Marine Systems
Aviation Recorders
Page 1–3
Initial Issue
165M0601-00
Feb. 01/05
ProTec AIS Introduction
1.1.
General
The L-3 ProTec is an Automatic Identification System transponder which is fully com-
pliant to the technical specifications defined by the IMO and outlined in ITU.R.M
1371-1. The transponder employs the latest radio frequency and SOTDMA and DSC
controller technology to provide a high performance, automated, and reliable identifi-
cation system for commercial mariners. The Transponder is a fully automated sys-
tem which ties into ship’s navigational instruments to provide automatic transmission
of ships identity, status, and maneuvering intentions via standard marine VHF com-
munication techniques. Sequencing of transmission between all vessels within VHF
range is provided through SOTDMA controlling software to handle high traffic vol-
ume situations.
The Transponder is a fully automated system. This means that once it is installed
and turned on, no maintenance is required to keep it operational. The only time the
user needs to perform any function on the transponder is to change the ship’s Ves-
sel/Voyage data as required.
1.1.1.
System Overview
The L-3 ProTec is an Automatic Identification System fully compliant with the IMO
specifications defined in IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 3, IEC 61993-2, and ITU.R
M.1371-1. This AIS transponder has been developed using technology applied in
the design of our VHF DSC Class A radio, a design which has been field tested for
over a decade with over 10000 units operational in the field. With the addition of the
SOTDMA controllers, the L-3 ProTec provides a cost-effective AIS solution which will
meet the needs of any vessel required to carry AIS. The compact, single-box design
allows the L-3 ProTec to be easily incorporated into any bridge layout thus simplify-
ing installation and cabling requirements.
The L-3 ProTec has been designed as maintenance-free unit which makes extensive
use of surface mount technology (SMT). The repair of printed wiring assemblies
(PWAs) containing SMT components requires specialized factory equipment, train-
ing, and techniques, therefore, such PWAs are not field-repairable.
As a result, maintenance philosophy for the L-3 ProTec is replacement of failed as-
semblies. In the case of the L-3 ProTec, the replaceable assemblies are the Face-
plate Assembly (192M0093-00), the RF PWA (205M0597-00), the CPU PWA
(205M0596-00), and the PS PWA (205M0598-00).