Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

332:428 Communications Capstone Design Spring 2013

Senior Project Final Report
Brien Range
Daniel Townsend
Prince Mingle
Wyatt Borden
January 30, 2012
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Technical Specications 1
2.1 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.2 Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2.1 Level Shifter [1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2.2 Modulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2.3 Demodulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Modem API . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3.1 Multiplexing Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3.2 Demultiplexing Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3.3 TDMA: Multiplexing Transmitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Cost Analysis 10
4 Future Work 10
5 Roles of Each Member 11
5.1 Brien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.1.1 Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.1.2 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.2 Dan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.3 Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.4 Wyatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
A Equipment Cost 13
1 Introduction
The goal of this project was to create a multiple access data network. A two sender-one receiver sys-
tem model was implemented by manually constructing three amplitude-shift keying modems with a carrier
frequency of 400 kHz and coding a multiplexing scheme in the C programming language. Each node in the
data network was a laptop connected to a modem board via an RS232 to USB adapter, allowing serial data
to be modulated to the carrier frequency. The goal was to connect the system to a power line to enable low
speed data transmission between devices. However, this was not achieved within the allotted time.
2 Technical Specications
2.1 System Overview
The structure of the system centers around a single receiver node and multiple transmitter nodes. Each
transmitter and receiver node has its own modulator and demodulator. In the receiver, the modulator is
used to synchronize the two transmitters, and the demodulator is used to recover the data sent by the
transmitters. In each transmitter, the modulator is used to send data to the receiver, and the demodulator
is used to receive a timing signal from the receiver. The system was designed with two senders and a single
receiver in mind as shown in Fig. 1, but with more resources, the transmitter count could have been increased
quite easily.
Figure 1: The block diagram representing the system design.
The two colored lines in the block diagram represent the timing wire (green) and the data wire (red).
Since there was some loading eect being caused by the modulators, attenuating the received data signal,
it was decided to separate both the timing and data wires. Each pair of modulators and demodulators are
1
Figure 2: The circuit used to interface the RS232 and TTL logic types of the system [1].
connected to a laptop through a circuit known as the level shifter, that converts TTL voltage levels to RS232
voltage levels. The laptops connected to the transmitters send data to the receiver laptop, and the receiver
laptop sends timing signals to the transmitter laptops. Each transmitter has the capability to multiplex with
the other laptops as well as multiplex data from individual programs on the laptop. This enables multiple
programs or users on each device to access the channel and send information to the receiver.
2.2 Modem
Every device in the system is connected to a modem, and each modem consists of three parts. Each of
the three parts of the modem level shifter, modulator, and demodulator are outlined and explained in
the subsections below.
2.2.1 Level Shifter [1]
The level shifter is a circuit used to invert and shift the digital signal coming and going to and from the
RS232 ports on the laptops. This is required because the output levels of the RS232 adapter are between
6 V and +6 V, and the required voltages of the designed modulator and demodulator are between 0 V and
5 V. For the level shifter to work both pin 2 and 3 of the RS232 port need to be connected to the circuit,
otherwise the required voltage levels can not be achieved.
The conversion from RS232 to TTL works by turning the NPN transistor on and o. When the base
voltage is high (+6 V at the RS232 transmit), the NPN transistor turns on, which sets the TTL output to
ground. When the base voltage is low (6 V at the RS232 transmit), the NPN transistor turns o, which
sets the TTL output voltage to 5 V.
The conversion from TTL to RS232 relies on the negative voltage supplied by the RS232 receive to
2
Figure 3: The circuit diagram for the modulator circuit. The CD4016 is a CMOS switch which allows
analog signals to be sent through based on an input command.
be stored inside of a capacitor. When the base of the PNP transistor is low (0 V at the RS232 input), the
transistor turns on which allows the 5 V to travel to the RS232 receive. When the base of the PNP transistor
is high (+5 V at the RS232 input), the transistor turns o which allows the 6 V inside the capacitor to
show up at the RS232 receive.
Through these methods the conversion circuit applies a voltage shift and an inversion to the incoming
and outgoing signals which suits the needs of our system perfectly.
2.2.2 Modulator
The modulator circuit consists of very few components, which perform the modulation of the device
quickly and reliably. The main component in this setup is the CD4016 CMOS Bilateral Switch.
The CD4016 integrated circuit has four separate switches. Each switch has an input, an output, and a
control. When pin 13 is high, pin 1 is connected to pin 2, and when pin 5 is high, pin 3 is connected to
pin 4. To ensure that either the connection between pins 1 and 2 or the connection between pins 3 and 4
are shorted at all time, and neither are shorted at the same time, the data signal is sent to pin 5 and an
inverted data signal is sent to pin 13 . Since pins 2 and 4 are connected, a high voltage will produce a zero
volt output, and a low voltage will produce a 400 kHz sine wave. Through this switching an OOK signal is
generated.
The last stage of the modulator is the amplication circuit. This is simply an inverting operational
amplier gain circuit which gives a theoretical gain of 30. In practice, this gain circuit does not produce a
gain of 30, because the operational amplier has a frequency response of its own and attenuated our OOK
signal..
3
Figure 4: The circuit diagram and block diagram for the demodulator circuit.
2.2.3 Demodulator
The demodulator circuit consists of several steps, each outlined in the diagram shown in Fig. 4. The
rst stage of the demodulator is the high pass lter. This circuit was originally designed to lter a second
frequency in a FSK modulation scheme; however, it proved useful to lter out low frequency noise from the
channel. A majority of the channel noise was focused around low frequencies around 100 kHz.
The second stage of the demodulator is necessary because although the LF347N Operational Amplier
advertises a bandwidth of 4 MHz, it actually attenuates frequencies above 300 kHz. Therefore the OOK
signal needs to be amplied again, which is why the second stage is present.
The third stage of the demodulator is a very important step in demodulation. This stage takes the
ltered OOK signal and recovers the outline of the signal, meaning where the amplitude of the OOK signal
is high, the output is high, and then the amplitude of the OOK signal is low, the output is low. This is
accomplished by using a diode connected to a RC circuit whose time constant is designed so that the output
does not return to zero during a high. A sample input output reading for this stage is shown in Fig. 5.
The fourth stage of the demodulator takes the noisy envelope detected in the previous section and creates
a more square like shape for the nal stages of the receiver which is also at the required TTL voltage levels
(0 V to 5 V). This device is known as a Schmitt Trigger.
The schmitt trigger consists of a comparator, a voltage divider, a feedback resistor, and a pull up resistor.
The comparator inputs are the envelope detector output (at the negative terminal), and the voltage divider
which provides the reference voltage (at the positive terminal). The feedback resistor provides hysteresis by
4
Figure 5: A sample of the waveform before the envelope detector (yellow) and after the envelope detector
(blue). The data rate of the system is 58600 baud/s in this oscilloscope screenshot
actually changing the reference voltage. The pull up resistor allows the output to be set to 5 V when the
collector inside the comparator is open.
2.3 Modem API
2.3.1 Multiplexing Data
Program Access to Modem
The system is capable of multiplexing up to 5 separate applications at one time. Each application is
manually assigned one of ve names, null, audio, messaging, misc1, and misc2. These application channels
dier only in these application strings and the headers assigned to them; in other words, there is no require-
ment that only audio applications be sent over the audio channels. These applications use only two functions
to interact with the system: modem read() and modem write(). No other functions are transparent to the
user applications. The function modem read() allows the user application to read from a shared buer, and
modem write() allows the user application to write to a shared buer.
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Figure 6: The separation of individual programs within a computer and how they access the data buer.
Modem Object
A modem client was created to manage requests to send data over the modem. Upon initialization of
the modem object, two static buers are created for each application. One is created to maintain data to be
sent to the modem, and the other is created to maintain data to be received from the modem. These buers
persist whether the applications tied to them are running or not.
Figure 7: Flow Chart for how senders transmit data.
6
Figure 8: Packet sent over serial port
After initialization, two software threads are started: one to monitor the modems serial port for received
data, and another to monitor the transmit buers for data ready to be sent over the serial ports transmit
line.
Multiplexing and Transmitting Data
The modem object monitors the ve transmit buers in a round robin, using the function RR read write().
If there is data for the current application, and that data is greater than seven bytes, the algorithm to package
the data is initiated. Otherwise, the next application is checked.
Each application name has a corresponding header associated with it. This header is prepended to the
seven bytes, and the completed packet is then transmitted over the serial port.
At the serial port level, a standard baud of 57600 was chosen. At the next standard baud, 112500, there
was signicant data loss over the modulated channel. Because the same serial port is used for both transmit
and receive directions, this baud pertains to both.
2.3.2 Demultiplexing Data
Receiving and Demultiplexing Data
The modem polls for any data written to the serial port from the demodulator and writes it to a large
temporary buer. It then reads bytes from the buer, and if a header has not yet been read from the
buer, these bytes are then discarded. If the byte read is one of the ve headers, then the header byte is
stripped away, and any subsequent bytes are written to the shared read buer that has the application that
corresponds to the acquired header.
Figure 9: Bitsream read from serial port
In a separate user process, the user applications can read from these shared read buers using the function
modem read().
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Figure 10: Program Data Demultiplexing
2.3.3 TDMA: Multiplexing Transmitters
This system has 2 transmitters and 1 receiver sending data at a carrier frequency of 400KHz. In this
scheme, the algorithm that is being used allows for data to be sent for the duration of a slot that lasts T
seconds. A buer time u, a function of serial baud rate, exists such that u << T. This u exists to guard
from collisions between one round and the next.
Prior to the setup of our transmitters, Sender 1 and Sender 2 will be allocated a slot N, where N is either
0 or 1. The single receiver is master controlling node, sending a timing pulse to the two transmitters. The
transmitters will wait for a jamming signal from the receiver with a length of a byte before either sender
begins any transmission. However, each sender will be transmitting at a dierent slot. Sender 1 will rst
send from t
1
= u t
1
= T u. Sender 2 will then send from t
2
= T +u t
2
= T +T u.
Sender 1 and 2 will then transmit again for another round, for M rounds. Such that t
M
N
= t
M1
N
+ 2T.
Below is the formula in general form.
(2M +N) +u < t
M
N
< (2M +N + 1) T u
After the specied M rounds, the transmitters will wait for another timing signal.
As the original intent of the system was to transmit voice data, it was decided to not have any type of
packet acknowledgement. This choice greatly simplies data transmission, and allows for much higher data
rates than a system with packet acknowledgement.
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Figure 11: The timing diagram of how two devices access the single channel.
9
Figure 12: Multiplexed Signals from Sender 0 and Sender 1
3 Cost Analysis
The parts listed in the appendix below ranged from several ampliers, resistors, capacitors which all
together cost $49. The competion price is typically $130 per node for a wireless sensor network which means
that our system will be cheaper to implement [2].
Based upon electronic markups being normally 80% of total cost, the price of $49 that we paid would
actually cost $9.80 (20% of 55dollars). If we were to manufacture this project, we would have it on one
printed circuit board that would consist of all of the parts in the Appendix below with the exception of the
RS232 cable. If we were to obtain a prototype from an external vendor such as Silvers circuits, the cost for
a prototype would be $75 [3]. However, given that the markup cost is 9.80, we would either attempt to do
it ourselves or nd a cheaper alternative.
4 Future Work
Currently the implementation relies on the labs power supplies to create the supply voltages for the
ampliers and ICs. It also relies on the labs function generators to supply the 400kHz signal. A shippable
product would require a DC power supply which gives the 5V used by the logic circuits and the 20 V used
by the ampliers. The project would also require its own 400 kHz oscillators circuits.
Each modem requires dierent physical channels for their transmit and receives lines, as the group was
unable to solve the loading problem as discussed in the System Overview section. By properly increasing
the impedances of the modulators, they will not draw as much current away from the demodulators. Then,
the signal will be strong enough to recover data.
Some applications may have dierent quality of service requirements than others. Neither guaranteed
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bit rate nor timeliness were considered during the implementation. However, both should be considered if
or when this project is visited once more..
If another device is added to the network, the code to accommodate a new transmitter must be added
manually. A better product will sense a new modem on the network and adjust accordingly. During
initialization, the device can request serial numbers from any connectected members from some time period,
and then respond with a maximum N value (as described in the TDMA section) and a specic N value for
each serial number.
The large buer time of 28, 612 s greatly reduced the data rate achieved (24.6kbps), but given the time
constraints, it was quickest way to ensure there were no collisions. A better implementation would have a
smaller buer time and less rounds between time signals to ensure no drifting.
Another aspect to view for future work is the applications that would be valuable to use a power line
sensor network. For example, this network could work in conjunction with a wireless sensor network to help
detect unwanted presence as used in home and oce security systems.
5 Roles of Each Member
5.1 Brien
5.1.1 Hardware
I designed the original BPSK modulator circuit that Dan Townsend modied to suit our OOK imple-
mentation. I also designed the level shifter circuit that translated voltages between the RS232 logic and the
CMOS logic.
5.1.2 Software
I created the RS232 interface that would directly communicate with the modem. I designed and imple-
mented the Modem API that allowed the multiple programs to interface with the modem concurrently. I
also designed and implemented the networks TDMA scheme. Although audio was eventually dropped from
the project, I implemented and tested mu-law compression software.
5.2 Dan
I designed the demodulator portion of the modem. I worked closely with Prince in the lab to actually
create the hardware used. I came up with a compact layout for each component on the breadboard so all
three components could t on a single breadboard. I breadboarded the three individual modems. I worked
on many Multisim simulations for the project including a simulation of the now defunct FSK modem and
wall adapter.
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5.3 Prince
I was in charge of constructing the modulator that we used to supplement the demodulator that was
being built by Dan. When using both components together, it eventually will be known as the modem.
While working closely with Dan on guring out design layouts to place on the breadboard, this portion of
the modem was built to convert the data that was coming out from the RS-232 cable, which is connected
to a sender node, into a digital output that would be sent over to the demodulator for it to be converted
back into an RS-232 signal at the receiver node. I also built the wall adapters, and worked with Dan on an
attempt to measure and observe the noise characteristics within the walls of the EE building. The purpose of
that was to gain an understanding of how the randomness of the noise through the wires that run within the
walls of the building would aect our ability to get data sent over the powerlines as we originally intended
for this project. Unfortunately, this attempt was not successful and with time constraints we were never
able to understand why.
5.4 Wyatt
When this project originally started, my role was to get a sampled audio signal connected to the modem.
The original plan was to use a raspberry pi along with a Gobbler Pi Kit and ADC chip to produced a
digitized signal that was sampled at 10 khz. However, it was evident based upon the microphone purchased
that it had a sampling rate of 8 kHz which satisfy the Nyquist Criterion.. However, due to time constraints,
the audio was not successfully implemented and I spent the remainder of the time helping with the RS-232
connections from the laptops to the transmitters.
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A Equipment Cost
Part Name Quantity Cost per Unit Total Cost
Sabrent CB-RS232 1 13.10 13.10
IN3904 NPN Transistor 1 0.05 0.05
IN3906 PNP Transistor 1 0.05 0.05
IN4148 Diode 1 0.75 0.75
IN914 Diode 1 0.75 0.75
LF347N JFET Operational Amplier 2 2.00 4.00
CD4016 CMOS Quad Bilateral Switch 1 0.30 0.30
LM7404 Hex Inverter 1 0.85 0.85
LM 393 Dual Dierential Comparators 1 0.20 0.20
82 pF Capacitor 5 0.30 1.50
10uF Capacitor 1 0.25 0.25
1 Kohm Resistor 8 0.40 3.20
6.2 Kohm Resistor 2 0.40 0.80
6.8 Kohm Resistor 2 0.40 0.80
8.2 Kohm Resistor 2 0.40 0.80
12 Kohm Resistor 1 0.40 0.40
30 Kohm Resistor 1 0.40 0.40
39 Kohm Resistor 2 0.40 0.80
Total 29.00
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References
[1] TTL to RS232 Adaptor Explained. Hobby Microcontrollers and Electronics. (mu)C Hobby, n.d. Web. 01
May 2013. <http://www.uchobby.com/index.php/2007/06/11/ttl-to-rs232-adaptor-explained/>
[2] Beigl, Michael, Albert Krohn, Till Riedel, Tobias Zimmer, and Christian Decker. Parts: Low Cost
Sensor Networks at Scale. Karlsruher Institute of Technology,Web. <http://www.teco.edu/
~
cdecker/
pub/beigl-uparts.pdf>
[3] <http://www.custompcb.com/>
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