Communications Technologies Training System - Model 8087

Specifically designed for hands-on training, the system offers training in a wide range of communication technologies that starts from the basic pulse modulation techniques (PAM, PWM, PPM, PCM, DPCM, and delta modulation), covers the various digital modulation schemes used in data transmission (ASK, FSK, BPSK, QPSK, and QAM), and extends to modern, spectrally-efficient, digital communication techniques such as the asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and spread spectrum technologies (direct-sequence spread spectrum and frequency-hopping spread spectrum).

Through the study of ADSL, the system also introduces various essential underlying technologies such as the discrete multitone (DMT) modulation, the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), data scrambling, convolutional coding, trellis-coded modulation (TCM), forward error correction (FEC) using Reed-Solomon codes, data interleaving, and Viterbi decoding.

Similarly, study of the spread spectrum technologies using the system allows coverage of several other highly-relevant topics such as the principles of code-division multiple access (CDMA), the Gold code sequence generation, the autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties of code sequences, as well as an introduction to modern applications of these technologies such as the CDMA-based cellular telephony, Global Positioning System (GPS), residential cordless telephone sets, Bluetooth specification for wireless personal area networks (WPAN), etc. Wherever possible, the system is designed to reflect the standards commonly used in modern communications systems.

Unlike conventional, hardware-based training systems that use a variety of physical modules to implement different technologies and instruments, the Communications Technologies Training System is based on a Reconfigurable Training Module (RTM) and the Lab-Volt Communications Technologies (LVCT) software, providing tremendous flexibility at a reduced cost.
 
Each of the communications technologies to be studied is provided as an application that can be selected from a menu. Once loaded into the LVCT software, the selected application configures the RTM to implement the communications technology, and provides a specially designed user interface for the student.
 
A wide variety of applications are available, and more are planned for the future,   covering many current and evolving communications technologies. Because the   Communications Technologies Training System is an open, reconfigurable system, you can upgrade your system at any time to cover additional technologies simply by purchasing additional applications.

The LVCT software provides settings for full user control over the operating parameters of each communications technology application. Functional block diagrams for the circuits involved are shown on screen. The digital or analog signals at various points in the circuits can be viewed and analyzed using the virtual instruments included in the software. In addition, the most important of these signals are made available at physical connectors on the RTM and can be displayed and measured using conventional instruments.

The courseware for the Communications Technologies Training System consists of a series of student manuals covering the different technologies as well as instructor guides that provide the answers to procedure step questions and to review questions. All student manuals and instructor guides are color printed. The Communications Technologies Training System and the accompanying courseware provide a complete study program for these key information-age technologies. All student manuals, instructor guides, and user guides are available as PDF files on a single CD-ROM (see Optional Equipment list in the datasheet).