (NPG 10) 

• Weapons Coordination (NPG 8) 

• Air Control (NPG 9) 

• Fighter to Fighter (NPG 19, 20) 

• Secure Voice (NPG 12 & 13) 


Link-16 Network Coordination 

� Link-16 Networks are defined prior to use – in general 

Link-16 is NOT an ad-hoc capability 

� Network Design Facilities (NDFs) are defined for each country 

and service in each country and are responsible for setting up 

the Networks for exercise and operational usage. 

� A Network Design tool such as JNDA or TNDL generates the 

network design and specific Network Data Load (NDL) files for 

each terminal on each platform. 

Net 127 

Net 126 

Net 121 

Net 1 

Net 0 

RTT-B (8) 

PPLI-A (32) 

SURV (128) 

L/F (96) 

PPLI-B (16) 

PPLI-B (96) 

SURV (42) 

PPLI-B-R (31) 

PPLI-B (31) 

SURV-R (170) 

SURV (48) 

SURV-R (24) 

SURV (24) 

SURV-R (24) 

SURV (24) 

SURV (8) 

SURV (8) 

SURV (48) 

SURV (16) 

SURV (8) 

SURV-R (48) 

A/C (32) 

A/C (8) 

~~ ~~ 


M/MGT (60) 

M/MGT-R (60) 

M/MGT (24) 

M/MGT (8) 

M/MGT-R (8) 

EW (36) 

EW-R (30) 

EW (30) 

Timeline Color Code: 

NPG 3 - RTT-B (contention) NPG 12 - Voice Group A 

NPG 5 - PPLI and Status: Pool A NPG 14 - Indirect PPLI 

NPG 6 - PPLI and Status: Pool B NPG 16 - IP Over L16 

NPG 7 - Surveillance NPG 19 - Fighter-to-Fighter 

NPG 8 - Weapons Coordination NPG 20 - Fighter-to-Fighter (contention) 

NPG 9 - Air Control NPG 29 - Residual Message 

NPG 10 - EW Electronic Warfare NPG 400/401 - Needline 

NPG401 (48) 

Voice-A (112) 

NPG16 (224) 

Voice-A-R (112 

I-PPLI-R (8) 

I-PPLI (8) 

I-PPLI-R (8) 

I-PPLI (8) 

8 279 546 658 862 970 1146 

1530 

Remarks: 

1. Default Net = Net 0 

2. Numbers in parenthesis () indicate slots per frame for each slot block 

3. Dashed left border (---) indicates Relayed slot block (also noted on label) 

F/F (160) 

RMSG (16)

Link 16: Today’s Tactical Network 

Sample L-16 Platforms 

Link 16 Supports the following in theater 

• Blue Force SA (PPLI) 

• Digital Air Control 

• Electronic Warfare 

• Secure Voice 

• Weapons Coordination 

• Free Text Messaging 

Link-16 


Sample Emerging L-16 Platforms

Link-16 - Connecting Combat Systems 

Airborne Laser 

IT Tornado 

Aircraft Carrier 

Joint STARS 

Rivet Joint 

FR Roland 

E-3 Sentry 

GE/IT/SP 

EF2000 

FAAD 

MIDS Platforms 

JTIDS Platforms 

F/A-18 

Hornet 

UK F-3 

Tornado 

FR Rafale 

Link-16 

F-15C 

Eagle 

THAAD 

F-14D 

Tomcat 


USAF F-16 

AEGIS CG 

F-15 A-E 

Patriot 

JTOAM/MCE 

E-2 Hawkeye 

JTIDS and MIDS Equipped platforms are fully interoperable

Link 16 Next Steps 

� There are around 5,000 Link-16 capable 

terminals in the world and the number will 

continue to grow 

� However, the interest is now in dual- or multi-usage 

terminals that give multiple datalink capabilities 

� Most users still consider Link-16 as a “backbone” 

communications technology 

� Link-16 Sustainment Programs funded 

beginning next year 

� Frequency Remapping – enabling the number of 

frequencies to be changed based on other needs 

� Enhanced Throughput – enabling more capacity per each 

timeslot’s worth of data 

� Modernized Crypto – enabling a cryptographic upgrade 

for more diverse security protocols 


MIDS Low Volume Terminals 

ViaSat Proprietary

System Identification 

� The Multifunctional Information Distribution 

System (MIDS) is a tactical information radio 

system designed to provide Link 16 

capabilities to air, land and marine platforms 

� Including those with limited space, power and 

cooling air 

� MIDS equipment provides these capabilities: 

� Integrated position determination 

� Navigation and identification 

� Voice and Data communications 


MIDS Variants 

� MIDS Terminals were created in many 

variant types to serve many diverse 

platforms 

� The platforms referenced below are made by ViaSat 

� The LVT-11 was created after others as a new 

platform and there are other new platforms planned. 

Configuration Type 

LVT-1 Configurations LVT-2 Configurations 

Variant 

Tadil J 

-(1) -(4) -(6) -(7) -(2) -(11) 

Capability 

Voice 

Link 16 Link 16 Link 16 Link 16 Link 16 Link 16 

Capability 

Navigation 

Voice Voice Voice 

Capability TACAN TACAN 

ARMY 

F/A-18 

Platforms 

RAFALE 

Airborne Patriot ARMY 

Platforms 

TORONADO ShipBoard F-16 

Laser Missile Platforms 

Supported 

E/F-18 Lab Env A-50 

B-2 

Lab Env Lab Env 


MIDS LVT(1) Terminal 

Identification 

� The MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT)-1 

System (and variants) consists of two Line 

Replaceable Units (LRUs): 

� Main Terminal – referred to as the TERMINAL 

� Remote Power Supply (RPS) 

� Three ancillary equipment LRUs: 

• AC RPS Power Adapter LRU (ACA) 

• DC RPS Power Adapter LRU (DCA) 

• High Power Amplifier Interface Assembly LRU (HIA) 


Terminal Capabilities 

� Power and Cooling provided by Platform ECS 

� Power can be +/- 140VDC or 115VAC 3-phase (400 Hz) 

� 200W maximum power output 

� Dual antenna & receiver for stronger signal reception 

� Fully Airborne and Shipboard environmental qualified 

� Multiple host interface capability 

� MIL-STD-1553 and Ethernet Platform D are primary usages 

� Simultaneous TACAN capability available in some 

variants 

� Voice capability available in some variants 

� 16 or 2.4 Kbps 

� Dual Independent Channels 


MIDS LVT(1) System Nomenclatures 

� Low Volume Terminal (LVT), RT-1840C/U, 

Part No. VA018150-0030/0031 

� Remote Power Supply (RPS), PP-8476/U, 

Part No. VA016308-0002 


MIDS LVT(1): Interfaces to Host 

Platforms 

� Accomplished via the I/O (Input/Output) section, the 

following interfaces are provided: 

� Avionics Data Bus Interface 

• MIL-STD-1553 

• X.25 (non-operational) currently 

• Platform D ethernet 

• 3910 Data Bus 

• Support Equipment 

� Antenna Interface 

� Secure Data Unit (SDU) DS-101 Interface 

� TACAN Signal (only certain variants) 

� Timing, Suppression and Indicator Signal Interfaces 

� Voice Interface (only certain variants) 

� Prime Power Interface 

� Cooling Air Interface 

� High Power Amplifier Interface (only certain variants) 


MIDS LVT(1) Shop Replaceable Units 

� 12 Shop Replaceable Units make up the 

MIDS LVT-1 (and Variants) R/T LRU: 

� A1 Voice Processor Assembly (VP) 

� A2 Tailored Processor/Ground MUX (TP/GMUX) 

� A3 Data Processor/Avionics MUX (DP/AMUX) 

� A4 Signal/Message Processor (SMP) 

� A5 RT Interface/Discrete Assembly (RTI/DA) 

� A6 Receiver/Synthesizer 1 (RS1) 


� A8 TACAN Programmed Assembly (TAC) 

� A9 Exciter/IPF (EXC/IPF) 

� A10 Internal Power Supply (IPS) 

� A11 RF Power Amp (PA) 

� A12 Chassis and Harness Assembly 


MIDS LVT (1) Functional Layout 

JTIDS 

High Power 

Amplifier 

L-Band Antennas 

AIU 

RF 

AMP 

RFA 

Receiver/ 

Synthesizer 

Receiver/ 

Synthesizer 

TACAN 

Exciter/ 

IPF 

RS-422 Control/Status Bus 

SMP 

RTI/ 

Discretes 

Internal Power Supply (IPS) 

VME Bus 

Remote Power Supply (RPS) 


DP/ 

AV MUX 

TP/ 

GND MUX 

Voice 

DS-101 

1553 

3910 

Ethernet 

COMSEC I/F 

Support 

Port 

Host I/Fs 

Discretes 

Voice I/F 

2.4 Kbps LPC10 

16KBPs CVSD 

115VAC, 400Hz 3 

Phase 

or + 140VDC

MIDS LVT (1) System Software 

� The Computer Software Configuration Items 

(CSCIs) that make up the MIDS LVT-1 (and 

variants) systems are: 

� Core Processor CSCI (COR) 

� Tailored Input/Output CSCI (TIO) 

� Signal/Message Processor CSCI (MSG) 

� Voice Data Processor CSCI (VCE) 

� TACAN Processor CSCI (TAC) 

� Software Revisions, Block Cycle 5 (BC5) 

� CORE 9.01/9.01A 

� Signal Message Processor 5.03 

� TACAN CSCI 2.6.0 

� Voice CSCI 1.02 

� TIO CSCI BU 

� Tailored Processor TPV15R0/R1 

� Engineering Release (I.E.., ER-5A) 

• Avionics Control Processor ACPV15R0 

• Ground Control Processor GCPV6R2 


MIDS LVT(2) Terminal 

Identification 

� The MIDS LVT-2 System (and its variants) 

consists of four LRUs: 

� Main Terminal – Referred to as the R/T 

� Power Supply Assembly (PSA) 

� Cooling Unit (CU) 

� Mounting Tray 

� Two Ancillary Equipment LRUs: 

• High Power Amplifier Interface Assembly LRU (HIA) 

• Cable Set 


Terminal Capabilities 

� Self-Contained Power and Cooling 

� Power can be 115/220VAC 50-400Hz single-phase or 28 VDC 

� 200W maximum power output 

� Single antenna and receiver 

� Fully ground qualified and partially air and sea qualified for 

environmental use (full qual pending) 

� Multiple host interface capability 

� X.25 (legacy air defense) 

� Extremely versatile Platform J/JREAP-C Ethernet host compatible 

• Have created test variants that can pass IP data over ethernet 

� Voice capability available in LVT(11) variant 

� 16 or 2.4 Kbps 

� Dual Independent Channels 


MIDS-LVT(2) System Nomenclatures 

� Radio Terminal Set AN/USQ-140(V)2(c) 

� Receiver/Transmitter VA-019050-0030/31 

� PSA VA-016311-0002 

� Cooling Unit VA-016310-0003 

� Mounting Base VA-016309-0002 


MIDS LVT(2): Interfaces to Host 

Platforms 

� Accomplished via the I/O (Input/Output) section, the 

following interfaces are provided: 

� Avionics Data Bus Interface 

• X.25 

• Platform J / JREAP-C Ethernet 

• Support Equipment 

� Antenna Interface 

� Secure Data Unit (SDU) DS-101 Interface 

� Timing, Suppression and Indicator Signal Interfaces 

� Voice Interface (only certain variants) 

� Prime Power Interface 

� Cooling Air Interface 


MIDS LVT(2) Shop Replaceable Units 

� Nine Shop Replaceable Units make 

up the MIDS LRU: 

� A1 Voice Processor Assembly (VP) (Optional) 

� A3 Data Processor/ADDSI (DP/A) 

� A4 Signal/Message Processor (SMP) 

� A5 RT Interface/Discrete Assembly (RTI/DA) 


� A9 Exciter IPF 

� A10 RF Power Amp (PA) 


� A12 Chassis and Harness Assembly 


MIDS LVT(2) Functional Layout 

C 

O 

O 

L 

I 

N 

G 

U 

N 

I 

T 

JTIDS 

High Power 

Amplifier 

L-Band Antennas 

RF AIU 

AMP 

RFA 

EMPTY 

Receiver/ 

Synthesizer 

EMPTY 

Exciter/ 

IPF 

RS-422 Control / Status Bus 

Internal Power Supply 

SMP 

RTI/ 

Discretes 

Power Supply Assembly 

110/220VAC, 50/60Hz (Single 

Phase) or 28VDC 


VME Bus 

DP/ 

Dual ADDSI 

EMPTY 

Voice (opt) 

DS-101 

COMSEC I/F 

Ethernet 

Support 

Port 

X.25 

Discretes 

Voice I/F 

2.4 Kbps LPC10 

16KBPs CVSD

MIDS LVT(2) System Software 

� The Computer Software Configuration 

Items (CSCIs) that make up the MIDS 

LVT-2 (and variants) system are: 

� CORE/SIA 

� Army Data Distribution Subscriber Interface (ADDSI) 

� Signal/Message Processor CSCI (MSG) 

� Voice Data Processor CSCI (VCE) 

� Software Revisions, Block Cycle 3 (BC3) 

� CORE 7.01/SIA 5.01 

� ADDSI 2.01 

� Signal Message Processor 5.03 

� Voice CSCI 1.02 


MIDS LVT Troubleshooting, Diagnostic and 

Maintenance: LVT 3 Description 

� AN/USQ-140(v)3 

� RT P/N: P600A075 -30 or -33 or -34 

� Full Link 16 interoperability 

� 50 watt transmit power 

� Dual antenna transmit and 

receive 

� Maximum weight of 55 lbs 

� RPS PP-8477 

� Input Power: 

� 115 VAC, 400 Hz 


MIDS LVT Troubleshooting, Diagnostic and 

Maintenance: Shop Replaceable Units (LVT 3) 

� Nine Shop Replaceable Units make up the MIDS LRU: 

� A3 Data Processor/Avionics MUX (LVT 3) 

� A4 Programmable Signal/Message Processor (LVT 3) 

� A5 RT Interface/Discrete Assembly (LVT 3) 



� A9 Exciter/IPF (LVT 3) 


� A11 RF Power Amp (LVT 3) 

� A12 Chassis and Harness Assembly (LVT 3) 

ViaSat Brings Your Network To Life 49

Small Tactical Terminal 

ViaSat Proprietary

Link 16 at 25% reduced swap 

� STT 

� Size :4.1 Litres 

� Weight: 8.6 Kgs 

� Power: 114W at full 

rated transmit (50W at 

20% TSDF) 

� LVT 1 


� Size: 16.4 Litres 

� Weight: 23.26 Kgs 

� Power: 350W at full 

rated transmit (200W 

at 70% TSDF)

Design Overview 

� STT is designed to be a low cost, low volume, data 

link terminal capable of running Link 16 or UHF LOS 

Waveforms 

� STT is designed to meet the needs of users who 

have space and weight constraints but want to take 

advantage of the information available on Link 16 

and/or Tactical UHF Networks 

� Situational Awareness and Surveillance to the Tactical Edge 

� Command and Control with Disadvantaged Users 

� Blue Force Position and Status Reports 

� Interoperable with JTIDS and MIDS Radios 

� Interoperable with UHF LOS (MIL-STD-188-220 B/C/D) with 

PRC-117, PRC-152, ARC-210 (RT-1824), Improved Data 

Modem (IDM) 


Production Model Characteristics 


Frequency 30 to 512 MHz VHF/UHF 

Range: 960 to 1215 MHz Link 16 

(Frequency Remap) 

Transmission Simplex or half-duplex 

Modes: 16 kbps data, PT or CT 

L16 TDMA, All Op modes 

and Enhanced Throughput 

Antenna UHF: 50 Ω 

Ports: Link-16 (2): 50 Ω 

DC Power 28 VDC per MIL-STD-704F 

Input: 1.5A Rx,

Schedule 

� Track 1 prototypes in final 

integration 

� Completed prototypes available starting 

Dec 08 

� Total of 6-10 units planned 

� Track 2 production schedule: 

� Preliminary Design Review – Jan 2009 

� Critical Design Review – Apr 2009 

� First Pre-production Units available – 4thQ 

2010 (CY) 

� Completion of Qual & Certs – 3Q 2010 


MilCIS 2009 Link 16/MIDS Overview 

Mr. Tim Trudeau 

ViaSat 

� ViaSat Frontline Immediate Response 

and Support Team 

� Telephone 1-800-MIDS-HLP 

(1-800-643-7457) 

� Email VFIRST@viasat.com

Introduction to LINK 16/MIDS LVT - MilCIS

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