Introduction to PCM Telemetering Systems

Telemetering systems and applications have moved far beyond the space flight telemetry most people have heard of to cutting-edge uses across a broad range of disciplines, including industry, medicine, and meteorology. To fully understand and participate in the acquisition of data this technology makes possible, scientists in these fields along with engineers new to telemetering require some background in the concepts, hardware, and software that makes the technology so valuable. Introduction to PCM Telemetering Systems, Second Edition summarizes the techniques and terminology used in sending data and control information between users and the instruments that collect and process the data. It gives an overall systems introduction to the relevant topics in three primary areas: system interfaces; data transport, timing, and synchronization; and data transmission techniques. The topics addressed include sensor characteristics, user interface design, data filtering, data framing, statistical analysis, telemetry standards, time code standards, modulation techniques, and radio propagation. To reinforce understanding, each chapter includes exercises. Rather than focusing on design specifics, which can change so rapidly with evolving technologies, the author centers his discussions on concepts and standards. This edition incorporates the latest standards, LabVIEW-based examples of telemetry and command processing, and simulations using multiSim and Commsim.