LIBRA VSAT – Seismic and Environmental Data

Acquisition by Satellite
When disaster happens and cellular networks fail, Libra continues to de-
liver mission critical service.

Libra is the first – and only – fully integrated satellite communications system in the
world specifically designed for seismic and environmental data acquisition.

Libra has a proven track record for reliable operation in some of the most hostile
environments the world has to offer. The Libra VSAT system takes private data
networking to a new level with exceptional data availability.

nanometrics.ca
SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR SEISMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ACQUISITION
The Libra system is a proven, reliable data communications solution, effective in any terrain or environment.
Satellite telemetry provides the highest possible data integrity and is not restricted by limitations such as line-
of-sight terrestrial requirements or the proximity of established communications infrastructure.

VERSATILE CYGNUS TRANSCEIVER FOR THE CONTINUOUS, RELIABLE TELEMETRY

REMOTE SITE
Libra is an IP communications system that collects
Each Libra remote site is equipped with a Cygnus 210 continuous data, which it transmits in near real‑time from
transceiver. Designed for acquisition of seismic and the remote station directly to the central hub on customer
environmental data, Cygnus can also acquire a wide range of premises via geostationary satellites. It is a simple system
IP and serial data types. consisting of remote and central site location, without the
complexity of repeater stations or multiple communication
The newest model, Cygnus 210 transceiver, is designed to
links and technologies.
work with Nanometrics’ Centaur digital recorder, and features
a 10/100Base-T Ethernet interface and a serial port for data As a private network, Libra is extremely robust, well suited
inputs, as well as an antenna connector for TDMA timing and for mission critical applications. Unlike Internet, cellular and
a 9-36 VDC power input. Cygnus can be deployed for general public VSAT networks, Libra does not share bandwidth
IP data communication or customers can benefit from the with other users, nor is it subject to surprise configuration
embedded Apollo data acquisition and communications changes made by third party network operators. These
software. This software combines UDP/IP multicast factors combine to significantly reduce the workload for your
communications with application level retransmission error technical support and IT staff and improve data availability.
correction to deliver >99.99% data availability.

BENEFITS

• Freedom of station placement regardless of terrain • Operations’ network security streamlined with
or infrastructure private IP data network resulting in outstanding data
availability
• Ultra-low total station power consumption
dramatically improves reliability and significantly • GPS timed TDMA scheme allows several remote
minimizes power system cost and station footprint stations to share a single low-bandwidth satellite
for easier environmental permitting where required carrier segment for lowest monthly cost per station

ECONOMICAL NETWORKS OF ANY SIZE

Libra is cost effective to operate in either small or large networks. Satellite space segment operating costs for a typical 10-12
station network acquiring continuous seismic data are minimal because several stations share a single low-bandwidth segment.

Data can be transmitted from any number of remote Libra sites simultaneously to more than one receiving Carina hub with
no additional satellite lease cost. Furthermore, one Libra network can share data with an adjacent network without incurring
additional space segment costs.
EASY IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPANSION

Libra network installation and expansions are quick and easy. VSAT eliminates the detailed planning and expense involved in
accommodating topography, terrestrial line-of-site requirements or access to ground-based communications infrastructure. No
repeater stations or connections to existing communications infrastructure means fewer permits or contracts to negotiate and
higher availability.

Most solar powered remote stations can be installed and commissioned within a day. Whether installing one station or 100, each
deployment follows the same standard procedure and uses a uniform set of equipment.

COMPLETE FREEDOM OF STATION PLACEMENT POWERFUL NETWORK MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Libra opens up a wide range of options for remote site Libra systems are simple to operate and maintain, with provided
placement, including hostile or isolated terrain unsuitable for training. Comprehensive state-of-health and diagnostic
cellular, telephone or radio communications. information are continuously acquired, monitored and presented
to the user via a series of web pages.
Libra remote stations can be installed anywhere there is a
clear view of the satellite. The cost of communications does REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
not vary with the location or with distance from the central
Libra is a well-established product with over 1200 remote sites
site.
and 60 hubs operating in more than 30 countries around the
With its minimal power requirements, Cygnus remote stations world.
can be solar powered and completely independent of any
established ground infrastructure.

Remote Libra stations have a small footprint, with an easily installed modem in a highly reliable weatherproof outdoor package supporting
antenna sizes as small as 0.6 m. Libra supports economic networks of any size with low cost central hub configurations and centrally
managed remote stations.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS *Specifications subject to change without notice

Cygnus VSAT Transeiver (model 210) ENVIRONMENTAL LIBRA TRANSMISSION PROTOCOL

Operating temperature: -20 to +60°C Satellite: Compatible with standard and extended
ANTENNA (REMOTE STATIONS)
Humidity: 0 to 100% Ku-band satellites as well as C-band satellites.
Antenna size: 1.2 m diameter antenna typical
Environment: Self-contained, all-weather outdoor Complies with INTELSAT GX standard
Note: 0.98 m, 1.8 m, and 2.4 m are also available
unit. IP67 rated Remotes per carrier: Configurable via the TDMA
Mount options: Penetrating kingpost mount or
table. Typically up to 16 stations per 100 kHz carrier.
non-penetrating mount with ballast trays. Specify
Hub redundancy: Supports multiple central hub
with order. CONFIGURATION
configuration with automatic backup transition
Web-based interface: Configured using a Web
capability
SATELLITE MODEM browser via HTTP connection either remotely via
Carrier access: Centrally configured, fixed
Operating frequency: Transmit: 950 to 1550 MHz satellite or locally via Ethernet
assignment TDMA
Receive: 950 to 1750 MHz Timing system: Internal DCXO clock disciplined to
Remote transmission: Transmission slots
Transmit frequency: 14.0 to 14.5 GHz (Ku-band) GPS
referenced to UTC and independently configurable
13.75 to 14.25 GHz (Ext. Ku-band) Time accuracy: < 5 µs
for each station within TDMA frame
5.925 to 6.425 GHz (C-band) GPS receiver: Internal 12 channel receiver
Remote transmission modulation: Independently
Receive frequency: 10.95 to 11.45 GHz (Ku-band) GPS antenna: External active antenna supplied with
configurable for each station
11.7 to 12.2 GHz (Ku-band) cable
Outbound traffic: Transmitted within allocated
12.25 to 12.75 GHz (Ku-band) Ethernet: 10/100 Base-T with auto MDIX
TDMA time slot
Other options available. Please contact Nanometrics.
TDMA frame duration: 1 to 10 seconds
Transmit power: -40 dBm to -4 dBm
POWER Error correction: LDPC FEC for reduced power
Operational band: All standard satellite bands
Supply voltage: 9 – 36 VDC and antenna size. Selective retransmission requests:
supported: Ku-band, extended Ku-band, and C-band
Modem power consumption: 3.1 W Missing data packets are requested until received or
Occupied bandwidth: 90 KHz typical, -26 dB at f0
System Power consumption: Based on 12 V are no longer available in the remote buffer.
±50 kHz
operation. Power consumption varies with data rate,
PHYSICAL
TRANSCEIVER duty cycle and BUC and CNB selection information.
Data rate (modulation): 112 kbps (QPSK rate 7/8 FEC) Please contact Nanometrics for more information. All measurements to outer unit boundaries (tallest
• 64 kbps (QPSK rate 1/2 FEC) Examples: connector faces)
• 56 kbps (BPSK rate 7/8 FEC) 3-channel, 100 sps, 100% ReTX Margin; Ku-Band: Width: 241 mm (9.5 in.)
• 32 kbps (BPSK rate 1/2 FEC) (CYGNUS 210+3 W BUC+LNB) 11.9 W typical Depth: 51 mm (2.0 in.)
Note: The appropriate inbound and outbound 3-channel, 100 sps, 100% ReTX Margin; Ku-Band Height: 318 mm (12.50 in.)
modulation will depend on the satellite link budget. (CYGNUS 210+1.5 W BUC+LNB) 10.7 W typical
Remote station retransmission buffer: 8 GB 3-channel, 100 sps, 100% ReTX Margin; C-Band
Eb/No threshold: FEC rate 1/2: 3 dB (BER ≤ 10-5) (CYGNUS 210+2 W BUC+LNB) 16.7 W typical
FEC rate 7/8: 5 dB (BER ≤ 10-5)

Carina Hub (model 110) ANTENNA WAVEGUIDE COMBINER

Antenna size: 2.4 or 3.8 m standard NOTE: Used in larger networks where more than four
SATELLITE MODEM
Note: 4.5 m and other sizes are also available. carriers are implemented
Transmit power: -40 to -4 dBm
Mount options: King post, pedestal, non- BUCs supported: Supports 2 to 4 BUCs sharing a
Transceiver: Complies with INTELSAT GX standard.
penetrating, tripod roof mount single antenna
Compatible with standard and extended Ku-band as
IFL cables: 35 m transmit and receive cable set Port options: 2 or 4 port
well as C-band satellites
Data rate (modulation): 112 kbps (QPSK rate 7/8 FEC) ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICAL
64 kbps (QPSK rate 1/2 FEC) Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C Note: all measurements to outer unit boundaries
56 kbps (BPSK rate 7/8 FEC) Electromagnetic compatibility: Complies with (tallest connector face); 1 U rackmount chassis
32 kbps (BPSK rate 1/2 FEC) Class A FCC Part 15, EN55022, and EN55024 Width: 486 mm (19.2 in.)
Note: The appropriate inbound and outbound Depth: 292 mm (11.5 in.)
SPLITTER/COMBINER
modulation will depend on the satellite link budget. Height: 45 mm (1.75 in.)
Modems supported: Supports 2 to 4 Carina 110
Local data output: 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port
modems operating with a single BUC
Equipment mounting: 1U 19-inch rack mount
Mounting: 2U 19-inch rack mount chassis
chassis
Eb/No threshold: FEC rate 1/2: 3 dB (BER ≤ 10-5)
FEC rate 7/8: 5 dB (BER ≤ 10-5)

Network Management and Control Firmware load may be deployed to multiple units Protocols: UDP/IP unicast and multicast with
concurrently via Antares network management application level retransmission error correction.
CONFIGURATION AND REAL-TIME MONITORING software.
(CYGNUS 210, CARINA 110) SUPPORTING PRODUCT INFORMATION
DATA ACQUISITION (CYGNUS 210, CARINA 110)
Software: Web interface for modem configuration, Data Acquisition: ApolloServer central data
Software: Modem includes Apollo data acquisition
monitoring and SOH data display. Data accessible to software with multicast communications and acquisition software.
local web browser or via VSAT connection to central site. application level error correction. Requires central Network Management: Antares central site network
Firmware: Upgradeable locally or over satellite. site ApolloServer software. management software

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