AvL Proprietary and Confidential
Content is Subject to Change without Notice
Page
11
of
195
The NAV RIOM contains a GPS receiver and patch antenna, a 2-axis inclinometer and a magnetic
compass. It also has a dsPIC33 microprocessor which communicates with these internal devices as
well as with the ACU over Ethernet.
Both of these standard components are designed to survive in harsh environments and to be
embedded in the antenna pedestal to simplify cabling.
More information on Controller Hardware can be found in Chapter 7, Theory of operation.
1.3 Software Architecture
AAQ software consists of a family of code which provides a scalable, extensible, modular capability
using parametric driven antenna behavior enabling users to tailor system performance as they wish.
1.3.1 Operating System
The operating system for the controller is LINUX.
1.3.2 ROM
The ROM code comprises the core software and performs administrative functions, coordinates
transforms, tilt compensation and communication between RIOMs and other external devices.
1.3.3 PIC
PIC (Programmable Integrated Circuit) code is written to utilize the MicroChip PIC microprocessors
in the system. These are used for motion control, encoder quadrature, PWM motor input, various
I/O connections. Two pieces of PIC code are used to communicate with the two versions of PICs in
the controller.
1.3.4 CONFIG
CONFIG files contain parameters and variables set to configure a specific antenna to perform all
necessary functions. There are several types of CONFIG files – see Chapter 6 for a detailed description of
these files.
1.3.5 Remote – GUI (Graphical User Interface)
The Remote files are provided to enable a graphical user interface to the controller. There are two types
of GUI; an XML Windows based .NET GUI (AAQ Remote) and a browser based HTML GUI.