SynchroCast3™

Mobile Radio Simulcast System

Provides Simulcast Timing Control and Network Flexibility
The Intraplex® SynchroCast3™ precision simulcast timing control system from Harris provides a dynamic, scalable solution that enables utilization of a set of common frequencies on a network of base stations with overlapping coverage areas. The simulcast operation allows for efficiencies, including increasing overall coverage areas, serving more users with the same number of frequencies, and eliminating coverage gaps due to factors like terrain shielding. Using precise GPS timing references, the SynchroCast3 system regularly measures the delay through the network and automatically compensates for variations in throughput delay without interrupting normal radio system functions.

With the introduction of the SynchroCast3 system, operators now have the option to use either Intraplex Access Server multiplexers on T1 or E1 networks or the NetXpress™ multiplexer on IP Networks to provide the connections between the system head end and the base station sites. Whichever network is chosen, the same proven SynchroCast3 dynamic delay adjustments provide the simulcast timing control.

Compatible Modules
The SynchroCast3/NetXpress system works with many Intraplex channel modules. Intraplex model numbers IX-VF-25 (4 Wire) or IX-VF-28 (4 Wire Tx only) can be used for the voice channels of the system.

Features

Optimizes the use of available frequencies
- Allows limited number of radio frequencies to cover a wider geographical area, often with existing infrastructure
3rd generation product improves on industry leading performance
Increased time sampling
New alert/alarm reporting
Simplified installation and management
Can be integrated into existing SynchroCast installations
Dramatic improvement to coverage areas
Makes new GPS-based timing technology available to older transmitter networks
Precise control of channel frequencies
Uses T1, E1 or IP transmission networks or microwave links

Product Details

Public Safety mobile radio systems have traditionally used T1/E1 links to connect the system head end to the base station sites. The economics and increased bandwidths of IP connections have begun to attract more and more potential users. Unfortunately, the increased transport delay and packet delay variation have prevented IP from being a realistic consideration for simulcast operation. Harris has solved this problem by using the proven SynchroCast3 modules and delay management algorithms in the robust NetXpress platform. The resulting solutions provide true high-resolution delay control on IP networks.

In the same way it is able to manage changing delays in a T1/E1 network, the SynchroCast3/NetXpress system also automatically adjusts for IP link delays. Link delay changes can result from diverse packet routing, packet buffers, signal path fade and other network conditions. The actual throughput delay to each base station site is continuously sampled. If a change in delay persists, the SynchroCast3 system initiates a delay correction at the appropriate base station site. Once the delay correction is started, the shift in delay time is performed seamlessly so that there is no interruption to system operation, and at a controlled rate to prevent overshooting the desired delay value.

Improves on Industry-Leading Performance
Synchrocast3 improves on earlier generations of the SynchroCast product with increased time sampling, new alert/alarm reporting features, simplified installation and management, and the ability to integrate into existing SynchroCast installations. More efficient use of network bandwidth reduces timing overhead and allows additional bandwidth to be allocated to audio and data transmission. Providing dynamic and hitless delay adjustments, reliable operation and flexible implementations, this newest-generation product continues to provide the highest level of service possible.

Optimizes the Use of Available Frequencies and Dramatically Improves Coverage Areas
Users are often confronted with limited spectrum and channel allocations. Turning a traditional radio system into a simulcast network can improve penetration in areas with marginal coverage. Now, mobile radio system operators can install new simulcast radio systems over T1/E1 or IP networks, or upgrade existing mobile radio systems for simulcast operation. The SynchroCast3 system makes new GPS-based timing technology available to older mobile radio networks. It gives users easy control of the system functions critical to adjusting the coverage area to achieve desired performance. The SynchroCast3 system also provides reference signals to the base station for precise control of channel frequencies.

Images/Diagrams

Ordering Information

A SynchroCast3 system is ordered as add-on components or as a preconfigured package with the Intraplex Access Server or NetXpress multiplexer (running version 2.1 software or higher). SynchroCast3 components are as follows:

IX-SNC-101S	Studio timing module

IX-SNC-101T	Transmitter timing module

IX-MA-480	Module adapter for GPS and timing interfaces required for the IX-SNC-101S and IX-SNC-101T

IX-SNC-SCS-8	Cable set for SynchroCast3 timing modules at the studio or transmitter

IX-SNC-SCS-9	Cable set for expansion multiplexers at the studio or transmitter

GPS Receiver One GPS receiver is required for each base station site in the system and at the control point site. Consult Harris for recommended models.