Spectra OE Operating Environment

Next-Generation Software Defined Radio Operating Environment

Spectra Operating Environment (OE) is a high-performance, ultra low footprint, COTS implementation of the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) standard and is part of PrismTech’s rapidly growing family of advanced Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies. Spectra OE is designed specifically to support the implementation and deployment of the next-generation of complex SCA-compliant networking waveforms required for military, homeland security and commercial SDRs. Spectra OE consists of a low footprint Core Framework (CF) and a fully integrated and optimized middleware stack that runs on any mix of General Purpose Processor (GPP), Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) processing elements, together with supporting Radio Services and Devices.

The Smallest, Fastest, Most Complete COTS OE

Spectra OE is a complete vertical integration of Core Framework, middleware (ORB and Common Object Services) and communication transports optimized for the leading Real-time Operating Systems (RTOS) and supplied by a single vendor. PrismTech has a unique advantage in being the only company that develops both the CF and middleware components of an OE. This has enabled us to create an OE that has the highest performance and best Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) characteristics available. The C language CF has a static footprint of under 2MB, which can be as much as 10x smaller than either in-house developed or other Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) CFs. The small memory footprint and optimized processing component translates directly into SWaP requirements, making it suitable for ultra small form factor SDRs. The combination of optimized parsing technology, low latency middleware and multithreaded CF architecture means that Spectra OE enables rapid radio startup and shutdown, waveform applications to be started, stopped and swapped more quickly, plus support for a broader range of waveforms, particularly where data path latency is critical.

Superior Multi Standard Support

Spectra OE offers support for the leading SDR standards. These standards include not only the latest 2.2.2 version of the SCA, but also earlier SCA versions such as 2.2 and even the OMG’s SWRADIO standard. PrismTech is committed to supporting these standards as they evolve and is actively contributing to a number of standardization initiatives including SCA Next.

SCA Everywhere

Spectra OE is the only SCA-compliant solution that is available across not only GPP, but also DSP and FPGA processing environments. This complete processor coverage has been made possible through the development of specialized CORBA middleware technology designed to support DSPs and FPGAs. PrismTech has pioneered the use of lightweight ORB technology for DSPs and advanced hardware ORB technology for FPGAs. Spectra OE’s SCA Everywhere approach helps decouple SDR applications from the underlying hardware, making hardware upgrades much more straightforward as well as maximizing waveform application portability.

Spectra OE supports multiple SCA architecture options to satisfy and accelerate any platform and waveform development goals. Spectra OE provides a number of different mechanisms to support communications between SDR application components running on a DSP or a FPGA. By supporting SCA Everywhere, the SCA’s Modem Hardware Abstraction Layer (MHAL) standard or even native communication mechanisms, Spectra OE provides the SDR developer with maximum flexibility when it comes to building their SDR applications.



Superior Multi Language Support

Spectra OE’s tool chain supports the development of both SCA platform and waveform components written in multiple programming languages, including:
• C++ (for GPPs)
• C (for GPPs and DSPs)
• VHDL (for FPGAs and ASICs)

Broad Platform Coverage

Spectra OE is highly portable and is supported on a wide range of platform combinations, including the latest version of all the leading RTOSs and processors:
• RTOS: Linux, VxWorks, Integrity, LynxOS, QNX, TI BIOS, others
• CPU: ARM, PowerPC, x86
• DSP: TI
• FPGA: Altera and Xilinx

Spectra OE is also available on a number of fully integrated COTS SDR development platforms, including:
• PrismTech’s Spectra DTP 4500
• Spectrum Signal’s SDR 4000

Flexible Development Configurations

Spectra OE provides support for multiple memory, processor and development configurations, including:
• Single or separate address spaces RTOSs
• Static or shared libraries
• Native and non-native exception support

Complementary SDR Products

Spectra OE is part of the most complete family of SDR products and technologies designed to support all of your SCA SDR development needs. The Spectra family of SDR products also includes:
• Spectra CX - a model-driven development tool that simplifies, accelerates, and validates a significant proportion of the SCA SDR development process
• Spectra DTP 4500 - a complete wideband, high-performance baseband and RF SDR development and test platform

Spectra OE Main Components

Spectra OE includes the following main components:
• SCA Components
- Domain Manager
- Device Manager
- File System Service
- Executable Device (example)
• Utilities
- Boot Loader - used at runtime to activate the correct DomainManager or DeviceManager described in the domain profile
- Target Loader - used to support automated compliance testing on the target SDR platform
- OE Admin - a utility that provides the ability to easily install, create, start, stop, release and uninstall applications
• Embedded Middleware (bundled)
- e*ORB C and C++ Editions for GPP
- e*ORB Naming Service
- e*ORB Event Service
- Log Service
• Embedded Middleware (optional)
- e*ORB C Edition for DSP
- ICO for FPGA

Note: the CORBA Naming and Event Services are included as part of the Spectra OE Domain Manager.

PrismTech have also developed a number of platform specific implementations based on the SCA Radio Services and Devices APIs. For information on how these components can be supported on your SDR platform, please contact PrismTech for more details.

Expert Professional Services

PrismTech offers a suite of training courses on the SCA and SDR technologies and their implementation using PrismTech’s Spectra SDR products. We also offer professional services conducted by leading industry experts in all skill areas required for SCA radio development. Services include workshops to help SDR engineers develop both SCA platforms and waveforms , as well as longer term consulting services with PrismTech SDR specialists participating throughout the development lifecycle, including the actual implementation of your SDR solution. Finally PrismTech is renowned for the quality and responsiveness of our Support and Maintenance Services that are available on a worldwide 24x7 basis where required.

Summary of Spectra OE Benefits

• The first complete COTS OE available from a single vendor
• Very efficient SCA 2.2.2 CF implementation that can support both C++ and/or C and/or VHDL waveform components
• Ultra lightweight embedded middleware (ORB and COS) implementation
• Complete vertical integration of the SCA OE – optimized for overall RTOS/ORB/COS/CF performance as a single embedded system - not just a collection of parts!
• World-class SCA and embedded middleware experts ensure optimal design and implementation
• SCA Radio Services and Devices
• Supported on wide range of platforms
• No export restrictions - not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) export restrictions

Please contact us for further information about PrismTech’s SDR products and services.